mcconnell speech chants retire
© Associated PressSenate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was drowned out by jeers during a Saturday speech in Kentucky.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was drowned out by jeers and chants of "retire" during a speech in Kentucky Saturday, just days after the Republican lawmaker froze up midsentence at an event.

While speaking at the Fancy Farm picnic, one of his home state's main political events, the 81-year-old Republican received some positive cheers before getting drowned out by an angry crowd screaming "Shame on you," "Ditch Mitch," "Retire" and "Lost the Senate."

"This is my 28th Fancy Farm, and I want to assure you it's not my last," McConnell said at the top of his breakfast speech, only vaguely addressing the overarching concerns about his health.

McConnell, seemingly unbothered, continued with his speech without acknowledging the hostile reception and repeated taunts from what Associated Press reported were Democrats in the crowd.


"My friends, I'll be honest, it's not hard for Republicans to look good these days," McConnell could barely be heard saying amid the roaring crowd.

In video footage of his speech, McConnell is barely heard as the raucous crowd shouts "Retire!" before an overwhelming wave of booing takes over.


NcConnell stuck to his script this weekend and did not acknowledge comments made by former President Donald Trump, who over the weekend described McConnell as "perhaps the worst leader in the history of our country running the Senate."

Trump also spoke this weekend about McConnell's recent health concerns, saying he thought the Minority Leader's recent freeze-up during a press conference was "sad."

During a news conference Wednesday, McConnell lost the ability to speak and stared straight ahead with a stone-faced expression for about 30 seconds before being led away by colleagues.
mcconnell speech health concern
© Twitter / @TTEcclesBrownMcConnell did not directly address concerns about his current state of health.
An aide later said McConnell was feeling "lightheaded and stepped away for a moment," but the episode triggered new questions about his ability to serve after March 8 fall left him with a concussion and broken rib.

On Thursday, it was also revealed by Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) that McConnell slipped and fell in Finland while visiting with a delegation of senators this past February.

"But it was also very icy at the time," Budd recalled. "So, it could have happened to any of us."
McConnell wheelchair
© Associated PressMcConnell currently uses a wheelchair as a “precautionary” measure in crowded areas.
When asked at the time if he was concerned about McConnell's health, the 51-year-old Budd admitted: "Look, when any of us take a fall — I'm older than 50, so all of us are concerned."

A rep for McConnell also admitted that he has been using a wheelchair as a "precautionary" measure to get around in crowded areas.