When Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) arrived at the 143rd Annual St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic, he was greeted with a standing ovation. McConnell has had a couple of health scares recently. But then, McConnell's speech was interrupted repeatedly by boos to the point that you couldn't hear the Kentucky Republican.
Via The Daily Beast:
McConnell appeared to bear the brunt of the crowd's ire, with chants including "shame on you," "ditch Mitch," "retire," and "lost the Senate" ringing around the packed arena as he spoke. McConnell, seemingly unperturbed, powered on without acknowledging the hostile reception. The Associated Press cites Democrats for leading the crowd revolt.
"My friends, I'll be honest, it's not hard for Republicans to look good these days," McConnell could be heard amid roaring boos.
"Well, this is my 28th Fancy Farm, and I want to assure you, it's not my last," McConnell added. The comment seemed to confirm speculation he was not retiring anytime soon after recent concerns surrounding his health—most notably after the Senate Minority Leader seemingly froze mid-sentence while talking to reporters last week. It was the only hint he made at his recent health battles.
Former President Donald Trump weighed in on Truth Social, writing, 'I AGREE! “BOOOOO—RETIRE, RETIRE, RETIRE—BOOOOO!!!”'
I hate to ruin the moment, but if McConnell does retire, a Democrat cannot replace him. In 2021, Kentucky's Republican-led legislature passed a law to ensure that McConnell's possible successor would have to be a Republican.
