Full Breakdown
Louisville Columnist Publishes Pre-Obituary Criticizing Mitch McConnell
7/23/2026, 6:41:24 AM
Pre-Obituary Sparks Controversy
Joseph Gerth, a columnist for the *Louisville Courier Journal*, wrote a “pre-obituary” for the 84-year-old Kentucky senator while he is still alive. Gerth framed McConnell as “every bit the detestable figure” of former President Richard Nixon and said the piece was intended to avoid the backlash that followed the death of Senator Lindsey Graham.
Health Concerns and Recent Political Record
Gerth noted that McConnell was hospitalized for more than a month after a fall and a bout of pneumonia. He highlighted two long-standing criticisms of the senator’s career. Second, Gerth faulted McConnell for blocking President Barack Obama’s 2016 nomination of Merrick Garland while later confirming Donald Trump’s nominee Amy Coney Barrett only eight days before the 2020 election.
Official Reactions
McConnell’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The columnist reported that longtime aide Terry Carmack, who was promoted to chief of staff in 2021, is slated to earn $226,000 this year, but the office declined to detail the senator’s current Senate work.
Verbatim Quote
- “How dare you say that about a guy who just died?” — Mitch McConnell, senator “How dare you say that about a guy who just died?” — Mitch McConnell, senator
Outlook
The pre-obituary arrives as McConnell’s health continues to draw public scrutiny, and his staff’s silence on his legislative activities leaves unanswered questions about his role in upcoming Senate matters, including a resolution scheduled for January 8, 2026 that would require congressional approval for any further U.S. military action against Venezuela.
