Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., delivered a blistering critique of Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., during a Friday appearance on Andrew Wilkow’s SiriusXM program, accusing the longtime Senate leader of obstructing conservative priorities and questioning whether he is mentally fit to continue serving in Congress.
Norman made the remarks on “The Wilkow Majority” while discussing The SAVE Act, legislation aimed at ensuring that only American citizens can vote. The South Carolina congressman expressed frustration that just one Democrat crossed party lines on the measure.
“I mean, we had one Democrat that came over. It took the Republicans to do that to make sure you’re an American citizen,” Norman said. He went on to criticize the direction of the Democratic Party, saying, “The whole party now is the party of Madami out of New York and Gavin Newsom in California, and the only way you deal with them is beat ’em.”
Host Andrew Wilkow pressed Norman on what he expects to happen in the Senate, where the SAVE Act faces procedural hurdles.
“They need to do a walking filibuster where you talk and just break ’em like that,” Norman responded. He argued that Republicans should force extended debate and ultimately push to eliminate the 60-vote threshold required to overcome a filibuster.
“We need to break the filibuster and so we can get it with 51 votes and not have the threshold of 60 because we’ll never get that,” Norman said. He accused Democrats of disregarding the harm they cause the country, adding, “Their intent, they could care less about the harm that they caused America. And they’re Marxists, they just are. And it is a far reach to think they’re gonna change their mind. They just don’t care.”
Wilkow then raised reports suggesting that McConnell may be a key figure slowing the legislation in the Senate, asking why the Kentucky Republican — who has previously supported voter ID measures — would oppose the SAVE Act.
Norman did not hold back.
“Well, two things. He hates Donald Trump. Trump Syndrome is alive and well with him,” Norman said. He then escalated his criticism, asserting, “Secondly, he should be in a nursing home. He shouldn’t be in the United States Congress casting votes.”
Norman further accused McConnell of clinging to power and being influenced by special interests. “Thirdly, he exercises power. And I think he’s beholden to the special interests. And this is politics gone wrong. And this is where term limits have to be in effect to get these people out,” he argued.
The congressman, who is running for governor of South Carolina this election cycle, also referenced McConnell’s recent health issues. “From what I understand, they have a hard time getting him to the floor to vote,” Norman said. “I mean, it is kind of basic, being able to get to the floor and vote whether it’s wheelchair or not. But mentally, I don’t think he’s there.”
McConnell, who holds the record as the longest-serving party leader in Senate history, has faced several health challenges in recent months and is not seeking reelection.
Norman’s remarks underscore growing tensions within the Republican Party over strategy, leadership and how aggressively to push election-related legislation in a deeply divided Senate.
