Former RNC chair says ‘noise’ about McConnell ‘will affect nothing’

Michael Steele, the former chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), said Thursday the “noise” that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is too old to serve “will affect nothing.” 

Steele said in an interview on MSNBC, “It will not … run Mitch McConnell from his post, nor will it run [Sen.] Dianne Feinstein from hers or the president of the United States from his,”

Steele’s comments come after McConnell appeared to freeze up at a podium Wednesday for the second time in recent weeks while taking questions from reporters. When asked about his thoughts on running for reelection, the 81-year-old senator asked the reporter twice to repeat the question, and then responded, “That’s a …,” before freezing and looking ahead for around 30 seconds.

The Capitol attending physician on Thursday said McConnell was “medically clear,” though the incident, in combination with his freeze-up during a briefing last month, has raised concerns over aging political leaders. 

When asked whether he expects a push for a change in leadership, Steele said, “The people put him there, so if the people want him out, they’ll get him out.” 

“Screaming bipartisans on the Hill from the left or right, with respect to [President] Joe Biden, means absolutely nothing,” Steele continued. “It’s just political noise at the end of the day.” 

Concerns over Biden’s age have been a large focus of the upcoming presidential race as he seeks reelection. At 80, Biden is America’s oldest sitting president. If reelected in 2024, he would be 86 at the end of his second term. 

Similar concerns were raised last month over Feinstein’s age after she appeared confused during a committee roll call vote. Feinstein, 90, is the oldest senator in this Congress. 

“I always find it amusing, all the 40-something-year-olds are right now, talking about, ‘Oh age limits and oh my god, they’re too old,’” Steele said. “When they get that age, they’re going to be doing the exact same thing.”