Last week, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) returned to the Senate in a wheelchair, as her handlers explained that she had not completely recuperated from a severe bout of shingles. Despite her appearing disoriented, fatigued and unwell, Democrats expressed their satisfaction in having her presence and support for advancing their agenda.
According to reports from Slate and the Los Angeles Times, a recent interaction between Feinstein and journalists raised concerns about her mental presence.
Despite being on a doctor-prescribed “lighter schedule,” Feinstein managed to find time on Tuesday afternoon to briefly address questions posed to her by Slate’s Jim Newell and other journalists.
Freshly returning from being transported to cast her vote against a Republican bill that effectively halted the enactment of a progressive policing law in the District of Columbia, Feinstein was approached by Jim Newell, who inquired about her well-being. From her wheelchair, Feinstein replied, “Oh, I’m feeling fine. I have a problem with the leg.”
When another reporter followed up with a question about the specific nature of the problem, Feinstein commented, “Well, nothing that’s anyone’s concern but mine.”
Addressing her return on May 10, a reporter inquired about the well-wishes Feinstein received from her Senate colleagues.
In a confusing exchange with the reporter Feinstein asked, “What have I heard about what?
The reporter replied, “About your return.”
Feinstein said, “I haven’t been gone. You should…I haven’t been gone. I’ve been working.”
Another reporter responded, “You’ve been working from home is what you’re saying?”
“No, I’ve been here,” insisted Feinstein. “I’ve been voting. Please, you either know or don’t know.”
Is anyone else becoming at least slightly concerned over the health and mental well-being of Senator Dianne Feinstein?
Feinstein, who is 89 years old, had been absent from the Senate for quite some time. After she returned, Reporter Benjamin Oreskes (below) asked her a series of… pic.twitter.com/JyUbcXJKop
— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) May 17, 2023
Promptly after the unsettling exchange, Feinstein’s handlers swiftly escorted her away.
According to a report by The Huffington Post, upon being positioned in a wheelchair outside the Senate last week, Feinstein asked, “Where am I going?”
While Feinstein’s memory concerning her purpose in the Senate may be faltering, Democrats, who hold a slim majority of 51 out of 100 seats in the Senate and a one-person advantage on the Senate Judiciary Committee, will undoubtedly ensure she is reminded when the next vote arises.
As reported by The Blaze, the senior Democrat was diagnosed with shingles on February 26, which resulted in hospitalization until March 6. Since then, she has reportedly been in the process of recovery.
