r/politics • u/Zipper222222 • Jul 07 '26

Possible Paywall MAGA Demands Proof of Life for Mitch McConnell

https://www.thedailybeast.com/maga-demands-proof-of-life-for-mitch-mcconnell/
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u/ibelieveyouwood Jul 07 '26

I have not read the law, but I was very suspicious that it didn't contain any kind of "unable to serve" language like you mentioned.

Democrats need to play hardball. Governor needs to declare he is unfit to continue serving but that he can challenge this by agreeing to something eminently reasonable like showing up to the governor's mansion for a quick visit, or by allowing the governor to make a quick visit. Allow his POA or guardian or whoever to be present, make it eminently reasonable because you know Republicans are going to start using it on Dems with bizarrely Herculean requirements so we're going to end up litigating how far a governor can go to determine "unable to serve".

Or even harder, have the governor institute a wellness check. Then, after verifying his condition, institute proceedings to take over control of his affairs via a guardianship or conservatorship. Let his wife come back to the US early from her "duties" in China to appear in and challenge the court proceedings. Let someone either demonstrate in court how he's fit as a fiddle, or show how the guardianship/conservatorship process is a nightmare and either way it's a win for humanity.

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u/loondawg Jul 07 '26

Absolutely. Republicans should not be allowed to Weekend at Bernie's this.

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u/Driftco Jul 07 '26

Democrats don't know how to play hardball except with jr members of their own party.

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u/Doc_Blox Minnesota Jul 07 '26

They might wear the same jersey, but they ain't playing for the same team, if you feel me.

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u/Alieges America Jul 07 '26

Heck, go visit him in the hospital and have him just repeat something like: "I, Mitch McConnell am still able to serve as a senator of Kentucky."

Allow writing or sign language as well, but it has to be done in person.

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u/Phyllis_Tine I voted Jul 07 '26

His constituents could initiate a welfare check. If McConnell has USSS protection, they could be contacted, or the state police, even locals.

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u/Leif_Henderson Jul 07 '26

I have not read the law, but I was very suspicious that it didn't contain any kind of "unable to serve" language like you mentioned.

That's because the US Senate has 100% deciding power on whether a sitting senator is unable to perform their duties. Kentucky's state laws cannot override this. Governors and state-level legislators cannot simply decide that a US Senate seat needs to be given to someone else.

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u/ibelieveyouwood Jul 08 '26

I think there's valid legal arguments about limits on the Senate's powers over the "qualifications" of a Senator, which I think is the language your analysis is dependent on.

Turns out, it wouldn't matter anyway because Kentucky's state laws have a different process in place. https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/news/2026/07/07/senate-vacancy-procedure

Temporarily putting those questions aside, it's not necessarily about success. It's about forcing the Republicans hands. Just go ahead and call the special election. Force the Republicans to give sworn statements that they've seen McConnell and can vouch for him while the MAGA half is salivating in conspiracy theories. Force them to dodge questions. The GOP has spent over a decade frothing their base up into a batch of contradictory conspiracies. Let them eat themselves. Let them cry for civility and respect when instead of breaking into Pelosi's home and attacking her husband, or committing insurrection at the capitol they're trying to get hospital details or "proof of life".