USA: Mitch McConnell, the minority leader in the US Senate, is still "intellectually sharp," a fellow Republican senator told NBC News on Friday in the wake of an incident that occurred on live television and raised questions about McConnell's health.

The senator, a self-described "McConnell ally," noted "murmurings" within the party about the Republican Senate leader, saying they "kind of do" think he should step down given his advanced age in an interview with the outlet under the condition of anonymity.

"I don't want it to be forced on him. You can carry out these actions with dignity, or it stops being so. For his own legacy and reputation, I hope he does it in a dignified manner, the unnamed lawmaker added.

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The senator added that while McConnell is still "intellectually sharp" and "bright on a whole host of issues, including baseball," he is not as active in the legislative process as he once was.

People believe he has hearing issues, the senator said. "I believe he is simply not processing,"

Another Republican senator who is said to be close to McConnell noted that the senator is "definitely slower with his gait," but added that the lawmaker rarely talks about his own health.

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During his remarks at the weekly news conference of the Republican leadership on Capitol Hill on Wednesday afternoon, McConnell abruptly stopped speaking. The politician was silent for a brief period and appeared perplexed before staffers led him away from the cameras. Though he later entered the conference alone and declared himself "fine," the incident made observers wonder if the senior Republican had experienced a partial seizure or a stroke.

The 81-year-old has fallen three times already this year, the worst of which left him with a concussion and a fractured rib, preventing him from working for six weeks. Since the head injury, McConnell has repeatedly shown signs of difficulty answering questions from reporters. 

He had a really bad fall, and that actually affected him. Naturally, that fall had an impact on him, said Republican Senator Ron Johnson to NBC, adding: "Age has an impact on all of us. You cannot dispute that fact.

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Senior Democrats, including President Joe Biden, the oldest US leader to hold office at 80 years old, have faced similar concerns from Democrats on the other side of the aisle. Biden's age has been in the news several times since taking office in 2021, including after numerous falls and frequent verbal blunders.

Senior Democrats, including President Joe Biden, the oldest US leader to hold office at 80 years old, have faced similar concerns from Democrats on the other side of the aisle. Biden's age has been in the news several times since taking office in 2021, including after numerous falls and frequent verbal blunders.