The Senate Republican Minority leader’s public health state seems to be make President Biden seem like a kid…
McConnell, R-Ky., 81, hasn’t joined Donald Trump, 77, and other Republicans who have attacked Biden’s age, health and mental acuity as he seeks re-election.
And after McConnell’s second freeze-up last week, Biden was one of the first to call McConnell, telling reporters that his “friend” sounded like “his old self” and that such episodes are a “part of his recovery” from a fall and a concussion this year.
McConnell’s recent freezing spells and other health concerns have created a campaign conundrum for Republicans who have ripped Biden as too old and frail to continue as commander-in-chief for a second term but continue to stand by McConnell as one of the top leaders of the GOP.
“Because he’s having health problems, it makes it more difficult to attack Biden,” a Republican senator said…
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Others on Capitol Hill have faced tough questions about their age and health. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who at 90 is the oldest member of the Senate, faced calls from two fellow Democrats to resign after she was hospitalized for nearly three months recovering from shingles. Rather than quit, she said she wouldn’t seek re-election in 2024.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, who won his eighth term last fall, is 89, though he still appears sharp and takes questions from reporters.
Last fall, as younger lawmakers clamored for change, the three top Democratic leaders in the House — Nancy Pelosi of California, 83, Steny Hoyer of Maryland, 84, and James Clyburn of South Carolina, 83 — passed the torch to a new generation of leaders after roughly two decades in power….