McConnell aide dodges live on-air call amid hospital stay

Longtime McConnell adviser Scott Jennings declined an on-air request to call Mitch McConnell during a CNN appearance about the senator’s hospitalization. Jennings said the conversation with McConnell lasted about 20 minutes and emphasized that updates should remain private, while noting McConnell is eager to return to work. Colleagues like Thune and Barrasso have since spoken with McConnell, and Jennings dismissed wild health rumors. McConnell, 84, has been hospitalized since June 14 for undisclosed reasons.