“Know when it’s time”
Republican McConnell gives up top office
February 28, 2024, 7:52 p.m
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Mitch McConnell was elected as the Republican leader in the US Senate nine times. There won’t be a seventh time – the 82-year-old announces his retirement from the front row. Recently he was visibly in poor health.
Republican Mitch McConnell plans to resign from his top position in the US Senate in November. “One of the most underrated talents in life is knowing when it is time to move on to the next chapter of life,” the 82-year-old said in the Senate. It is time for a new generation of leadership. The surprising announcement was recognized by MPs from both parties with a standing ovation in the chamber.
McConnell has been a senator in the House chamber for around two decades and is currently the Republican minority leader. He is the longest-serving party leader in U.S. Senate history. The Republican said he would continue to serve in the Senate even after stepping down from the leadership post.
The Republican recently made headlines with health problems. Last year, McConnell fell during a private dinner at a hotel in Washington. He suffered a concussion and was treated in a hospital. As a result, he had misfires at press conferences. This fueled concerns about his health.
One of the most important pullers in US politics
According to the Chamber of Congress, he has been elected to lead the Republicans nine times since 2006 – as majority or minority leader, depending on the outcome of the respective general elections and the parties’ seats in the Senate. The arch-conservative politician was one of the most important masterminds in US politics.
Former US President Donald Trump does not support McConnell and regularly insults him publicly. But the 82-year-old always ultimately bowed to pressure from the powerful Trump wing of the party. Trump could be re-elected to the White House in the fall.
What will be particularly remembered is that after the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, McConnell denied then-President Barack Obama’s nominee a hearing. At that time, Obama unsuccessfully nominated a moderate candidate, Merrick Garland, to succeed Scalia. Obama’s successor Donald Trump then nominated the conservative Neil Gorsuch in his first days in office, who was confirmed by the Senate. Garland is now US Attorney General.