Scott Jennings said he spoke by phone with Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) on the morning of July 7 [1].
The conversation comes as McConnell remains hospitalized for an undisclosed condition, sparking widespread speculation about his health and ability to serve.
Jennings, a former senior adviser to McConnell, described the communication as a lengthy phone call. He said, "I spoke with Senator Mitch McConnell this morning" [2]. In a separate instance, Jennings said, "He called me this morning" [3].
According to reports, McConnell has been hospitalized for three weeks [4]. The specific reason for his admission has not been made public, which has contributed to the rumors Jennings sought to dispel during his appearance on CNN.
During the broadcast, Kasie Hunt questioned the validity of the communication and pressed Jennings to get the senator on the line live. Hunt asked, "You think he’d be willing to get on the phone?" [5].
Jennings said that the conversation occurred earlier that day. The senator's office has not released further details regarding his medical status or a potential date for his discharge from the hospital.
“"I spoke with Senator Mitch McConnell this morning."”
The lack of transparency regarding Sen. McConnell's medical condition creates a vacuum of information that fuels political instability and speculation. By using a surrogate like Jennings to confirm the senator's consciousness and willingness to communicate, the McConnell camp is attempting to project stability without providing the medical documentation required to fully quell rumors.
