Mitch McConnell’s team pushes back against those who read the GOP Senate leader’s jeers and jeers at a Kentucky political rally — arguing that such behavior is standard for the event.
Clips of the Kentucky Republican giving his speech over the din of jeers and hisses made the rounds on social media this weekend — but the McConnell team insists they didn’t expect anything different at the annual Fancy Farm picnic, and the shouts came from the Democrats.
“It wouldn’t be Fancy Farm if the Democrats weren’t harassing every Republican and vice versa — it’s been a very lively event for decades,” a McConnell spokesperson told DailyMail.com.
Meanwhile, former President Trump reveled in the jeers of the crowd, continuing his attacks on the Senate Majority Leader he should one day work with again to advance a legislative agenda.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks at the annual St. Jerome Fancy Farm Picnic in Fancy Farm, Kentucky, on Saturday, August 5
‘I AGREE WITH THAT! “BOOOOO – RETIRE, RETIRE, RETIRE – BOOOOO!!!” he wrote on Truth Social, along with a clip from the event.
Over the weekend, Trump suggested the Democrats have “a thing” with Mitch McConnell because the Senate Minority Leader is not doing enough to fight back against the Justice Department.
“This is my 28th Fancy Farm, and I want to assure you it won’t be my last,” McConnell told the crowd, to the chant of “LOST THE SENATE” and “RETIRE.”
The 81-year-old GOP leader spoke clearly and without issue — weeks after a freeze at a news conference raised questions about his health.
McConnell poked at Democrats — including Governor Andy Beshear, who is running against GOP challenger and former McConnell staffer Daniel Cameron for a second term.
“I’m glad Governor Beshear finally decided to come to Fancy Farm,” McConnell joked. It’s been 143 years on the first Saturday of August. But Andy only came to make time for you as he watches Election Day. I know a thing or two about beating Beshears, and I can tell you, Andy makes his dad look like a Republican.”
“Make no mistake: Biden and Beshear are fat as thieves,” McConnell said.
McConnell froze for 20 seconds as he spoke at his leadership briefing late last month, unable to finish his sentence.
‘Is everything all right?’ asked Sen. John Barrasso, a former orthopedic surgeon and the third-highest-ranking Republican in the Senate, grasping his arm. “Is there anything else you want to say or should we just go back to your office?”
After a few moments, he led McConnell away from the lectern and into his office.
Another GOP senator John Thune continued with the press conference, before McConnell returned and said, “I’m fine.”
When a reporter asked if he felt he could fully do his job, McConnell said “yes” and moved on.
Former President Trump posted on Sunday evening that he thought McConnell should step down from his position
McConnell, left, is assisted by Senator John Barrasso, second from right, and a Capitol police officer after the GOP leader froze
This year’s 143rd annual St. Jerome on Saturday attracted nearly 15,000 attendees and nearly 20 Republican and Democratic candidates and office holders who made political remarks and shouted their speeches to cheers and boos from the crowd.
Beshear and Cameron made their own pitches to voters – Cameron made an anti-trans joke and paired the current governor with the president.
“Governor, I know you guys are obsessed with pronouns these days, but in November yours will be ‘is’ and ‘is,'” Cameron said.
Earlier this year, Beshear vetoed a bill that would ban sex reassignment services for children and allow school staff to call students by their biological sex.
Beshear praised his wins in the first term.
“When you have a historic winning streak, you don’t fire the coach, you don’t fire the quarterback,” Beshear said. “You keep that team on the field and you book championships.”
With a 64 percent approval rating, Beshear is among the top 10 most popular governors in the country — even in ruby red Kentucky, according to Morning consultation.