CNN conservative pundit Scott Jennings was teased on-air Thursday for suggesting that Sen. Mitch McConnell would likely release a new statement sometime by Monday.
During a segment with CNN anchor Kasie Hunt, Jennings was asked if he had heard anything new from McConnell. Jennings claimed earlier this month that he had a 17-minute phone call with McConnell, whom he has known since he was a teenager and previously worked for. The MAGA commentator has faced growing criticism over his comments, including a network statement that the company would not vouch for Jennings’ comments — and that they don’t represent the organization’s reporting.
Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have expressed concern about McConnell’s absence since he went missing from Congress 39 days ago for undisclosed medical treatment. Two weeks ago, his team released an image of him with his wife Elaine Chao, but that hasn’t quelled the skepticism and questions surrounding his unknown condition.
“I know he continues to do his rehab activities,” Jennings said. “I know he’s still following doctor’s orders, and 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 decisions about whether he’s going to be cleared to come back to work or not, but I would be surprised if we don’t hear from them again by the weekend or by Monday.”
Jennings argued that he thinks McConnell should “routinely” update his constituents on his health and “keep people apprised of the issues that he’s looking in on, of the work that he’s doing with his staff, and just be transparent about the things that he can do, even while he’s convalescing and recovering.”
“Truthfully, I think a little transparency on the front end here would have saved him a whole lot of grief,” Jennings added. “But that didn’t happen. And they are where they are now. But I think regular updates on things are good to do, and that’d be my advice.”
Hunt commented, “I think last time that you and I spoke about this very topic, you said the exact same thing. You were like, ‘Ask me on Monday.’”
Jennings joked that “the oracle of Kentucky” was right.
Fellow CNN panelist and commentator Xochitl Hinojosa had a direct question for Jennings: “At what point do you think that maybe he should resign from his seat?”
Jennings seemed surprised by the question.
“Give up his seat because he is not able to do the job of a U.S. senator,” Hinojosa said.
“Well, he’s not voting, Scott,” Hunt added.
“And he’s getting paid,” Hinojosa said.