After pausing midsentence for roughly 20 seconds, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was removed out of his leadership press conference Wednesday.
The 81-year-old GOP leader, hailed by friends as one of the most effective political operators in modern history, was hospitalized in March with a concussion following a dramatic fall at a fundraiser event.
One of McConnell's senior deputies, Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), led him away from the lectern following the apparent health issue.
After 10 minutes, McConnell informed reporters he was "fine" and answered questions on Hunter Biden's plea deal, the House's prospective impeachment inquiry into President Biden, and other subjects.
After the news conference, McConnell laughed and left when asked if he had a successor in mind. Axios said that McConnell "felt lightheaded and stepped away for a moment."
Since McConnell's fall some months ago, Barrasso has been "concerned" about his health, but he disputed that it has worsened.
McConnell is a tremendous figure on Capitol Hill, and a sudden resignation would leave a big hole in the Senate GOP caucus. After the midterms, McConnell won a secret ballot 37-10 over Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.).