McConnell Goes Full Grim Reaper in Debate
It’s one of those moments you just can’t unsee. During last night’s debate between Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Democratic challenger Amy McGrath, McConnell inexplicably began chuckling as McGrath was criticizing him for what she said was his lack of leadership in getting a second coronavirus stimulus bill passed.
“The House passed this bill in May and the Senate went on vacation,” McGrath said – at which point McConnell turns and looks directly into the camera with a broad smile on his face and begins chuckling. “You just don’t do that. You negotiate, senator, it is a national crisis.”
McConnell, who seems to enjoy living up to his reputation as a grim reaper, began many of his answers during the debate with a chortle. As one viewer noted:
“Five times, (McConnell) laughed off questions regarding COVID during tonight’s debate. It’s obvious that Mitch McConnell isn’t taking this election, COVID or KY voters seriously.”
FIVE times, @senatemajldr LAUGHED OFF questions regarding COVID during tonight's #KYSen Debate.
It's obvious that Mitch McConnell isn't taking this election, COVID, or KY voters seriously. pic.twitter.com/pnaTR78yWi
— Kelsie Taggart (@kelsientaggart) October 13, 2020
McGrath wasn’t amused, as she tweeted: “We’re facing a national crisis. There’s nothing funny about 214,000 Americans dying.”
We're facing a national crisis.
There's nothing funny about 214,000 Americans dying. pic.twitter.com/fQdJsoMdPe
— Amy McGrath (@AmyMcGrathKY) October 13, 2020
Reaction to McConnell’s performance has been harsh.
“Kentucky deserves better than to have a condescending, power-hungry, compassionless, cold-hearted elitist, hypocritical jackass represent them.”
Kentucky deserves better than to have a condescending, power-hungry, compassionless, cold-hearted, elitist, hypocritical jackass represent them. Mitch McConnell doesn’t serve his constituents, and he embodies every failure of our political system. https://t.co/TXvGnB2AkD
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) October 13, 2020
McConnell repeatedly touted his experience and ability to “make deals” as a reason why he should be reelected. He also sought to use McGrath’s personal history against her. “I think her entire campaign is: she’s a Marine, she’s a mom and I’ve been there too long,” he said.
Her reply was pointed: “Senator, you’ve been there for 36 years,” she said, then addressing Kentucky voters directly asked, “How’s it looking Kentucky?”
A recent Quinnipiac poll showed that McConnell holds a 53% to 41% lead over McGrath.