09/17/26: My Day 4 progress report on Senator Mitch McConnell’s return to work raises serious questions about whether it is safe for the elderly senator to continue working at all. But it also raises a much bigger constitutional question: What happens if a sitting U.S. senator becomes physically or... mentally incapacitated and is unable to make the decision to resign? Unlike the presidency, there is no 25th Amendment process for an incapacitated senator. So if a senator cannot resign, what mechanism, if any, exists to remove or replace them?show more

It’s beginning to look cruel. How compromised is he? Anybody else would throw in the towel. Humiliating.

To me is just plain Elder abuse. If I was his nurse I would report the situation to Elder services. He needs a competence evaluation by a physician. And what loving family would want him paraded around like that….its surely not a dignified ending to his long legacy. It’s sick.

Your work is excellent and comprehensive! Thank you for the update 👏👏👏

I looked it up. There is nothing anyone can do. He has to either die, resign or be expelled ( 2/3 vote by Senate). Public and private political pressure is about the only way. So I highly doubt he's going anywhere. He'll run out his term and leave in Jan.

Elder Abuse needs to stop. Term limits now. Include a mental evaluation too.

Americans are starting to wonder if Senators of ANY age, going to work, is safe for America.

you know his morning staff arrived hours ago. curious Harvey levin’s dc team is absent. it looks scripted from every angle

Thanks for continuing to cover this very important issue. McConnell, just like the late Feinstein, should have been required to vacate their position once their health clearly started going downhill. Another reason why we need Congressional Term Limits and perhaps even Age Caps.

Why aren’t the Democrats raising objections to this? I know they have their share of skeletons in congress, but this is just blatant, dragging in a frail, obviously diminished old man — and TELLING him how to vote. Cruel for sure. Illegal? Why won’t anyone stand up?

Yes they always talked about President Trump and the 25th Amendment process. How about these Senators like McConnel, Grassley etc. ??

There needs to be a competency check on these people that are voting for us. They can't just be wheeled in and prompted on voting. If our patients can't pass a competency exam they are not allowed to make important decisions.

As a high-powered political journalist, you should know what the Constitution - Article I, Section 5, Clause 2 - provides. The Senate may expel him, with two-thirds vote. No need to make up anything.

There’s no way that zombie can feed, bathe, or dress himself. “Voting” the way his controllers instruct him. Repeal the 17th Amendment, another of the terrible products of 1912-1913.

Desiree has done the absolute best reporting on this travesty. If it wasn't for her, the story wouldn't have broke and we would have no idea how badly we are getting screwed. Total disgrace.

Where was the concern for Senator Feinstein ?

I want to know why his family isn’t doing something to stop this! Don’t they care?

Good question, at this point I call it elder abuse!

Im a nurse of 30ys. What is happening is actually elderly abuse!!! Ive worked with the elderly worked with hospice patients and dementia that man is NOT physically , medically or cognitively fit for offi It angers me because they care about money & power instead of his health

His aides are evil. No conscience.

The Senate themselves Desiree. But they won't do it JD Vance should take the chair.

As he and all are employees of the American citizens we just release them from their duties. Process the retirement package and bid farewell.

Republicans are in complete and unequivocal control of Washington and the Federal Government; yet they can’t even get any progress out of this Congress that is materially significant to Americans. THIS is why Republicans will lose the midterms!

They’re still trying to get that smile painted on his face.

Is he able to speak? I have not seen Or heard him try to speak

There’s not one. We’re just stuck with them until they verifiably die.

Another one is if a sitting politician loses an election like a primary , why have them around (Massie ) for a few more months , they should resign immediately.They stick around and cause more damage . 😡

It’s elder abuse and government fraud to keep him in the position.

Good question.

Great reporting! I agree, Mitch is gone, no one is home upstairs.

The vacant smile and not blinking, y'all. Textbook indications of brain damage / major cognitive decline.

This is all just ridiculous!

This is nothing new in the Senate. They were wheeling around Dianne Feinstein and her handlers were whispering into her ear on how to vote, yes or no.

DC needs a wall around it and ignored. These traitors do not have our best interest at all.

When will it be time for his “relapse?”

Retirement from corporate life at 55 with no cap on income to be earned.