Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) believes people should be more concerned about President Joe Biden than Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in terms of the capabilities of being an older politician in a United States leadership position.
Blackburn's comment comes a few days after McConnell, 81, briefly froze mid-speech while discussing his plans for reelection. It was the second time this year that the Senate minority leader froze.
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Biden, 80, has also had his share of onstage moments that have led people to question his health. Blackburn stated that Biden should be on the "top of the list" concerning aging U.S. politicians.
"One of the things that Americans should want is for our enemies to fear us and for our friends to know that they are our friend and we’re going to stick with them," Blackburn told Sunday Morning Futures. "And when you see Joe Biden struggle with words, with days, with times, with places, then it drives home the point of how important it is to have someone who is capable in leadership, and quite honestly, I don’t think anyone wants to have a President Kamala Harris."
McConnell's recent health episode occurred on Wednesday when he appeared to lose concentration during a speech, staring blankly into space until aides came by his side to assist him. The Kentucky senator resumed his Q&A shortly after and was later cleared to continue his work schedule "as planned," according to Congress's attending physician.
When Blackburn was pressed on the issue of McConnell's ability to serve in his position in the Senate, Blackburn stated that she had spoken to people who were with McConnell "right after" his brief health scare, and he "seemed to be on top of his game."
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Biden and McConnell are not the only older politicians people have expressed concern for, as Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), 90, was hospitalized after falling at her San Francisco home last month. Feinstein said earlier this year that she wouldn't seek reelection in 2024 but would serve out the remainder of her term.
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has reiterated her call to require older politicians to take a mental competency test in the wake of McConnell's second freeze, condemning politicians who "refuse to give up power." She also described the Senate as the "most privileged nursing home in the country."