Concerns about the Republican leader’s health. McConnell froze at the meeting [WIDEO]

It initially appeared that McConnell, 81, missed a question about his views during a meeting in Covington, Kentucky. But it soon became apparent that his health problems were more serious.

Then the senator froze on the podium and did not speak for about 30 seconds. After a while, one of his colleagues approached him, but the politician didn’t seem to show any reaction. “Well, I’m sorry everyone. We’re going to need a moment,” a McConnell staffer said at the time.

McConnell then indicated that he was ready to ask another question. He was asked about Kentucky Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who is running for governor. Then the aide repeated the questions in the senator’s ear. After a moment, McConnell replied, “I think the race for governor is going to be very close,” but his voice was visibly weakening with every word he said. After a while he was taken out of the room.