Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has posted two images from the hospital to show proof of life, amid swirling speculation about his declining health.
But former GOP strategist turned Lincoln Project co-founder Steve Schmidt doesn't buy it — and told Joanna Coles on The Daily Beast Podcast this week that he is convinced there is a cover-up underway.
“Here’s my advice to the Mitch McConnell team: get lawyers,” said Schmidt. “I think this is a fraud that’s being perpetrated upon the taxpayer and whatever statute is applicable. I think there’s a high likelihood that what they’re doing here is illegal. I don’t think that Mitch McConnell is alive... I don’t think he’s sentient.”
McConnell, who previously served as Senate Republican Leader and was an overbearing presence in national politics, was rushed to the hospital weeks ago over what has been described as a cardiac arrest event. Aides insist McConnell is recovering but acknowledge he is a long way from returning to work.
The bottom line, said Schmidt, is that “I don’t think Mitch McConnell’s walking out of the hospital.”
Under Kentucky law, passed recently by Republicans, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear would not have any power to appoint an interim senator if McConnell passes away, and a special election would have to take place immediately.
Beshear has faced calls from some Democratic activists to do more to demand proof of life from McConnell, but Schmidt pointed out people need to be realistic.
The governor “can’t show up at the hospital and declare, ‘It’s I, Andy Beshear, governor of the Commonwealth, let me into the room.’ Right?” said Schmidt. “And by the way, Andy Beshear’s not in that political party that wants to be in your hospital room with you at the moment of birth, at the moment of death; that’s peering through the bedroom window.”