CNN contributor Scott Jennings stated he spoke with Senator McConnell, who is still recovering in the hospital and discussed domestic and international issues.

According to CNN contributor Scott Jennings, who has been a longtime political adviser and confidant of Mitch McConnell, he recently had a nearly 20-minute phone conversation with the senator while McConnell was still recovering in the hospital. 

What Jennings said

Jennings said that despite McConnell's hospitalization:

McConnell was mentally alert and fully engaged.

They discussed several domestic and international issues, including:

Iran

Ukraine

Political developments in Maine

Senate history and current politics

Jennings said the conversation convinced him that McConnell remained intellectually engaged, even though he is still recovering. 

McConnell's health

According to McConnell's office:

He remains hospitalized following a serious medical emergency in mid-June.

His office says he is continuing to improve and is receiving excellent medical care.

No timetable has been announced for his return to the Senate. 

Why Jennings' comments matter

Scott Jennings has worked with McConnell for many years and is considered one of his closest political allies. Because McConnell's office has released very little information about his condition, Jennings' account provides one of the clearest public indications that the senator is recovering and remains engaged in political affairs. 

Bottom line: The report is consistent with recent news. Jennings said he personally spoke with McConnell for about 20 minutes in the hospital, and that the senator discussed both U.S. domestic politics and major international issues, suggesting he remains mentally active while continuing his recovery.