McConnell's exit as U.S. Senate leader means new uncertainty as GOP falls in line with Trump
CTV
McConnell's departure leaves the Republican Party at an uncertain crossroads, days before the Super Tuesday presidential primary elections when Trump is expected to sweep up more states in his march to the Republican Party nomination.
Long before U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell surprised colleagues Wednesday announcing he would step down as the Republican leader this fall, he knew the time had come.
Hard-right Republican senators aligned with Donald Trump wanted to oust him. Trump was easily becoming the party's frontrunner for a do-over election with U.S. President Joe Biden. And, having largely recovered his health from a devastating fall last year, McConnell was back on his game.
In assembling top aides in January to disclose his intentions, ahead of his 82nd birthday, McConnell told them he had just one more priority to secure: supplemental aid for Ukraine as it battles Russia.
"Believe me, I know the politics within my party at this particular moment in time," McConnell said in a speech delivered midday Wednesday from the Senate floor.
His voice cracking at times, he said that's why he worked so hard to see the national security aid pass the Senate this month, insisting "America's global leadership is essential" -- even though the aid is still tied up in the House.
He said, "I have many faults, misunderstanding politics is not one of them."
McConnell's departure leaves the Senate, and the Republican Party itself, at an uncertain crossroads, days before the Super Tuesday presidential primary elections when Trump is expected to sweep up more states in his march to the Republican Party nomination.
