McConnell says ‘no concerns’ about health while badly bruised and bandaged

By DeMicia Inman

·October 23, 2020

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) speaks during a news conference following the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on October 20, 2020 in Washington, DC. Senate Republicans are looking to hold a confirmation vote for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett on Monday, October 26, approximately one week before the Presidential election. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)

The health of Senator Mitch McConnell was called into question after bruises and bandages were on display during a public appearance.

Images of the Kentucky senator from the political events this week went viral on Twitter. Dena Grayson, MD, Ph.D. shared the images on their Twitter account, saying “As a doctor, I have questions.”

The photos show dark colored, bruised skin and bandages on his hands and a bruised area around the mouth.

As a doctor, I have questions. pic.twitter.com/PaTk7In9ne
— Dena Grayson, MD, PhD (@DrDenaGrayson) October 23, 2020

Thursday, McConnell was pressed by journalists with questions on his health to which he passed off as nothing serious. According to CNN, he said there were “no concerns” regarding the bruises on his hands. He responded “of course not,” when the press asked if there was anything the public should be aware of.

Although he said there were no pressing issues, the 78-year-old did not respond when asked if he was being treated by a doctor according to the report. A representative of McConnell’s also declined to provide any additional details.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) speaks during a news conference following the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on October 20, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)

Despite his appearance, CNN reported the senator continued his professional obligations throughout the week. This included delivering speeches on the Senate floor, and on Thursday, speaking in favor of Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court.

According to the news outlet, McConnell fractured his shoulder in 2019 after an at-home fall. He also had triple heart bypass surgery in 2003 which was described as a success. CNN found McConnell also survived polio as a child.

Senator Mitch McConnell is up for re-election to continue representing the Blue Grass state. His current term is up on Jan. 3, 2021. He first assumed office in 1985. McConnell was unanimously selected as Senate majority leader by Republicans after the 2014 election.

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