# 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:** 34
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2026, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/662 "2026-07-28T21:38:32Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > (He can use reduced lighting if his appearance is not up to his standard.) - Why start now? ---
**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 28, 2026, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/663 "2026-07-28T21:39:59Z")
> [@slash2k](#): > > Beshear issues an ultimatum: Seems like a gutsy move, and I approve. > [@CairoCarol](#): > > > [@PhillyGuy](#): > > > > **Almost by definition** , most people in the world cannot be getting the very best. > > I’ll nitpick this word choice.The “very best” medical care means _the best treatment known_, not “what the rich and powerful have access to.” Well, this is wandering rather off topic (my fault, I first brought it up) but those two things are often synonymous, and that’s what I meant. Put another way, someone like Mitch with a multi-million net worth, top-tier insurance with powerful political clout to deal with any issues, and ample funds to pay for his own care if and when necessary, is bound to get better care than the average Joe when dealing with a complex medical situation. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2026, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/664 "2026-07-28T21:46:18Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Why start now? It can be quite surprising, what some people believe they look like. All these years Mitch may have been assuming he was a ringer for Robert Redford. But seriously: I was just trying to head off excuses for Mitch refraining from showing off the conversational skills Scott Jennings, John Thune, and John Barrasso have claimed he’s displayed in recent weeks. If he’s not thrilled with the way he looks he can STILL record a message. Just don’t use the ol’ ringlight. Lurk in the shadows, instead. ---
**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 28, 2026, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/665 "2026-07-28T21:55:28Z")
> [@slash2k](#): > > Beshear issues an ultimatum A rather toothless one, since Beshear isn’t McConnell’s boss and can’t actually compel him to do anything. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2026, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/666 "2026-07-28T21:58:16Z")
> [@](#): > > Failing that, the Democratic governor said he’ll call on Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., to “investigate” McConnell’s condition and “begin the process if warranted” of replacing him in the Senate. Beshear wrote a separate letter to Thune outlining the same demand. I suppose Beshear will get a few 2028 primary vote because he was a fighter. Won’t matter that he lost the fight, or that quickly replacing McConnell might have been in the GOP’s interest. The important thing, apparently, is to fight. I myself investigated. What I found is that U.S. Senators are allowed unlimited sick days. End of investigation. ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2026, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/667 "2026-07-28T22:11:16Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > A rather toothless one, since Beshear isn’t McConnell’s boss and can’t actually compel him to do anything. Taking a lesson from Donald Trump: At the very least, you can make others respond – and often enough, more than mere response – even if you don’t have the statutory power to compel anything. Move fast and break things (right, Elon?). Make demands, put McConnell’s team on their back foot, and make them defend their actions in the immediate term. Ignoring Beshear is an option, but god-awful PR – basically admitting that McConnell is as bad off as the collective Twitterverse thinks he is. _“Dammit! We shoulda hired a sound-a-like!”_ ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2026, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/668 "2026-07-28T22:16:22Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > I myself investigated. What I found is that U.S. Senators are allowed unlimited sick days. End of investigation. We’re in the post-truth world now. In the end, a judge will quash everything if Beshear pursues all this _too_ far. But for a few months, the Kentucky governor can rack up some points – both for himself and for the national Democratic party. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2026, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/669 "2026-07-28T23:59:13Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > Seems like a gutsy move, and I approve. Pointless Political Theatre. McConnell doesnt answer to Beshear. > [@Smapti](#): > > A rather toothless one, since Beshear isn’t McConnell’s boss and can’t actually compel him to do anything. Right. > [@Dr.Drake](#): > > but it’s unethical to collect money for a job that you’re not doing. So, when people get vacation or sick pay, they are “unethical”? > [@bordelond](#): > > Taking a lesson from Donald Trump: Do we want Democratic leaders copying MAGA tactics? ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/670 "2026-07-29T00:11:29Z")
> [@bordelond](#): > > > [@Smapti](#): > > > > A rather toothless one, since Beshear isn’t McConnell’s boss and can’t actually compel him to do anything. > > Taking a lesson from Donald Trump: At the very least, you can make others respond – and often enough, more than mere response – even if you don’t have the statutory power to compel anything. Yes, just the fact that such a statement keeps the issue in the public consciousness makes it worthy, even if he can’t really do anything about it legally. Honestly, what the Republicans should have done is just say that he’s recovering, and any further details would be a violation of his medical privacy rights. No need to make up stories or provide “proof of life” photos or anything. Just don’t say anything, because there is no legal obligation to. Then again, if they made good decisions, they probably wouldn’t be Republicans. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/671 "2026-07-29T00:25:51Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > Honestly, what the Republicans should have done is just say that he’s recovering, and any further details would be a violation of his medical privacy rights. No need to make up stories or provide “proof of life” photos or anything. Just don’t say anything, because there is no legal obligation to. People wouldnt buy it, Hell they didnt buy the pictures or even the statement by the _Office of the Attending Physician_, Weird conspiracy theories are still here. ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/672 "2026-07-29T00:35:07Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Do we want Democratic leaders copying MAGA tactics? Though I invoked Trump in my response, there is ample Democratic precedent along the lines of LBJ’s making “_the son of a bitch deny it._” EDIT: To answer your question directly—if it works, do it. When Republicans desire a return to norms, they can lay aside the lead pipes and put their gloves back on. We’re not there yet. ---
**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 29, 2026, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/673 "2026-07-29T00:40:19Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > People wouldnt buy it, Hell they didnt buy the pictures or even the statement by the _Office of the Attending Physician_, Weird conspiracy theories are still here. People don’t buy the weird inconsistencies in the messages they put out. If Mitch is capable of multiple “20 minute conversations” with people, then a picture of an immobile and spacey-looking person raises flags. Tell me, do you think he is capable of a real 20-minute conversation? Is it a conspiracy theory to think maybe he isn’t? ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/674 "2026-07-29T00:50:18Z")
> [@TroutMan](#): > > Tell me, do you think he is capable of a real 20-minute conversation? I am not a (real) Doctor. I trust what Admiral Brian P. Monahan, MDs office said. > **[Brian P. Monahan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_P._Monahan)** > > Brian Patrick Monahan (born 1960) is the Attending Physician of the United States Congress and the United States Supreme Court and holds the rank of rear admiral in the United States Navy. Monahan was nominated to the position and rank by United States President Barack Obama in January 2009. He previously served as the director of hematology and medical oncology at the National Naval Medical Center. He is a Master of The American College of Physicians and a Member of the Academy of Medicine Monah... > The statement from the Office of the Attending Physician said physicians are meeting with McConnell daily to discuss “all aspects of his rehabilitation care.” > > “Since his discharge from hospital care, he has maintained a strenuous course of physical therapy and rehabilitation, including multiple sessions a day designed to rebuild strength and reduce the risk of future falls,” the release said. "His bout with childhood polio continues to be a significant factor in his mobility. He is not yet medically cleared to leave the rehab facility and return to the office.” ---
**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 29, 2026, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/675 "2026-07-29T00:50:56Z")
They didn’t buy it because of the pictures and the claim of a statement by the Office of the Attending Physician. Because the pictures show absolutely nothing, and we don’t actually have a statement from the Office of the Attending Physician. All that they show by revealing things like that is that they have something to hide. Which naturally leads to people wondering what they’re hiding. ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/676 "2026-07-29T01:08:58Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > I trust what Admiral Brian P. Monahan, MDs office said. But what did they actually say? What unmistakeable details were clearly and unambiguously shared with the public? Some may envision that McConnell is shuffling down to the facility’s gym for chair yoga and light resistance work. From the same exact quote, others are envisioning McConnell going through therapy to relearn how to grip objects, sit up, swallow, etc. Up close to a recovering stroke patient, there’s no doubt that such “getting the basics back” therapy is most strenuous for the patient. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/677 "2026-07-29T01:21:34Z")
> [@bordelond](#): > > But what did they actually say? I quoted it. That is as far as I know. ---
**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 29, 2026, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/678 "2026-07-29T01:28:22Z")
Where did you find a statement from him? All I’ve seen is statements from McConnell’s office that say they’re quoting him. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/679 "2026-07-29T01:38:13Z")
> **[Mitch McConnell provides health update, new photo as rehab continues](https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/mitch-mcconnell/2026/07/27/mitch-mcconnell-still-recovering-will-miss-fancy-farm-2026/91063621007/)** > > Sen. Mitch McConnell will miss the Fancy Farm political picnic, as he is "not yet medically cleared to leave the rehab facility" after a recent fall. There are many other sources for the story. So, I think the Office of the Attending Physician would say something if that statement is false and not from their office. Or perhaps a great man, appointed by President Obama is part of the conspiracy. Believe what you want. Do you think McConnell is dead or similar? ---
**Author:** ![DWMarch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwmarch/32/1010_2.png) [@DWMarch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DWMarch)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/680 "2026-07-29T01:54:47Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > “Since his discharge from hospital care, he has maintained a strenuous course of physical therapy and rehabilitation, including multiple sessions a day designed to rebuild strength and reduce the risk of future falls,” the release said. "His bout with childhood polio continues to be a significant factor in his mobility. He is not yet medically cleared to leave the rehab facility and return to the office.” I don’t necessarily think this is false but it is vague enough to be essentially meaningless. “Multiple sessions a day designed to rebuild strength” could mean he has a rubber ball that he squeezes. “Reduce the risk of future falls” could mean he just sits on his ass all day. “His bout with childhood polio” is something that sounds like it should be related but isn’t necessarily. Ah, but wait… they did say something important here, the last bit: “He is not yet medically cleared to leave the rehab facility and return to the office.” Okay, so he’s been sitting there working but can’t go back to the Senate why then? Is there a lack of wheelchair access? I thought he was being pushed around in a wheelchair before any of this happened. In any case, a doctor with access to him says he cannot go to the office to work. But apparently he’s been working! So what is going on? What specific health concern is keeping him in the rehab facility but not keeping him from having long phone calls with select audiences? Someone involved in this is not telling the truth. Maybe it’s the Republicans because come on, it’s probably the Republicans. Maybe the Doctor is lying by omission. Maybe both. Or maybe McConnell is just fine and simply doesn’t care that Democrats want proof of life. But no matter what, the public is being lied to about what is going on with this guy. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2026, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937/681 "2026-07-29T01:55:16Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > So, when people get vacation or sick pay, they are “unethical”? What? Of course not. Doing a job involves vacations and sick leave. But surely you understand the difference between “taking sick leave” and “taking indefinite leave.” Another poster mentioned that senators have unlimited sick leave, so I guess in this case he’s just working the system, well within ethical bounds. We should extend the same to other industries. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937.md?page=33) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mitch-mcconnell-falls-twice-in-capitol/1013937.md?page=35)