Columnist Critiques Senator Mitch McConnell’s Career and Health Concerns
A columnist from Kentucky’s largest newspaper has written a ‘pre-obituary’ for Senator Mitch McConnell. The columnist accuses McConnell of dismantling civil rights protections he previously supported and backing President Donald Trump despite privately criticizing him.
Joseph Gerth, writing for the Louisville Courier Journal, expressed his views on McConnell’s career while the 84-year-old senator is still alive. Gerth explained his decision by noting that it avoids criticism typically faced when speaking ill of someone who has just died.
“With McConnell allegedly on the mend, I figured I’d go ahead and tell you what I think about McConnell now, when no one can complain, ‘How dare you write that about a dead guy?'” Gerth wrote.
Gerth compared McConnell to former President Richard Nixon, labeling them both as detestable but noting McConnell hasn’t faced consequences for his actions. He highlighted McConnell’s blocking of Merrick Garland’s Supreme Court nomination in 2016 and later pushing to confirm Amy Coney Barrett shortly before the 2020 election. This, Gerth claimed, harmed the court’s credibility, supported by polling indicating a decline in approval from 58% to 36%.
McConnell’s Absence and Health Concerns
McConnell’s recent absence from public engagements has spurred speculation about his health, alongside calls for changes in congressional health disclosure rules. He hasn’t been seen publicly for weeks and has missed Senate votes since June 11, per GovTrack.us. His office attributed his absence to a fall and pneumonia.
McConnell has had several falls and health issues in recent years. This has fueled debates over whether Congress should mandate health disclosures for its members.
McConnell’s Political Journey
McConnell began his Senate career in 1984, defeating a Democratic incumbent. He was Kentucky’s first Republican to win a statewide race since 1968 and has been reelected six times, becoming the longest-serving senator for the state.
His political career started with active involvement in civil rights, attending rallies and interning for Republican Senator John Sherman Cooper. McConnell reflected on witnessing President Lyndon Johnson sign the Voting Rights Act as a transformative moment.
As a powerful Republican leader in Washington, McConnell secured several legislative wins, including supporting Trump’s tax reform and confirming three Supreme Court justices. Despite a complex relationship with Trump, McConnell endorsed his 2024 campaign but announced he wouldn’t seek an eighth Senate term on his 83rd birthday.
Push for Health Disclosure Rules
McConnell’s absence and the death of Senator Lindsey Graham have intensified discussions on health disclosure rules for Congress members. Democratic Representative Ritchie Torres announced plans to introduce legislation requiring lawmakers to issue a ‘public notice’ explaining extended absences from voting.
The proposed Duty of Transparency Act would require notification about the duration of absences and officials’ ability to perform their duties during this time.
Senators Beyond Retirement Age
McConnell’s hospitalization and Graham’s death have highlighted the age of many in Congress. The Senate’s average age is now 65, with over one-third aged 70 or older. Lawmakers often serve into their 80s and 90s, raising questions about fitness for office only during health crises.
Newsweek’s analysis reveals an average senator age of 65.1, with 36 senators aged 70 or older. The chamber includes eight senators in their 40s, 22 in their 50s, and one senator, Chuck Grassley, in his 90s.
List of Senators Aged 70 or Older
- Chuck Grassley, 92
- Bernie Sanders, 84
- Mitch McConnell, 84
- James E. Risch, 83
- Angus S. King, Jr., 82
- Richard J. Durbin, 81
- Richard Blumenthal, 80
- Edward J. Markey, 80
- Jeanne Shaheen, 79
- Mazie K. Hirono, 78
- Ron Wyden, 77
- Elizabeth Warren, 77
- Jack Reed, 76