Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) described the current Congress as the worst he’s served in, according to a report.
McConnell’s rough time over the past couple of years has included experiencing a series of major personal and political losses. Several Republicans familiar with the matter told Politico that the octogenarian has struggled with the losses to the extent that he believes the current Congress is the worst he’s served in. His first term began in 1985.
Several developments have cratered McConnell’s perception within the Republican Party, leading to everyone within his inner circle predicting Wednesday’s decision to step down as Senate Republican leader well before his announcement.
Growing opposition within the party to his heavy advocacy for massive aid to Ukraine; his estranged relationship with the de-facto head of the Republican Party, former President Donald Trump; and the surging populist energy within the party seeking his removal have all led to McConnell’s most difficult tenure yet.
Even his once undisputed control over Senate Republicans is now in jeopardy, as many, especially the younger generation, have let it be known that he is their leader in name only. His sway in the other chamber of Congress is almost nonexistent.
The final nail in the coffin was his string of health troubles, beginning with a fall last year and culminating in two public episodes where he froze up in the middle of a press conference.
On top of everything, he has received little sympathy from an increasingly partisan Democratic Party, which widely reviles him over his role in ensuring a conservative majority on the Supreme Court.
Some Republicans aren’t satisfied with McConnell announcing he will step down as the GOP leader in November, instead demanding he step down immediately, despite no clear successor being ready to take over.
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McConnell made it clear he’s aware of his precarious position in an interview with Politico.
“Democrats hate me because of the court,” he said. “And Republicans hate me because of Trump.”
