Thune takes over press conference after McConnell falters

Republican leader stops speaking mid-sentence

South Dakota Sen. John Thune had to take charge of a press conference Wednesday after Republican conference leader Mitch McConnell lost his train of thought and was seemingly unable to speak.

McConnell began the weekly leadership press conference discussing progress on the National Defense Authorization Act. But 30 seconds into his introduction the Kentucky senator stopped speaking mid-sentence and stared blankly ahead. His leadership team, including Thune, was standing behind. As the seconds ticked by they became increasingly uncomfortable when it was evident McConnell couldn’t continue.

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