Friends, Politicians, Colleagues React to Death of Sen. John McCain
By RJ Johnson - @rickerthewriter
August 26, 2018
Arizona Sen. John McCain passed away Saturday afternoon at the age of 81 and hundreds of people from both sides of the aisle took to Twitter to offer their condolences and well-wishes for the family.
McCain was was diagnosed with glioblastoma brain cancer in July 2017 and underwent various treatments, including both chemotherapy and radiation over the last year. His family announced Friday that the senator would discontinue treatment, thanking everyone for their love and support.
President Donald Trump offered his sympathies in a tweet Saturday afternoon, shortly after the news was announced.
My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 26, 2018
John McCain was my friend. I will remember the good times. My family and I send prayers for Cindy and the McCain family.
— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) August 26, 2018
- Sarah Palin and family pic.twitter.com/KRvcIQ99cA
His daughter, Meghan McCain, posted a touching tribute to her father online praising him as a "hero of the republic."
I love you forever - my beloved father @SenJohnMcCain pic.twitter.com/Y50tVQvlVe
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 26, 2018
McCain's former opponent in the 2008 presidential contest, President Barack Obama, offered his own tribute in a statement released by his office.
"John McCain and I were members of different generations, came from completely different backgrounds, and competed at the highest level of politics. But we shared, for all our differences, a fidelity to something higher - the ideals for which generations of Americans and immigrants have fought, marched, and sacrificed. We saw our political battles, even as a privilege, something noble, an opportunity to serve as stewards of those high ideals at home, and to advance them around the world. We saw this country as a place where anything is possible - and citizenship as our patriotic obligation to ensure it forever remains that way.
Few of us have been tested the way John once was, or required to show the kind of courage that he did. But all of us can aspire to the courage to put the greater good above out own. At John's best, he showed us what that means. And for that, we are all in his debt. Michelle and I send our most heartfelt condolences to Cindy and their family."
- Barack and Michelle Obama
Steve Schmidt, McCain's campaign manager during the 2008 election wrote in a tweet that the Arizona Senator "belongs to the ages."
John McCain belongs to the ages. He perfectly loved this country and served it with valor, courage and integrity for 60 years. He was a patriot and a hero and America will never see a political leader like him again. He was the greatest man I’ve ever known. Godspeed John McCain
— Steve Schmidt (@SteveSchmidtSES) August 26, 2018
America and Freedom have lost one of her greatest champions.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 26, 2018
….And I’ve lost one of my dearest friends and mentor.
I will need some time to absorb this, but I want Cindy —and the entire McCain family — to know they are in my prayers.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 26, 2018
My statement on the passing of Senator John McCain. pic.twitter.com/ZuM18FUo31
— Al Gore (@algore) August 26, 2018
Godspeed, John McCain. A great American life, lived with courage until the end.
— John Boehner (@SpeakerBoehner) August 26, 2018
As you go through life, you meet few truly great people. John McCain was one of them. His dedication to his country and the military were unsurpassed, and maybe most of all, he was a truth teller - never afraid to speak truth to power in an era where that has become all too rare.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) August 26, 2018
America has lost one of its iconic political leaders with the passing of John McCain. He was of course a senator of distinction and a presidential candidate. Born into a storied military family, McCain first earned national attention during his years of imprisonment in Vietnam.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) August 26, 2018
We just lost an American hero. A legend. A brave and important voice. A real man. A true patriot. Our hearts are heavy. John McCain was what we all wish for in a leader. He delivered.. He served his country in every way he could .. to the end.
— Mika Brzezinski (@morningmika) August 26, 2018
Condolences and prayers to the McCain Family.
— Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) August 26, 2018
Gratitude and respect for John McCain, who served the nation honorably and courageously as a Navy Captain, POW in Vietnam, and US Senator.
May he Rest In Peace.
Sad for his family. There is also a sadness for the country ... to lose a man like Sen. John McCain.
— T.J. Holmes (@tjholmes) August 26, 2018
Though I didn’t always agree with him politically, John McCain is a true American hero and legend. My heart goes out to his beautiful family. God Bless. pic.twitter.com/Y22KV2lMIO
— Tomi Lahren (@TomiLahren) August 26, 2018
One of the most gracious political speeches you'll see - Sen. McCain's concession to President-elect @BarackObama, and his calling to the country.https://t.co/dNOT9Cx2SM
— David Jolly (@DavidJollyFL) August 26, 2018
God Bless the memory and legacy of Sen. John McCain. Though we often disagreed, I always found him a gentleman and a patriot. RIP, Senator.
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) August 26, 2018
John McCain was my friend and one of my heroes. He devoted his life to duty, honor and country. He shall always be a role model for me.
— Senator Bill Nelson (@SenBillNelson) August 26, 2018
Photo: Getty Images