Good morning. Welcome, Naxios today. It's Thursday, August 31st. I'm Naila Blue. Today

on the show, the rise of the apocalyptic seed vault, plus hate crimes are still increasing

in the U.S. But first, concerns grow over GOP leadership after Mitch McConnell again

freezes before reporters. That's today's one big thing. Senator Mitch McConnell once again

seemed to freeze up during a press conference yesterday for the second time since late July.

This time, he was in his home state of Kentucky. At this point, McConnell froze for about seven

seconds before one of his aides intervened. Did you hear the question, Senator? Running for

a reelection in 2026. But McConnell was still unable to answer the question.

The incident sent ripples of worry through the Republican Party in Washington yesterday.

Axios politics reporter Hans Nichols was at the White House. Hans, I have to say the video

of this much like the last one is disconcerting and difficult to watch, regardless of what your

political affiliations are. Yeah, it's scary. I don't think that any human could watch that and

think that Mitch McConnell was okay. He appeared disoriented and he appeared confused.

You know, the official explanation that he was light-headed simply doesn't pass the smell test.

And, you know, I suspect and talking to top Republicans, they're going to have to update that

if not entirely alter it and give an explanation that makes a little bit more sense.

Because Republican senators know that they're going to be asked questions and the light-headed

defense simply isn't going to cut it. What do we know about what's going on with McConnell

medically? He's had a series of falls and a head injury this year. So, do we have any more

information on that? No, we know very little. And to be clear, Mitch McConnell isn't in the line

of succession. There's a higher standard for the president, the vice president, the speaker,

the House, and the president pro-town of the Senate. He's a very important, crucial person.

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