Some big news today, one week after turning 82,
Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader
in US history, unfroze long enough
to make a big announcement.
REPORTER: We have some breaking news from Capitol Hill
to tell you about.
Senator Mitch McConnell says he will
step down from his position as Republican leader
come November.
McConnell is the longest-serving Senate
leader in history.
One of life's most underappreciated talents
is to know when it's time to move
on to life's next chapter.
[LAUGHTER]
Next chapter?
I don't think there's that much left in the book, my friend.
I think you're looking at the acknowledgments page
right now.
But, yes, this is the end of Mitch's reign in the Senate.
And in honor of all that he's done to stop mass shootings,
there will be a 21 gun salute at an elementary school
later this month.
But this does raise a question, how do aging politicians know
whether they still have it together enough
to keep doing their jobs?
Well, we found the doctor who lets them all know.
Take a look.
Chuck Grassley turned 90 years old.
DR. DENNIS LOWRY-STEIN: America's ruling class
is composed mostly of old people that
work tirelessly to ensure our country is
running at full speed.
Good morning, Sunday morning.
DR. DENNIS LOWRY-STEIN: But despite them passing
a full yearly medical exam, some people
wonder, who is the doctor evaluating the mental fitness
of America's top leaders?
Well, let's put it this way, he has two thumbs.
My name is Dr. Dennis Lowry-Stein.
And I am the US government's chief neurologist.
It's my job to evaluate our leaders' brains.
And the good news is, they're all perfect.
Let's take a look at President Biden.
America is a nation that can be defined in a single word.
I was in foothim--
foot-- excuse me, the foothills of the Himalayas
with Xi Jinping.
That's amazing.
His brain is switching languages mid-sentence.
That is muy bueno or should I say muy brian-o.
As someone who's suffered from multiple brain injuries
myself, I know just how important mental health is.
And I know that because I've suffered from many brain
injuries myself.
I came here for my leg.
OK, Senator McConnell, I'm just
going to ask you a few questions
to check the old noggin.
OK, what is this a picture of?
Yeah, I guess it does kind of make you think.
Good insight, Senator.
I'm going to clear you for another six years.
OK.
I check every part of the brain--
port side, the mezuzah, Einstein's taint,
and the Lisa Loeb, the back.
How did I get this job?
Well, I'm Nancy Pelosi's nephew.
I mean, I'm not, but she thinks I am, so.
I haven't personally met all my patients,
but you don't have to.
Neurology is something you can just kind of eyeball.
Five minutes later and they say go back to that point.
They don't tell you this, go back to that question
and repeat them.
Can you do it?
And you go, person, woman, man, camera, TV.
More words than I know.
The best part of my job is reassuring the public
that their leaders are OK.
No, wait, the best part is writing my own prescriptions,
but after that, reassuring the public.
[SPEAKING SIMULTANEOUSLY]
I know, I know a lot of you have expressed concerns
for the senator's well-being, but I have his
test results right here, 100%.
That's what he said when I asked him what year it was.
And you know what?
To me, that's close enough.
[SPEAKING SIMULTANEOUSLY]
DR. DENNIS LOWRY-STEIN: Bottom line,
if you were worried about the mental faculties
of our highest-ranking officials,
just remember, you've got a professional making
sure everything is OK.
Yes, hi, I just wanted to inform
Senator Feinstein that her brain
is cleared for another term.
Oh, she's dead?
I see.
No, no, that doesn't change my diagnosis at all.
You have a good day.
[CHEERING]