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Beshear criticizes Mitch McConnell for not at least putting out a proof of life video, and John Thune for not caring that McConnell apparently doesn't the capacity to work anymore

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Instead of complaining, why didn’t he march to the hospital and put eyes on Mitch McConnell back when it was aparent that he was unable to perform his senatorial duties? 

It absolutely IS John Thune’s issue. He’s the one that should be pounding down McConnell’s door and calling for a vote to expel him. That’s literally his job.

And there's also the fact that McConnell opposed improving health related time off laws, while getting months of paid leave himself. More GOP hypocrisy.

Just announce a replacement for FFS. There are no rules anymore grow a spine, if the shoe was on the other foot the republicans would have already done this.

If McConnell was in a non-vegetative state, this whole situation could be put to rest by inviting Gov. Beshear to a private visit. A lot of people should go down for this criminal behavior.

He needs to appoint a replacement. Is it legal? Outside norms? Maybe! So what though. Put them on the backfoot, make the GOP scream and yell. Force them to sue and prop Mitch up on strings and wires for everyone to see. In other words, be proactive and FORCE them to respond.

This is why there's already a movement to ask our elected officials to support the Mitch McConnell Indefinite, Fully-Paid Family and Medical Leave Act. Not feeling up to working? No problem, we'll see you...whenever!

I am not saying Beshear can appoint someone or declare a vacancy, but what he does need to do is put direct pressure on the republicans, by going and physically verifying McConnell is dead. It would expose definitively, that republicans are covering this up. The point is to do political damage.

Not his job. STATE Gov/US Senator. That’s Thune’s and Paul’s problem. All Senate Rs. They’re down an extremely powerful vote. That’s a plus for Dems. Perhaps Elaine Chao is doing us a favor because dump was mean to Mitch. Ya never know.

If it were a Democrat the media would all be set up outside of his house within the first hour with non-stop calls for his resignation. Fox would call it the biggest scandal in American history and beat it into the ground.

It's Democrat Blue Crew types doing all the theater. And there are guards in front of his house; he's not gonna answer the door. "I'm sorry, the Senator is sleeping and I'm not going to wake him up for you."

Ooooooo, oh no…not CRITICIZING SOMEONE…. 🙄 McConnell would have had that seat filled a month ago.  Democrats are soooo WEAK…like damn.

Governor of Kentucky has no power to remove a federal senator. Thune and Rapublicans do. This is on them. Not Beshear. And yes, Rapublicans have weakened all powers of any Democratic politician in Ky. Because they are weak little bitches. But Dems are by no means weak. Just out -numbered.

Correct. I was being sarcastic because I don’t trust a thing Scott Jennings says. His copanelists grilled him on why McConnell wouldn’t call in to Scott’s actual radio show instead of just a private call and he had no answer other than to stammer about it.

Beshear, who cant replace Mitch if he died + wouldnt tip Senate to Dems, is attacking Thune + entire GOP for covering up an apparent comatose Senator. GOP is open to attack because theres no need pretending Mitch will ever return to the Senate. Admit he is ill but replacement can wait for election

This seems the likely game plan for Rs. I’m trying to understand the drawbacks to a special election, is it that only republicans would be considered, or is it that the likely replacement would be Republican even though both D and R can be considered?

The talking heads I've listened to seem to be under the impression that John Thune would enter the race, possibly as an independent, and completely fuck MAGA Republicans chances of taking the seat.

Cany anyone name any major employer who would permit a paid employee to be absent from a job for 2 months without details of that absence and word on if and when they'll return.

It doesn't make it OK. But he doesn't have a single boss with the legal right to declare his seat vacant. It would take the entire Senate and I'm not at all sure there would be the votes to do it especially considering his term expires in December.

Respectfully, while you’re correct about republicans being down a vote, wouldn’t it be doubly advantageous for democrats if Beshear appointed a dem replacement? Making dems up 1.

The challenge with proving that McConnell is brain dead is, can you really tell with him? I mean, you can already see that the body hasn't had a soul for many decades.

Remember kids: USCP employs 2,700 officers whose sworn duty is to protect Congress and the Capitol building. There is mounting evidence that one of the people they’re sworn to protect may be dead, and someone may be hiding the body. They have sent zero officers, of 2,700, to check.

He has been front and center on this issue. Beshear can’t do anything legally and has no incentive to do so. We do NOT miss Mitch OR his vote. Beshear is doing exactly what he should, calling them out for fraud. He is an incredibly effective statesman in a deep red state. Not at all soft or weak.

and he's supposed to fly do DC, where there's security at McTrutle's official residence, and then - what? STG that a lot of [people aren't paying attention to reality, and just wishful-thinking their way through this. Mitch is still senator and NOT VOTING.

He was at 3% for 28 before this. He wasn’t going to be a front runner in any universe. And… what does a GOP supermajority do when he breaks the law and appoints someone? Why do you want him removed from office so badly?

Sorry, he's letting the Republicans shoot themselves in the foot by losing a Republican vote in the Senate for months, and you respect him *less*? Huh.

Whats sad wheres Moscow McConnell bosses the Constituents! This is why political bribery is still in politics and increased massive corruption, can you get by with this in your job TRY IT and see ! USA got serious problems they have ignored !

Its USA problem 100% look at who we hired running government not only federal but house and senate, states ,denial wont solve the issues its just as bad as tsking responsibility! Even countries knows its USA constituents issue !

>>>>>SIGH<<<<< Until the midterms, what we see is what we get. Non-Republicans, Non-MAGAts, Non-Trump Sycophants inexplicably hold out hope that the above-mentioned will suddenly see the light and do the right thing. WHY? They never HAVE, they never WILL. Only VOTING can CHANGE this. Nothing else.

When someone his age gets very ill and spends a month in rehab -- that's usually the limit insurance will cover in one go. They then go home and likely have difficulty even going to the bathroom by themselves (and might not even be able to do that).

Yes, but: In this case, he has whatever cover the Senate has, which is famously the best socialized medicine provision in the world. His wife is iirc a near-billionaire as well, so I doubt it's money issues here.

I gave Alexander a chance, I started to watch his 1st show, then I saw his 1st interview, Alberto Gonzalez. Nope MSNOW, if I wanted to watch FOX, I'd watch FOX, I don't want/need FOX lite. F*ck MSM and their love of the corrupt Republican party. I watch/listen to the independent journalist now.

That would be all senate Rapublicans who have had the power to expel McConnell all this time. Most especially senate leader Thune and McConnell’s fellow Kentucky senator Rand Paul.

We’ve reached the peak of political dysfunction: treating a Senate leader like a missing person case or a legacy software system that’s too glitchy to patch but too integrated to shut down.

Beshear is fundamentally right But the Republicans in Congress don’t care about the opinions of Democrats in DC (or anywhere else). They don’t care about Senate procedures to deal with similar situations Rules in congress, like the constitution & rules of law, are meaningless unless they benefit

I’m done with this guy, go to his home! Let someone tell you he’s asleep, go again and again until his wife asks for a TRO! In court show the judge what Mitch’s team has released and you’re concerned for his wellbeing and proof of life! 🤬

Beshear has a point. But the republicans, state & congressional don’t want anything to happen before the midterm & given the KY legislature stripped Beshear’s ability to appoint a replacement. Then there is the situation of pure joy & dancing on the streets celebrating the death of mcconnel.

Where are the Enquirer/Page6/Confidential papparazzi rags w/the sensational never-say-cant photographers of olde, when they can finally ferret out pix that actually help a nation? Sheesh. I miss a good cashier-line distraction hed like: "Mitch found alive!!! On the moon since 7/4!" or "Traded!!..."

The Republican Party is now in the all-consuming gas giant phase of decline. They will burn down everything they can before they take their last gasp. Selfishness and raw greed have been their calling card for most of my 60 years and that's the hill they are willing to have us all die on.

Hi Kentucky Democrat here, there's a lot of us, in fact more registered Dems than Republicans. Believe me when I say: 1) there has been massive voter disenfranchisement in KY and 2) writing off whole states is ignorant af.

If KY can elect a Dem governor statewide, there's always hope for a Dem senator. Somehow Putin's allies, McConnell and Paul always seem to get reelected no matter how great the Dem candidate is. I will always hope for a miracle.

Just an idea: Call local law enforcement in the jurisdiction where Mitch claims to be staying, request a "wellness check." I've done this before, for a 80 yr person in my ken; when no answer to text/mail for days, I call the sheriff and usually get a return call w/i an hour, "she's OK."

Yeah they would DEFINITELY not realize exactly what you were doing! Oh a random anonymous person is saying there's an issue with this guy despite his family, friends, colleagues, and office putting out statements that he's fine? Let's check it out!

He's MIA & still collecting a paycheck & taking advantage of free exceptional healthcare. It's a great gig if you can get it. What a racket! Only in America!

And Beshear has missed a key national moment by not declaring a replacement. At this point in time, he's all talk. No one's heard from McConnell in three months. What the fuck is he waiting for?

It's long past time electing milquetoast leaders! He should have told the republicans put up or shut up. And when they didn't, appoint a fucking replacement! Have him or her take the fucking seat! Put them on the defensive! Make them throw the person out on live TV! Stern letters days are over!

Beshear can't do anything, but constantly point out the issue and get people angry at the GOP, and the R's are down a vote in the senate. Considering what power is available, that's not too bad a situation

Beshear should go knocking on McConnels door (he should’ve done so in the hospital). But yes, Beshear has missed the moment (as Democrats often do); I think it takes him out of the POTUS/‘28 discussion.

I see everyone replying that Beshear can't name a replacement and that is true. However, I do believe Beshear missed a real opportunity to grab the bully pulpit and make a much bigger deal of McConnell/GOP abdication of responsibility here.

Trump does a shit ton of shit that he “can’t” do. Aren’t we past playing by the rules at this point? I say, he should have appointed someone, and made them sue to stop it. It would at least take some goddamn time before they were able to challenge it.

It is better for the GOP to be one vote down in the senate until January. Dead Mitch or coma Mitch cannot vote. He has to be there in person. This is better for the Dems. If it is a cover up then it gives the Dems a shit at flipping the seat in Jan with the gop guilty of election fraud

Not sure why "Per US constitutional law" only seems to matter for one side. The Rs do it all the time and say "sue me". The Ds could do the same thing but, for some reason, lack the will.

Legally we weren’t supposed to dump that tea in the harbor either. Sometimes the performance is the point. Presumably there would be litigation and I can’t see a downside there, though I haven’t given it that much thought in all honesty.

Wait, really? I knew that the KY leg passed a law saying a special election had to be called with 60 days notice etc, so agree all the Beshear blaming has to stop. But I thought in other states, the govenor could appoint someone like they did when Graham died and his sister was sworn in days later??

He doesn't help himself by saying he's send LETTERS to the senator or failing to explain that the rules in his state differ on this than other states. Also drawing attention to a problem without any plan to solve it isn't the best optics. Then again do the people want the senator voting?

how many times do you think the Republicans have broken constitutional law on the last two years? Do it and fight in court! The point is that you're actually doing something to fight the issue of a mass cover-up of a US senator's death! treat Mitch McConnell's death like he's treated the people!

He can call a special election to fill a vacant seat which is different than appointing someone. No governor has the power to declare a seat vacant. Unless and until McConnell resigns or someone PROVES he's dead, the seat is occupied.

Can he file a declaratory-judgment lawsuit asking the Kentucky courts to determine if the 2024 replacement law is state constitutional? I believe he has already questioned if it is.

No, but he could call a special election to fill a vacant seat. Would Democrats win that election? Probably not. Would Massie running for the seat cost the GOP financially and politically? Oh absolutely.

Aside from the fact the deadline for a special election was August 3rd, Beshear cannot simply replace a sitting US Senator. If someone has proof McConnell is dead or has resigned, I’d like to see it.

Golly, it's a shame that as a governor and citizens this is all he can do. It's so sad that our system gives less political power to elected officials than it does to random citizens. It must be really frustrating to be so utterly powerless.

In Mitch's case, NOT speaking badly of the dead would be whitewashing history. Refusing to convict DJT when he was impeached is just one tiny thing he did wrong in a very long list.

Jesus Christ almighty! Just assign someone else. They accept the gaslighting and continue the gaslight message. The left is complict with the right!

He can’t just appoint someone. This has been explained extensively in the other million threads on the topic. The legislature put a law in place in 2024 that changed to a special election. The law won’t stand if challenged, but the court process would take too long here.

And what has also been highlighted... “So the question is whether the Kentucky constitution conflicts with the 17th Amendment, such that the newer law saying there must be a special election is valid.” Republicans break the law every day. Why don't Democrats try it? It may work.

newsweek.comMitch McConnell Health Questions Raise Kentucky Senate Succession IssuesKentucky changed its Senate succession law, but the law leaves unanswered questions that could become important if McConnell cannot finish his term.

Yup, the law is unconstitutional. Problem is…. How do you keep the case in court when the election occurs before the case is settled and the original harm is solved? Also…. Why do you want a really good governor removed from office so badly?

That won't be settled for a long time. In the meantime, the governor's only possible course of action is to call for a special election that a Republican would almost certainly win. Meanwhile, as long as McConnell's out, the R's are missing a vote in the Senate.

The entitlement of this Senator and his staff to keep up this lie is just another indication of how broken our Congress is. YOU WORK FOR THE PEOPLE! We have no obligation to pay your salaries when you're doing nothing.

Agreed. Focusing the anger on the governor who was stripped of his power by the GOP who control the state is not helping. Sure I’d like Beshear to have more fire and be less of a gentleman, but legally his hands are tied. All the anger should be at John Thune for allowing this travesty to continue.

Look, he's probably doing a lot behind the scenes, like writing angry letters, being disappointed, furrowing his brow, and having frank conversations with potential allies in the GOP, like Ted Cruz, Mike Johnson, and Mitch McConnell.

Mitch is supposedly at home. Surely Beshear should go visit him in person? Or four or five Dem senators should go visit their ailing colleague? Offer him some muffins and a fruit basket and discreetly administer a cognitive test. It's only polite.

Why? This is not Beshear’s responsibility or concern. MM is a federal employee. Not state. More importantly, MM’s missing vote benefits Dems. This is John Thune’s problem. He needs to call for a vote to expel him. That’s his responsibility. Not the Governor’s.

Not to mention last I heard Beshear has said he's been told by multiple sources that Mitch is dead. He's been trying to get confirmation from Mitch's staff ever since and they're not cooperating.

It is not the Dems' responsibility. It is between Mitch that he is so desperate to retain power that he refuses to admit he can no longer serve his constituents effectively. It's on Mitch and his party that the GOP will have one less vote for the rest of the year. Stop making this the Dems' fault.

For everyone saying Dems should keep quiet bc this results in minus one GOP vote: Maybe you're right, but if this benefits Dems, why is the GOP so insistent on hiding McConnell rather than chucking him in a dumpster and filling his seat?

I don't think that's it. If he were coherent enough to refuse to be replaced, we wouldn't be having this conversation. He'd release a video saying as much. Dude is a vegetable and his colleagues are making the decision to hide it. For reasons I can't figure out

Have you ignored his entire history in making that assumption? What is the logic behind the theory that Republicans are willing to go with a basically unfilled seat for two thirds of his final year? It makes no sense for them to do that. This is on him, his ego, and his family.

I’m so tired of this - either do something about it, or stop complaining Everyone knows that if the roles were reversed, MAGA/Republicans would have found *some way* to verify proof of life

Why? I like having one less GOP vote in the senate. I also don’t want Andy Barr getting a chance to pass legislation before November to make a case that he’s already helping Kentucky.

What I want is for an elected official to answer to the people. McConnell might not even have the capacity to serve. In my book that is wrong.

Andy, if you ever want to be considered for President, you are going to have to step up about 100% more. Being nice ain't cutting it.