46 Comments
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Acting Duke of Serutan's avatar

Yes, Thomas Massie nailed it. Tongue in cheek humor without pushing the shiv in too deep.

M F's avatar

Further hypocrisy and cover up by the Epstein class which comprises the elites of both parties.

Paul Bruno's avatar

McConnell just called me, and for about twenty minutes we discussed how much he regrets denying President Obama a chance to make an appointment to the Supreme Court. Really, I'm not making this up!

Lori's avatar

I feel like if you miss a certain # of votes you maybe need to be put on the injured roster and have someone sub in. I mean how is it ok to have your constituents not be represented for weeks on end?

Laurie Underwood's avatar

I wonder - did McConnell participate in any of these convos or was Jennings talking to McConnell's inert form? One thing is for certain - these assholes hold their constituents in the utmost contempt. The way they abused Feinstein and Biden was appalling but it pales in comparison to this charade. One of the worst parts for me is that it basically doesn't matter who you vote for - with very few exceptions, the elect are the same. They are a joke, but sadly, the joke's on us.

Cécile Stelzer-Johnson's avatar

Hmm. There's a 25th Amendment in case a President is incapacitated and cannot fulfill the duties of his office.... but we don't have that for a Kentucky Senator?

We don't have that for Republican Representative Tom Kean Jr. who missed 140 votes over a depression?

Hey, some important votes are taken and if our lawmakers are not there, it is the constituents whose desires get shafted!

Ken Klippenstein's avatar

Nope there’s no equivalent law for Congress!

Cécile Stelzer-Johnson's avatar

I know, but there should be.

I was a teacher, and when I was sick, which happened twice in my 26 yr career, and for one day only each time, a qualified substitute teacher was called in.

Those folks have aides up the kazoo. Maybe one could be deputized for important votes, with a signature by a Notary Public...(so the deputized aide can't go rogue...)

Of course, if he is brain dead, as Laura Loomer stated, he could not give consent...and that would be a way to know.

Emma's avatar

Betting his wife has perfect handwriting

Emma's avatar

Do they still get paid?

Cécile Stelzer-Johnson's avatar

Yes, Senator Mitch McConnell's Senate seat could sit empty for months yet he continues to receive his congressional salary while absent from the Senate. Members of Congress do not punch a clock or use traditional paid time-off days; they remain on the government payroll until they resign, their term expires (or they do).

Note that it has been the same thing for Tom Kean, a Republican Rep from NJ who was absent for months and missed 140 votes. He opposes paid leave... for workers.

I wonder if this will make them change their stance on paid leave?

Mitch McConnell has historically opposed and blocked federal mandates for paid leave. He voted against legislation to guarantee paid sick and family leave for millions of workers. Yet look at them: they are the beneficiaries of a policy they have always opposed...for workers.

Cin⚔️'s avatar

All to cover up for pedophiles and the epstein class.

Brian Tanguay's avatar

Thanks for the reporting, Ken. The arrogance on the part of some elected officials is astounding, and practically makes the case for term limits. Mitch McConnell will go down as one of the most destructive (of democracy) senators in American history. Duplicitous in life, opaque as his demise approaches. We deserve better. Who works for who in this scenario?

Edward Truncale's avatar

And his wife is meeting with the V.P. of China as we speak. That's where I would expect my wife to be when I am in the hospital.

Joy in HK fiFP's avatar

Maybe she thinks he'd get better medical treatment there, and is trying to get him a hospital bed in Beijing?

Emma's avatar

Betting with her level of wealth there are a lot of strings to tie up before decisions are made

Edward Truncale's avatar

Maybe Trump can test the security on his Qatari gift jet and fly him to China.

Linda MacDonald's avatar

Sadly there's a great deal of brain death visible in the gop especially. Some of the brain dead are walking around following a rapidly brain dead "leader". Mitch is in a bed in a hospital likely attached to all kinds of tubes and wires.I feel sorry for him actually. So much brokenness in his life. Sigh...such a waste.

Abigail Joy's avatar

There is no reason to feel sorry for that vile man.

Emma's avatar

Count up all the judges he sat. Still feel sorry for him?

Abigail Joy's avatar

The person who dresses up as a hospital tech and sneaks into McConnell's room and takes pictures and notes down his vitals, and releases them to the press, will be the next American hero.

Cin⚔️'s avatar

Fingers crossed 🤞🏽

esti marpet's avatar

the whole thing is surreal. love the Massie satire and fantasize about having him replace McConnell in the senate. even if just for a short time.

Laura H's avatar

Let us not forget, RBG did this much to the detriment of the humans who lived after she died. We need to get serious about who we elect. This is insane.

Emma's avatar

I am glad she stayed. The court is not a mess because of rbg. Dems could have sat garland but their ego got in the way.

AndreaM's avatar

The current Republican party...every last one of them...are liars. Promoters of falsehood. They like the corruption (which is why they participate in it), they like being cruel to people (and animals and the planet based on the policies they pass), and they like the chaos (liars and cheaters). We all know, there has always been a certain level of indecency in politics, but this bunch of republicans have taken it to a whole different level. People and journalists (like Ken) need to keep telling the truth. It the only way to overcome the lies. (PS- I hope Kentucky people take to heart what Massie said...his comments say a lot about what is really going on).

Rob Bird's avatar

“I suspect his reluctance to say very much about his condition stems PARTLY from his pride,” Cross said...

Carefully-worded by a journalist/friend protecting his long-time source/friend who is incapacitated and MOSTLY unable to communicate well.

Old age and infirmity sucks. But for the guy who just plain wouldn't consider a Supreme Court nominee (because... make me!), anything and everything is on the table in the name of advancing the cause. Down to his dying breath (may it not tarry).

Clif Brown's avatar

Lincoln was clear that it is the office that is of primary importance, not the office holder. There are many problems with power but one of them is people attach themselves to one who possesses it and then are dependent for their own position of lesser power on that of the person under whom they serve.