President Donald Trump reached out to assist Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell climb the stairs after their press conference Monday in the White House Rose Garden.
Trump reached out to offer McConnell a hand as the pair returned to the Oval Office, a moment that many observers captured on social media.
That hand-lock between Trump and McConnell, though. https://t.co/xFClDYCmdQ
— Daniella Diaz (@DaniellaMicaela) October 16, 2017
Veteran Capitol Hill reporters know that as a childhood survivor of polio, McConnell has difficulty climbing stairs or walking quickly.
McConnell is a polio survivor, a reason why stairs can be tricky at times
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) October 16, 2017
he had polio as a kid…. https://t.co/TtHf2tE8Fv
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) October 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/spettypi/status/920008881375457282
Republican strategists also quickly offered an explanation for McConnell’s exit.
You’re the senior editor of a political publication but don’t know they McConnell’s childhood polio now makes stairs difficult for him?
— Doug Stafford (@dougstafford) October 16, 2017
okay McConnell had polio as a kid and isn't super steady at all times.
You good now? https://t.co/SCLHJx41yb
— Tyler Norris (@TXTylerNorris) October 16, 2017
“Childhood polio. Anything else you’d like to highlight?” Josh Holmes, a former Chief of Staff and campaign manager for U.S. Sen. Leader Mitch McConnell noted.
Childhood polio. Anything else you'd like to highlight? https://t.co/FnRW7iiqNw
— Josh Holmes (@HolmesJosh) October 16, 2017
McConnell had childhood polio. He often takes it one step at a time. Does this help you? https://t.co/zbdwNE2AVR
— SalenaZito (@SalenaZito) October 16, 2017
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.