On Sunday, Michael J. Tallon stated his belief that Senator Mitch McConnell is incapacitated, potentially unable to perform his senatorial duties, rather than deceased. Tallon's analysis highlights that Washington's legal professionals are risk-averse, noting that covering up a senator's death would likely violate the law and trigger mechanisms to fill a vacancy. However, rules for incapacitation differ, allowing a senator to remain legally in office even with conditions like a stroke preventing speech, a coma, or rapid progressive dementia (RPD).
Tallon suggests that staff and family might have motives for maintaining McConnell's status. As long as McConnell remains a legal senator, his staff retain their positions. If the seat were declared vacant due to death, staff would face a 60-day notice period, disrupting career plans.
Tallon, who made similar arguments regarding Senator Diane Feinstein in April 2023, believes it is "high time for the Senator to go." He cited reports of an 84-year-old man found unresponsive, driven to the hospital without sirens, and hospitalized for nearly 50 days, suggesting such a person is not fit for a demanding role. He urged staff to transition to new roles or retire.
Adding to this, Greg questioned the complicity of others who claim to have had extended conversations with McConnell. Greg presented an insight suggesting a potential "serious fraud perpetrated by staffers" through impersonation. He noted that staffers sometimes learn to imitate their principals, especially those with a distinctive manner of speaking, like McConnell's "marble-gargling patois." Greg posited that those claiming conversations might be mistaken, actively deceived by staffers, particularly since McConnell's post-stroke voice is unknown.
Greg further suggested these staffers might be acting not only in their own interest but also potentially in what they perceive as McConnell's final wishes. To address these concerns, Greg urged Governor Andy Beshear to "seriously demand 'proof of life'" from Senator McConnell. He proposed that Beshear should make an appointment to the Senate seat, placing the burden on Republicans to seek a court injunction to block it.
Reports vary on whether Governor Beshear could appoint someone from a Republican list, Thomas, or a Democrat. Greg argued that if Beshear's appointment proceeds unless legally blocked, any impersonation would then constitute "actual fraud" under Kentucky and federal law. Such a development, he suggested, could prompt staffers to disclose any roles in a consequential fraud. Greg advised Governor Beshear to act quickly to initiate this process.
