In this opinion article, columnist John Casey argues that former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell bears significant responsibility for many of the political and institutional developments that have shaped contemporary American politics.

Using the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as a metaphor, the author contends that while Donald Trump represents the visible symptoms of democratic decline, McConnell helped create the underlying conditions that made those developments possible.

The article is prompted by McConnell's hospitalization and concerns about his health, drawing a comparison to the late Senator Dianne Feinstein's final years in office.

Casey criticizes McConnell's decision in 2016 to block Senate consideration of Merrick Garland's Supreme Court nomination following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia.

According to the author, that move enabled a conservative transformation of the Supreme Court that continues to influence major legal and constitutional questions.

The article also highlights McConnell's longstanding opposition to campaign finance reform, arguing that his efforts contributed to the expansion of political spending and the influence of dark money in elections.The author further faults McConnell for his actions after the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S.

Capitol, noting that although McConnell publicly blamed Donald Trump for the events, he ultimately voted against convicting him during the Senate impeachment trial.Casey argues that this decision helped preserve Trump's political future.

While expressing sympathy for McConnell's health challenges, the article concludes that his political legacy should be evaluated separately from his personal circumstances.

The author maintains that McConnell's strategic use of Senate power over several decades weakened democratic norms and institutions, leaving long-lasting consequences for the United States.