Welcome to America, where you’re never quite sure if your senator is dead or not | Arwa Mahdawi
Senator Mitch McConnell, 84, was hospitalized in mid‑June and his office has released two photos to demonstrate he is alive and recovering. The releases have not quelled public speculation about his health, as he continues to miss votes and undergo intensive physical therapy. Critics argue that greater transparency is needed given his continued salary and responsibilities.
- ▪McConnell was hospitalized on 14 June after a medical event and his team announced he was recovering.
- ▪Two proof‑of‑life photos were released, one on 12 June and another on 26 July, showing him in different shirts.
- ▪He has missed 38 Senate votes and remains in intensive physical therapy, preventing travel to a scheduled event.
- ▪Calls for transparency have intensified, with some officials and the public demanding more information about his capacity to serve.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — US |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jul/29/mitch-mcconnell-hospitalized |
| Publication time | Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:00:29 GMT |
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‘US lawmakers seem determined to cling to power until they die at their desks.’ Photograph: Shawn Thew/EPAView image in fullscreen‘US lawmakers seem determined to cling to power until they die at their desks.’ Photograph: Shawn Thew/EPAOpinionUS politicsWelcome to America, where you’re never quite sure if your senator is dead or notArwa MahdawiIs it normal for a sitting senator to have to routinely submit proofs of life to a public who suspect he might be braindead? Just asking for 340 million friends Wed 29 Jul 2026 06.00 EDTLast modified on Wed 29 Jul 2026 06.01 EDTShareIs it normal for a sitting senator to have to routinely submit proofs of life to a public who suspect he might be braindead? Just asking for 340 million friends in the US.
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