Politicians Grieve John McCain's Death With Touching Tributes

Politicians from both sides of the political aisle mourned the death of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) Saturday while honoring his legacy as a lawmaker and war hero.

The 81-year-old Vietnam veteran died one day after his family announced he would be ending his treatment for brain cancer. McCain was diagnosed in July 2017 and spent most of the following year receiving treatment in Arizona, while continuing his work as a senator.

McCain was a longtime Republican and conservative, but he earned respect as a lawmaker from both Republicans and Democrats, even as he feuded with President Donald Trump.

Reacting to news of McCain’s death, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) tweeted, “America and Freedom have lost on of her greatest champions.”

Graham added, “I’ve lost one of my dearest friends and mentor.”

America and Freedom have lost one of her greatest champions.

….And I’ve lost one of my dearest friends and mentor.

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 26, 2018

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) praised McCain’s drive to speak the truth.

“His dedication to his country and the military were unsurpassed,” Schumer wrote on Twitter. “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.”

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

Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor who was McCain’s running mate during the 2008 presidential election, had a strained relationship with the senator after he admitted he regretted picking her to be his vice presidential candidate.

On Saturday, however, Palin said McCain was her friend and vowed to “remember the good times.”

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 and family pic.twitter.com/KRvcIQ99cA

— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) August 26, 2018

Below, see how political figures paid tribute to McCain:

Former President Barack Obama

Our statement on the passing of Senator John McCain: pic.twitter.com/3GBjNYxoj5

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 26, 2018

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.)

John McCain was a giant of our time—not just for the things he achieved, but for who he was and what he fought for all his life. He will always be listed among freedom’s most gallant and faithful servants.

— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) August 26, 2018

Our hearts are with John’s wife, Cindy, his children, and his grandchildren. This Congress, this country mourn with them.

— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) August 26, 2018

Ryan also issued a longer statement: 

This 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—not just for the things he achieved, but for who he was and what he fought for all his life. John put principle before politics. He put country before self. He was one of the most courageous men of the century. He will always be listed among freedom’s most gallant and faithful servants. Our hearts are with his wife, Cindy, his children, and his grandchildren. This Congress, this country mourn with them.

Former Vice President Al Gore

My statement on the passing of Senator John McCain. pic.twitter.com/ZuM18FUo31

— Al Gore (@algore) August 26, 2018

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R)

A giant. An icon. An American hero. God bless @SenJohnMcCain. He will never be forgotten.

My full statement on the life of an incredible man we were blessed to call a fellow Arizonan: pic.twitter.com/cyhUetFyMH

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) August 26, 2018

U.S. Naval Air Forces

A man who served his country up until his last days...a true patriot and American hero. RIP, John Sidney McCain III. #selflessness#service#hero#FlyNavypic.twitter.com/rLjFgXnv9x

— flynavy (@flynavy) August 26, 2018

Former Vice President Joe Biden

JUST IN: Former Vice President Biden statement on the death of Senator John McCain. https://t.co/Mql3J9hmNs pic.twitter.com/XAWr1Ewevd

— CNBC Now (@CNBCnow) August 26, 2018

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)

John McCain was an American hero, a man of decency and honor and a friend of mine. He will be missed not just in the U.S. Senate but by all Americans who respect integrity and independence. Jane and I send our deepest condolences to his family.

— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) August 26, 2018

Meghan McCain

I love you forever - my beloved father @SenJohnMcCainpic.twitter.com/Y50tVQvlVe

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 26, 2018

Cindy McCain

My heart is broken. I am so lucky to have lived the adventure of loving this incredible man for 38 years. He passed the way he lived, on his own terms, surrounded by the people he loved, in the the place he loved best.

— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) August 26, 2018





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