US politics
Republican McConnell wants to resign from top office
Republican Mitch McConnell plans to resign from his top position in the US Senate in November. photo
© Jose Luis Magana/AP/dpa
Mitch McConnell is already part of the inventory in the US Senate. Now the 82-year-old wants to make room for a new generation. Recently there have been concerns about his health.
McConnell 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.
Democratic US President Joe Biden expressed his regret over McConnell’s announced withdrawal. Biden said in Washington that he and the Republican had a good and trusting relationship. Despite all the political differences and disputes, McConnell “never, never, never misrepresented anything,” the Democrat emphasized. “I regret that he is resigning.”
Health problems
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.
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 has long been considered one of the most important masterminds in US politics.
Trump regularly insulted McConnell
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. 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.
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