GOP senator says leader Mitch McConnell mentally capable of continuing to serve

Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) took to the airwaves to defend the ability of Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to continue leading Senate Republicans, calling the lawmaker "sharp and shrewd."

The comments came after McConnell froze twice and was unresponsive twice during recent press conferences and remarks.

“Mitch is sharp and shrewd. He understands what needs to be done," Rounds said, adding, "There is no doubt in my mind that he is perfectly capable of continuing on at this stage of the game, and he has a good team around him and a good job of developing that leadership team.”

Rounds blamed a recent concussion caused by a fall for the brief lapses.

The GOP senator also said that part of the reason people want to see McConnell go is to get a chance at taking his job.

McConnell has held a tight grip on GOP Senate leadership for decades now and faced a challenge for his job in 2021, but the bid to oust him failed.