# Mitch McConnell falls twice in Capitol **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [February 6, 2025, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937 "2025-02-06T00:54:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 13
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2026, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/241 "2026-07-10T21:21:27Z")
[![](https://i.imgur.com/aJjX96X.png) ](https://i.imgur.com/aJjX96X.png) (Mark Hamill comments on an image of Mitch encased in carbonite, “I have a very glad feeling about this…” ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2026, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/242 "2026-07-10T22:26:06Z")
As noted above, it’s now been two full days since Gov. Beshear asked McConnell to update the state on his condition,]([Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear asks Sen. Mitch McConnell to give a public update on his condition](https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-health-beshear-kentucky-hospital-letter-condition-efbfc2179c8d43f6b43d9024b8d73506)) with no response. I note that next Tuesday will mark a month since McConnell was hospitalized. If Beshear wanted to mix things up, he could simply declare McConnell’s seat vacant by death, and call a special election. Someone, either his wife, his staff, or his physician, would have to submit evidence that Mitch is, in fact, still alive and the seat is not vacant. I say this having no idea of the political situation in Kentucky and whether either the Democrats or Republicans would benefit from the declaration of McConnell’s death, but it’s an interesting thought exercise. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2026, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/243 "2026-07-10T22:28:13Z")
> [@Kent\_Clark](#): > > If Beshear wanted to mix things up, he could simply declare McConnell’s seat vacant by death, and call a special election. Without a death certificate, I don’t think that Beshear could legally do that, other than as a publicity stunt. I doubt that it would “require” evidence provided by McConnell’s camp, because there’s been no official declaration of his passing. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2026, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/244 "2026-07-10T22:32:37Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > Without a death certificate, I don’t think that Beshear could legally do that, Let the courts decide whether it’s legal or illegal. ---
**Author:** ![steronz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steronz/32/11765_2.png) [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2026, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/245 "2026-07-10T22:40:47Z")
Nah, Democrats should all follow the rules here and wait until they announce his death on August 4th, then furrow their brows in concern. I’m tired of playing softball. Beshear should make the call, force them to put up or shut up. ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2026, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/246 "2026-07-10T22:49:06Z")
The governor cannot call an election until the seat is vacant, and the Senate is the one who officially logs the vacancy. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2026, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/247 "2026-07-10T23:36:42Z")
I don’t know about Kentucky, but in Ohio, EMTs are not allowed to consider someone dead absent certain extreme circumstances that almost certainly wouldn’t be present here. If they didn’t leave in a rush, that would have to mean that his condition (at the time) was good enough not to need it, not that it was too bad to be of use. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2026, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/248 "2026-07-10T23:45:29Z")
Does anyone have any clearer video of him being loaded into the ambulance? The two clips I saw were copies of each other which didn’t even show the full stretcher, maybe half of a leg at the end once he was inside the ambulance but nothing of the transfer itself. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2026, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/249 "2026-07-10T23:46:30Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > I don’t know about Kentucky, but in Ohio, EMTs are not allowed to consider someone dead absent certain extreme circumstances that almost certainly wouldn’t be present here. If they didn’t leave in a rush, that would have to mean that his condition (at the time) was good enough not to need it, not that it was too bad to be of use.   This is exactly my impression. EMTs don’t haul off a dead body to the hospital to languish there for a month. The most reasonable interpretation is that Mitch was in stable condition at the time and needed non-emergency hospitalization. What his condition is today is an entirely different question. The whole thing is a mystery compounded by lack of information from his office which the public is damn well entitled to. The lack of transparency is typical Republican gaming. No matter what is actually going on, I detect the strong smell of political shenanigans. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2026, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/250 "2026-07-10T23:49:12Z")
I have no idea why people are are assuming McConnell is dead. Mind you- not conscious, kept alive by machines- sure. But a not there Senator doesnt help the GOP. If dead they would say so, then hope- likely- to win the special election. ---
**Author:** ![steronz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steronz/32/11765_2.png) [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2026, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/251 "2026-07-11T00:47:07Z")
52/99 is better odds than 52/100. Why risk the seat going to a democrat in the special election, or to Massie? If they stall another few weeks then the special election may run concurrently with the general election, which is better for Republicans. ETA: I also think it’s more likely that he’s on life support as opposed to dead. There’d be too many witnesses and a doctor would have to sign a fake death certificate. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2026, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/252 "2026-07-11T01:14:40Z")
> [@steronz](#): > > I also think it’s more likely that he’s on life support as opposed to dead. There’d be too many witnesses and a doctor would have to sign a fake death certificate. Agreed. Patient confidentiality laws mean that the medical professionals and hospitals cannot disclose any details on McConnell’s condition without his (or his wife’s, or that of whoever else might have Power of Attorney privileges) permission. There’s no law stating that they must disclose anything…and note that any statements about his health since the EMT call have been from McConnell’s staff, other Senators, and others who are both (a) political allies of his, and (b) not covered by HIPAA’s prohibition against revealing personal health information without permission. But, if he’s passed, then the doctors and medical professionals would, AIUI, be legally bound to confirm his death, and file that information with the government. ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2026, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/253 "2026-07-11T02:24:20Z")
FWIW, lack of a siren doesn’t mean much, they’ll turn it off and on during true emergency runs based on whether there is traffic _in front of them_ that needs to be made aware. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2026, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/254 "2026-07-11T02:26:51Z")
20 years ago when Michael Schiavo wanted to take his brain dead wife off life support, McConnell was part of the move in Congress to try to force him to keep her plugged in indefinitely. It’d be ironic if the same thing is being done to him now. Meanwhile, someone at his house has been perusing carpet samples. > **[McConnell’s Home Undergoing Weirdly Timed Refurbishment](https://www.thedailybeast.com/mcconnells-home-undergoing-weirdly-timed-refurbishment/)** > > The curious sighting fueled a fresh round of speculation regarding the senator’s condition. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2026, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/255 "2026-07-11T03:05:47Z")
> [@outlierrn](#): > > FWIW, lack of a siren doesn’t mean much, they’ll turn it off and on during true emergency runs based on whether there is traffic _in front of them_ that needs to be made aware.. This is true in my area as well. A siren is only used when they need to warn/clear traffic in front. When leaving a relatively quite suburban area, a siren is not needed nor used, even if it’s a dire emergency and they are going to get to the hospital as soon as possible. Siren will be activated later, as needed, when they get to a heavy traffic area. It’s up to the discretion of the driver. And yes a paramedic does not “call” time of death. They keep the victim breathing/do CPR and get them to the hospital, where the doctors take over. Source: Daughter in law, paramedic. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2026, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/256 "2026-07-11T03:42:46Z")
The Senate reconvenes on Monday, and gosh, [Scott Jennings](https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/scott-jennings-claims-ailing-mitch-090939279.html) doesn’t think it’s impossible that McConnell will be there. > [@](#): > > Jennings said on Thursday’s episode of CNN’s _[The Lead with Jake Tapper](https://edition.cnn.com/videos/title-2042246)_ that he had spoken to senior members of McConnell’s staff and that it “truthfully” appeared as though the 84-year-old politician was “preparing at some point to go back to work”.​ > > “Now, whether that means go back to work soon or go back to work eventually, I don’t know,” Jennings said on July 9. "But I do know he was meeting with his staff today and getting some briefings on a few issues."​ Yes, he may need a bit more support from fellow Republicans than usual, but don’t be surprised to see Mitch back in action soon. [![](https://media.coloradotimesrecorder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/weekend-at-mitchs-clay-jones-scaled.jpg) ](https://media.coloradotimesrecorder.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/weekend-at-mitchs-clay-jones-scaled.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2026, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/257 "2026-07-11T03:46:20Z")
> [@steronz](#): > > ETA: I also think it’s more likely that he’s on life support as opposed to dead. There’d be too many witnesses and a doctor would have to sign a fake death certificate. That’s true. Sure a doctor can hold on to the release of death notification for a little bit, give them time to notify next of kin. But beyond that- he would lose his license. And there are other doctors, nurses, orderlies, many of who can be bribed by a C-Note from a Reporter. > [@kenobi\_65](#): > > But, if he’s passed, then the doctors and medical professionals would, AIUI, be legally bound to confirm his death, and file that information with the government. Right. ---
**Author:** ![Toxgoddess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f08c70/32.png) [@Toxgoddess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toxgoddess)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2026, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/258 "2026-07-11T12:43:04Z")
Beshears may not be able to declare McConnell’s seat vacant but he should be able to send state police to do a welfare check. Pretty much anybody could do that if, say, you hadn’t seen your elderly neighbor who has no family outside in several days when you used to see them all the time. The local PD will stop by to check on them if you call and express your concern. The governor should send state troopers to the hospital to check on him. Hospitals might be leerier about turning away uniformed officers with orders from the governor than they would a journalist. ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2026, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/259 "2026-07-11T13:33:04Z")
First, McConnell is (likely) at a hospital in the D.C. area, he’s not in Kentucky. Second, the police are under no obligation to inform other parties of a person’s status. The purpose of a welfare check is to make sure a person is ok, not to provide information to other people. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2026, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/260 "2026-07-11T13:52:48Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > And there are other doctors, nurses, orderlies, many of who can be bribed by a C-Note from a Reporter. To think that I would betray a patient’s confidence and violate the sanctity of HIPAA for a C-note! It’d have to be ten grand, minimum. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937.md?page=12) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937.md?page=14)