# Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to step down as Leader \[2/28/2024\] **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [February 28, 2024, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242 "2024-02-28T17:32:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Johanna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johanna/32/8318_2.png) [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2024, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/121 "2024-03-05T18:27:38Z")
> [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](#): > > He seemed surprised when I told him no This is such a beautiful username-post combo. ---
**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:** [March 5, 2024, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/122 "2024-03-05T18:52:17Z")
> [@DavidNRockies](#): > > Ol’ Mitch appears to be considering taking one last steaming dump on the well of the Senate floor before relinquishing the leadership role: I’m guessing “In Talks” translates to “checking the envelope to see how much cash is stuffed in it.” ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2024, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/123 "2024-03-05T19:25:23Z")
> [@Measure\_for\_Measure](#): > > Yes, after the Bork nomination was withdrawn, Kennedy sailed through with a 97-0 vote. Reagan also appointed Scalia. > > The key thing that sunk Bork’s nomination was the opposition of Howard Heflin of Alabama… Nitpick: Howell Heflin: [Howell Heflin - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howell_Heflin) ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2024, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/124 "2024-03-05T19:37:24Z")
Yeah. He “loves the institution” because it’s the institution that allowed him to have his way. > [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > I’m guessing “In Talks” translates to “checking the envelope to see how much cash is stuffed in it.” And in talks with Elaine to see if that’s as much as it takes for her to continue to grin and bear it. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/125 "2024-03-06T15:47:34Z")
Parting shot. 🔫 > **[McConnell endorses Trump after years of acrimony between the two men](https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2024/03/06/mcconnell-trump-endorse-2024/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNzA5NzAxMjAwLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNzExMDc5OTk5LCJpYXQiOjE3MDk3MDEyMDAsImp0aSI6IjJiMWRhMDU0LWYwNmEtNDU1YS05ODg2LTlmMTU1MjA2OTgzMSIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS9lbGVjdGlvbnMvMjAyNC8wMy8wNi9tY2Nvbm5lbGwtdHJ1bXAtZW5kb3JzZS0yMDI0LyJ9.aMyVooh7YVv3LvDoDw7EaUmtVdZJuS4ThZVDAqtB6kg&itid=gfta)** > > Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is the highest-ranking Republican to back Trump, and the move could help the former president with major donors. > “It is abundantly clear that former President Trump has earned the requisite support of Republican voters to be our nominee for President of the United States,” McConnell said in a statement to The Washington Post. “It should come as no surprise that as nominee, he will have my support. During his presidency, we worked together to accomplish great things for the American people including tax reform that supercharged our economy and a **generational change of our federal judiciary — most importantly, the Supreme Court.** I look forward to the opportunity of switching from playing defense against the terrible policies the Biden administration has pursued to a sustained offense geared towards making a real difference in improving the lives of the American people.” My bold. THAT part is certainly true. As for the rest: 🤮 ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/126 "2024-03-06T16:07:46Z")
We see Mitch standing up for his principles, or whatever principles he has for a given day. Start an insurrection, talk smack about your wife- no problem! Just keep those radical right wing judges coming. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/127 "2024-03-06T16:15:43Z")
Republicans had the chance in Jan. of 2021 to jettison trump and the maga crew. They didn’t. They are maga now, not republicans. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/128 "2024-03-06T16:20:31Z")
> [@DavidNRockies](#): > > Ol’ Mitch appears to be considering taking one last steaming dump on the well of the Senate floor… I ain’t cleaning that up. ---
**Author:** ![Jumpbass](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jumpbass/32/147_2.png) [@Jumpbass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jumpbass)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/129 "2024-03-06T16:26:59Z")
Mitch: “It should come as no surprise that as nominee, he will have my support. I’m certainly not surprised. Is anyone? ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/130 "2024-03-06T17:12:24Z")
Alas, no. His last best service to his country might have been to refuse to endorse Trump, or to simply remain silent. But that’s not the Mitch we know and loathe. ---
**Author:** ![Johanna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johanna/32/8318_2.png) [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/131 "2024-03-06T18:27:48Z")
How much do you think they paid him? As an unforced error, the stuffed fat envelope that Euphonious Polemic suggested is the best explanation for it. ---
**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:** [March 6, 2024, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/132 "2024-03-06T20:23:44Z")
It’s also quite possible that Vlad (or others) have compromising information on ol’ Mitch. His endorsement could have come from either the carrot or the stick, or possibly both. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/133 "2024-03-06T20:53:16Z")
Corruption isn’t necessary to explain his actions. He sincerely believes that conservative judges are best for the country, and he doesn’t really care too much about what it takes to get there. He’ll trample over every norm of civic discourse, over every institution of democracy, over every shred of respect for our institutions, if it gets him the conservative judicial branch he wants. Motherfucker is terrible, but he’s really, really good at playing the political game, and he’s done more to harm our country for a generation than damn near anyone else. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2024, 9:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/134 "2024-03-07T09:59:11Z")
So this is a fun conspiracy theory: Mitch’s sister-in-law dies after her Tesla ends up in a pond on a private ranch. And then Mitch decides to step down and endorse Trump. I’m sure Elon Musk’s recent support for Trump is purely coincidental… > **[Death of shipping CEO Angela Chao under 'criminal investigation,' Texas...](https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/29/angela-chao-death-being-investigated-as-criminal-matter.html)** > > Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell mentioned the death of his sister-in-law when announcing he would step down as Republican leader. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2024, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/135 "2024-03-07T15:58:47Z")
“We’ll harm your extended family if you don’t do [whatever]” has a long history in organized crime and klepto-crony authoritarian politics for a reason. It works. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2024, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/136 "2024-03-07T16:18:46Z")
> [@Measure\_for\_Measure](#): > > Mitch was also the architect of obstructionism, blowing up democratic mores and congressional practices left and right. I would argue that he perfected the art invented by Newt Gingrich. ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2024, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/137 "2024-03-07T16:21:10Z")
Gingrich, Murdoch, McConnell and Trump The four horsemen of the apocalypse. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2024, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/138 "2024-03-07T17:12:21Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > What a Constitution loving stalwart he is! You’d think parchment would be kind of scratchy when he wipes his ass with it. > [@Buck\_Godot](#): > > The four horsemen of the apocalypse. Gotta work Reagan in there somehow. Remora Reagan? ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2024, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/139 "2024-03-07T17:24:22Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > So this is a fun conspiracy theory: Mitch’s sister-in-law dies after her Tesla ends up in a pond on a private ranch. And then Mitch decides to step down and endorse Trump. Yet another in the Clinton body count… ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2024, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242/140 "2024-03-07T17:44:08Z")
I laughed. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sen-mitch-mcconnell-r-ky-to-step-down-as-leader-2-28-2024/998242.md?page=8)