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84-Year-Old Sen. McConnell Hospitalized, Pre-Obituary Published

7/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Columnist Joseph Gerth wrote a pre-obituary for Senator Mitch McConnell, 84.
McConnell was hospitalized after a fall and pneumonia, with chief of staff Terry Carmack declining comment.
Gerth says McConnell blocked Merrick Garland’s nomination, confirmed Amy Coney Barrett, built a 6-3 Court that overturned precedent, and although he called U.S. President Donald Trump “stupid,” “despicable,” and a “narcissist,” he backed Trump’s 2024 campaign and did not vote to convict him.

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Story summary

Columnist Joseph Gerth wrote a pre-obituary for Senator Mitch McConnell, 84.
McConnell was hospitalized after a fall and pneumonia, with chief of staff Terry Carmack declining comment.
Gerth says McConnell blocked Merrick Garland’s nomination, confirmed Amy Coney Barrett, built a 6-3 Court that overturned precedent, and although he called U.S. President Donald Trump “stupid,” “despicable,” and a “narcissist,” he backed Trump’s 2024 campaign and did not vote to convict him.