Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear issues fresh demand for Mitch McConnell to update the public on his health, says the senator ‘absolutely refuses’
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear renewed his demand for Sen. Mitch McConnell to publicly address questions about his health on Sunday, August 16, saying the longtime Republican politician “absolutely refuses” to explain his condition. Appearing on CBS News’ Face the Nation, the Democratic governor said he has repeatedly sought information about McConnell but has heard nothing back.
Andy Beshear repeatedly presses Mitch McConnell for answers
Beshear said his request for an update on McConnell’s health is not motivated by personal hostility toward the senator, whom he said he has known throughout his life. “I’ve heard absolutely nothing back from Mitch McConnell,” he said. “I do hope that he is getting better — I’ve known him my entire life. I wish him no harm. I actually wish him good health. His boss are the people of Kentucky.”
Beshear argued that McConnell owes Kentuckians a direct explanation about his ability to perform his duties. “All he needs to do is call into this show for two minutes, or Fox News for two minutes, or do a video for two minutes to the people he’s supposed to serve,” Beshear said. “But you know what? He absolutely refuses to do it.”
Beshear said the issue extends beyond McConnell’s personal health and concerns the Senate’s ability to ensure that every member can perform their responsibilities. Beshear particularly targeted Senate Majority Leader John Thune, saying that it is his duty to ensure all senators have the capacity to serve. “John Thune, as the leader of the Senate, you’ve got a duty to make sure all of your senators have the capacity to serve,” Beshear said. “And what is he saying? ‘Not my job.’”
Questions persist across party lines
The calls for greater transparency have not come exclusively from Democrats. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, an Alabama Republican, said in July that lawmakers needed more information about McConnell’s prolonged absence as important Senate votes approached. “Somebody needs to do something. Somebody needs to come out,” Tuberville told Fox News.
However, other Republicans, including Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy, have defended McConnell’s privacy and urged critics to “leave Mitch alone.”
Notably, Thune’s spokesperson said he had a “lengthy and substantive conversation that covered a variety of topics, including national security” with McConnell on July 6. The following day, Sen. John Barrasso said he had spoken with McConnell for about 20 minutes and that he was “fully engaged and is eager to get back to the Senate.”
Scott Jennings claims to have spoken with Mitch McConnell
McConnell ally and CNN contributor Scott Jennings similarly argued that greater openness could have reduced speculation regarding McConnell’s health, saying that “a little transparency on the front here would have saved him a whole lot of grief.”
Jennings has claimed he’s spoken with McConnell by phone and described him as “engaged and alert.” He said McConnell intends to return when the Senate reconvenes and acknowledged that the senator understands why his absence has generated concern. “He told me today, he said, ‘I know this is unusual circumstances. I’m sitting here, the doctors tell me I don’t have any life-threatening issues. It must seem rather strange,’” Jennings said. “So, yeah, I got the feeling he’s somewhat aware of it and, frankly, somewhat frustrated by it.”
Mitch McConnell provides limited health update
McConnell’s health has remained under scrutiny following a fall at his Washington, D.C., home that resulted in an extended hospitalization. On August 6, McConnell’s office said he had been discharged from a rehabilitation center.
“Earlier today, I was discharged from the rehabilitation center to continue my recovery at home. [My wife Elaine Chao] and I are grateful for the many well wishes and support from friends, colleagues and Kentuckians, and for the attentive care I’ve received from excellent doctors, nurses, therapists and hospital staff,” McConnell said in a statement.
“On the advice of my doctors, I’ll maintain an intensive regimen of physical therapy from home during the state work period, and I’ll continue to engage with my staff and colleagues on important Senate business,” he added.