{"id":23009,"date":"2018-08-26T01:25:17","date_gmt":"2018-08-26T01:25:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2018\/08\/26\/political-leaders-react-to-john-mccains-death\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T20:41:46","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T20:41:46","slug":"political-leaders-react-to-john-mccains-death","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/congress\/2018\/08\/26\/political-leaders-react-to-john-mccains-death\/","title":{"rendered":"Political leaders react to John McCain\u2019s death"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WASHINGTON \u2014 News of Sen. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarytimes.com\/news\/pentagon-congress\/2018\/08\/26\/john-mccain-war-hero-political-giant-dies-at-81\/\" target=_blank>John McCain\u2019s death<\/a> Saturday after a lengthy battle with brain cancer was greeted with sadness and fond memories from congressional colleagues, fellow veterans and even political rivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarytimes.com\/news\/pentagon-congress\/2018\/08\/24\/mccain-opts-to-end-medical-treatment-for-his-brain-cancer\/\" target=_blank>McCain<\/a>, 81, was a Navy veteran who spent more than five years in captivity during the Vietnam War and returned home to become one of the most influential political voices of the last two decades. The longtime Republican senator from Arizona unsuccessfully ran for president twice, but was among the most well-known statesmen in America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In recent months, numerous notable political leaders had praised McCain as a die-hard conservative who nonetheless found reasons to work towards compromise with Democrats on and off Capitol Hill. Here are a few of reactions to his passing:<\/p>\n\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/militarytimes\/news\/pentagon-congress\/2018\/08\/26\/john-mccain-war-hero-political-giant-dies-at-81\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"219\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AP_17293442564560.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">John McCain \u2014 war hero, political giant \u2014 dies at 81<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">John McCain, the onetime Navy pilot and longtime lawmaker, was among the best known veterans in America, and has arguably been the most influential and consistent military advocate for the Republican Party over the last three decades.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Former President Barack Obama<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cJohn 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 \u2013 the ideals for which generations of Americans and immigrants alike have fought, marched, and sacrificed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe 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 \u2013 and citizenship as our patriotic obligation to ensure it forever remains that way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFew 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 our own. At John\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;We have lost a man who steadfastly represented the best ideals of our country. As a Naval Officer and defiant prisoner of war, John McCain stood with his brothers-in-arms until they returned home together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Passionately committed to our country, Senator McCain always put service to the Nation before self. He recognized that for our experiment in democracy to long endure, people of action and passion must serve. In this he represented what he believed, that \u2018a shared purpose does not claim our identity \u2014 on the contrary, it enlarges your sense of self.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;His was a life well lived, one whose actions epitomized the motto of his alma mater, the U.S. Naval Academy: non sibi, sed patriae \u2014 \u2018not for self, but for country.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Veterans of Foreign Wars National Commander B.J. Lawrence<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe senator is being remembered as a maverick at the U.S. Naval Academy, as a naval aviator, as a five and a half-year prisoner of war, and as a two-term U.S. congressman and six-term U.S. senator from Arizona.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBut we remember Senator McCain as a 32-year life member of VFW Post 7401 in Chandler, Ariz., and as a staunch supporter of a strong military as well as a champion for our troops, our veterans and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cJohn McCain was a patriot who cared deeply about the health and well-being of those who have worn the uniform of our country and their families. On behalf of the entire VFW family, I send our deepest condolences to his family for their loss, and thank them for their strength and support that enabled him to continue serving our great nation for so many years. Bravo Zulu.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Former Vice President Joe Biden<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cJohn McCain\u2019s life is proof that some truths are timeless. Character. Courage. Integrity. Honor. A life lived embodying those truths casts a long, long shadow. John McCain will cast a long shadow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHis impact on America hasn\u2019t ended. Not even close. It will go on for many years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cJohn was many things \u2014 a proud graduate of the Naval Academy, a Senate colleague, a political opponent. But, to me, more than anything, John was a friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAmerica will miss John McCain. The world will miss John McCain. And I will miss him dearly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis. <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis is a sad day for the United States. Our country has lost a decorated war hero and statesman. John McCain was a giant of our time \u2014 not just for the things he achieved, but for who he was and what he fought for all his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cJohn put principle before politics. He put country before self. He was one of the most courageous men of the century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHe will always be listed among freedom\u2019s most gallant and faithful servants. Our hearts are with his wife, Cindy, his children, and his grandchildren. This Congress, this country mourn with them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Senate Armed Services Committee ranking member Jack Reed, D-R.I. <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend and colleague, John McCain. As a young naval aviator, he was shot down, tortured, and mistreated \u2013 but his spirit was never broken. Through a lifetime of service, he bore the scars of war, politics, and cancer, but never gave in to despair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHe was strengthened by trials and ordeals that would have overcome lesser men. And I think some of his darkest, most difficult experiences gave him an even greater love for our democracy and American values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAmerica lost a true patriot and one of the most unique, hard-charging legislators in modern American history. I have lost a colleague I am proud to call my friend and Chairman. I will miss his good-natured jabs at West Point, his fierce independence, and wise counsel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAt a time when divisiveness is too often deployed for short-term political gain, John valued patriotism over partisanship. He understood the importance of working together \u2013 and that by moving forward together we can achieve lasting progress.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThere has been no better advocate for our servicemembers and veterans than John and it was an honor to work closely with him on achieving the most significant VA reform Congress has passed in decades with the VA MISSION Act. This could not have been possible without his leadership and knowledge, and it was fitting that the bill was named after him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cJohn was a friend and an example to me and many others. He leaves behind a legacy of courage and conviction \u2013 I hope we all can reflect on these values as we work together to heal and advance America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cRobba and I are praying for John\u2019s wife, Cindy, their children and grandchildren, as well as John\u2019s mother, and we thank them for sharing John with us for so many years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">America and Freedom have lost one of her greatest champions.<br><br>\u2026.And I\u2019ve lost one of my dearest friends and mentor.<\/p>&mdash; Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/LindseyGrahamSC\/status\/1033512299376590849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">August 26, 2018<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">We didn\u2019t always agree, but there was no finer senator to debate on the issues. He did it ferociously\u2014and respectfully. And taught us all by his example. There was better friend, no worse enemy. Sending all our love &amp; condolences to <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/MeghanMcCain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@MeghanMcCain<\/a> &amp; the entire McCain family. <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/iava?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@IAVA<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Paul Rieckhoff\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 (@PaulRieckhoff) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/PaulRieckhoff\/status\/1033521537012432896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">August 26, 2018<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Today, the nation mourns the loss of a great American patriot. My full statement on the passing of <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/SenJohnMcCain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@SenJohnMcCain<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/yKDgnPw6vm\">pic.twitter.com\/yKDgnPw6vm<\/a><\/p>&mdash; U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (@SenMcConnell) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/SenMcConnell\/status\/1033515088999849984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">August 26, 2018<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The Senate, the United States, and the world are lesser places without John McCain.<br> <br>Nothing will overcome the loss of Senator McCain, but so that generations remember him I will be introducing a resolution to rename the Russell building after him.<\/p>&mdash; Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/SenSchumer\/status\/1033514443437694977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">August 26, 2018<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"500\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">John McCain loved America and sacrificed his freedom and his health to defend it and his fellow servicemembers. Laura and I mourn his passing and our hearts go out to his family for their loss.<\/p>&mdash; U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/SenBillCassidy\/status\/1033512087631392770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">August 26, 2018<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The former prisoner of war and longtime Arizona senator passed away Saturday at the age of 81.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":51029,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","_acf":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":8,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","_smg_distribution_targets":[]},"categories":[8,160,36],"tags":[],"coauthors":[3424],"class_list":["post-23009","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-congress","category-daily-news-roundup","category-newsletters"],"acf":{"subheadline":"","legacy_arc_id":"KPNQ2XHXAFES3LS3BPEXJYA5L4","arc_canonical_url":"\/news\/pentagon-congress\/2018\/08\/26\/political-leaders-react-to-john-mccains-death\/","remove_feature_photo":false,"is_sponsored":false,"subtype":"","redirect_url":"","disable_inline_ads":false,"native_logo_pretext":"Presented 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