Following the news of Sen John McCain’s passing, reactions and statements began pouring in from former President Barack Obama and others. His wife Cindy McCain made a statement via Twitter shortly after his death.
Former President Barack Obama, who defeated McCain in the 2008 presidential race, reflected on their differences but ultimately their shared love of the county:
“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 alike 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.”
Former Vice President Joe Biden said, “McCain will cast a long shadow. His impact on America hasn’t ended. Not even close. It will go on for many years to come.”
Senator Lindsey Graham, one of McCain’s closest friends in the Senate, tweeted: “America and Freedom have lost one of her greatest champions ….And I’ve lost one of my dearest friends and mentor.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement: ““It’s an understatement to say the Senate will not be the same without our friend John.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced he wants to rename one of the Senate office buildings after McCain:
“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.”
Former Secretary of State John Kerry — longtime Senate colleague with John McCain, and a fellow Navy veteran — remembers his friend across the aisle:
“John McCain was an American original — guts, grit, and ultimately grace personified. All of us were blessed by the example he shared with us of a life in service to country. I loved John’s will to fight but respected even more his power to forgive.”
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