In an unexpected turn of events at the Fancy Farm picnic in Kentucky, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was met with a chorus of heckling from the crowd. The political event, known for its lively atmosphere, turned hostile as McConnell took to the stage, with chants of “Ditch Mitch” and “Retire” reverberating through the audience.
The event attracts politicians and voters from across the state, creating a unique blend of celebration and political discourse. This year, however, McConnell’s speech and the subsequent backlash stole the spotlight. Though McConnell has eschewed public speaking events in recent years, he regularly attends the annual event.
Unfazed by the vocal opposition, McConnell continued his speech, focusing on his policies and plans for Kentuckians. His composure amidst the uproar was a testament to his political experience. However, the persistent chants served as a stark reminder of the challenges he might as the Minority Leader in the U.S. Senate.
Conservative influencer Benny Johnson wrote that McConnell was “heckled by the crowd” for the entire five minute speech, describing it as a “total humiliation” for the 81-year-old politician.
WATCH: Mitch McConnell gets heckled by crowd during his speech for 5 MINUTES STRAIGHT.
Chants of “RETIRE” and “Ditch Mitch” completely drown him out.
TOTAL HUMILIATION pic.twitter.com/QV3pBm1dIF
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 7, 2023
McConnell has been facing renewed questions about his health since suffering a fall, then an unreported fall, before staring blankly into a camera earlier this month. The Fancy Farm picnic, a cherished tradition in Kentucky, was supposed to provide McConnell with a platform to connect with constituents and rally support. Instead, the vociferous calls for his retirement underscored the growing dissatisfaction among some voters.
The incident at the Fancy Farm picnic reflects the mounting frustration towards McConnell’s leadership. Concerns about his health have added fuel to the fire, causing some to question his ability to lead Republicans effectively in the Senate.
45th President Donald Trump, possibly McConnell’s strongest detractor from within the Republican Party, celebrated the incident in a post on Truth Social.
“I agree,” wrote Trump, before quoting the crowd: “Booo – Retire, retire, retire – booo!!!”
Donald Trump responds to Mitch McConnell getting heckled with chants calling on him to retire:
— ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) August 7, 2023
