What To Know
- Scott Jennings was asked for an update about Mitch McConnell’s health after previously claiming he spoke to the senator on the phone.
- CNN anchor Kacie Hunt pushed the conservative commentator for details, noting that his answers were similar to the last time they spoke about the situation.
- McConnell was hospitalized in June and has only released one photo of himself since.
Scott Jennings faced questions about Mitch McConnell‘s health from fellow CNN panelists after previously claiming to have spoken to the senator by phone after he was taken to the hospital in June.
“It has been 39 days since Senator Mitch McConnell was taken to the hospital,” CNN anchor Kasie Hunt said. “So far, the former majority leader has only shared publicly this one photo. It was sent nearly two weeks ago. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are saying that it’s not good enough. Scott Jennings, have you had another phone call with the former majority leader recently?”
Jennings replied that he has not had another phone call, and Hunt asked, “Do you know anything new about his condition you can update us with?”
“I know he continues to do his rehab activities,” Jennings said. “I know he’s still following doctors’ orders. My assumption is sometime between now and Monday, they’ll probably issue another update on how he’s coming along. I don’t know if they’ve made any decision about whether he’s going to be cleared to come back to work or not. I’d be surprised if we don’t hear from him by the weekend or Monday.”
Hunt questioned, “What do you think he should do?” and Jennings responded, “I think he should routinely update his constituents on how he’s doing and keep people apprised of the issues that he’s looking in on and the work he’s doing with his staff and just be transparent about the things he can do while he’s recovering. Truthfully, I think a little transparency would have saved them a whole lot of grief, but that didn’t happen and they are where they are now. I think regular updates on things are good to do. That would be my advice.”
Hunt then pointed out that the “last time” she spoke to Jennings he also said, “Ask me on Monday,” and Jennings retorted, “And I was right.”
Another panelist then asked Jennings, “At what point do you think that maybe he should resign from his seat?” The conservative commentator seemed caught off guard by the suggestion, prompting the push, “[When will he] give up his seat because he’s not able to do the job of a U.S. Senator?”
Jennings wondered, “How do you know he’s not working on U.S. Senate business,” and Hunt fired back, “He’s not voting, Scott. He’s not casting votes on the floor of the Senate.”
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“Well, we’ve had senators that have taken medical leave before,” Jennings insisted. “I do know that he’s routinely meeting with his staff and going over issues. And I think maybe even talking to other other senators,” He also reiterated, “I think a statement in the next few days would be prudent.”
When Jennings made his initial claim about speaking to McConnell on the phone, CNN said in a statement, “Scott Jennings is not a full-time employee or journalist for the network. His account of a personal conversation with Senator McConnell reflects his experience and is not CNN reporting.”