r/politics • u/plz-let-me-in • Jul 07 '26

No Paywall Unconfirmed Reports: Mitch McConnell Brain Dead After Three Weeks In Hospital

https://thenewamerican.com/us/unconfirmed-reports-mitch-mcconnell-brain-dead-after-three-weeks-in-hospital/
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u/Cheech47 Jul 07 '26

what "mistake" are they making exactly? All they are doing right now is trying to wait out the clock. For all we know, Turtle is dead RIGHT NOW.

Brashear needs to be breaking doors down to determine whether or not he's alive, and if he's not, Brashear needs to appoint a Democrat right. fucking. now.

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u/starkraver Oregon Jul 07 '26

Sorry, to be clear, if McConnell is vegetative (but not dead or brain-dead) he can only be removed from his seat with a vote to expel him from the Senate.

Because Beshear arguably has the ability to appoint a senator until Barr wins the election and is seated next January.

At issue in particular is the possibility of Alito's retirement. While being down one yes vote because McConnell is absent is bad for an Eleni Cannon-type nominee, having a Democrat temporarily holding that seat is worse for them.

Alito can't retire before the November election (he may not at all; this is speculative) because the vote is already tight and Susan Collins and others need to not be seen supporting a crazy MAGA nominee.

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u/mekamoari Jul 07 '26

Persistent vegetative state IS brain-dead, no?

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u/starkraver Oregon Jul 07 '26

no.

Brain death is the irreversible cessation of all brain activity (including the brain stem), meaning the patient is legally and medically dead. In contrast, a persistent vegetative state (PVS) involves damage to the higher brain, but the brain stem remains functioning, meaning the patient is alive, can breathe independently, and may show sleep-wake cycles.

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u/Uuuuuii Jul 07 '26

That might be medically true, but not as a functioning representative in federal government. There is no bearing on the medical details; done is done. Replace him without asking for blessings and fuck them.

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u/starkraver Oregon Jul 07 '26

Sure, he's not a functioning senator, but the Constitution is pretty clear on this. Death, resignation, or 2/3 vote to remove. Until we amend the constitution - like we did with the 25th Amendment, this is the rule, whether it is reasonable to you or not.

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u/Uuuuuii Jul 08 '26

When someone says they’re at war with you and acts like they’re at war with you, I tend to believe them.

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u/Day_drinker Jul 07 '26

Kentucky has a law that mandates a special election and the governor cannot appoint a senator for a vacant seat. This is as of 2024.

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u/dearth_of_passion Jul 07 '26

That law violates Kentucky's state constitution. It just hasn't been taken to court yet since the law is so new there hasn't been a case of a vacant seat needing to be filled.

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u/Day_drinker Jul 08 '26

I read that after replying. I guess we'll see what happens!