Watch McCain’s floor speech after Flake says he is leaving Senate

PHOENIX — U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) spoke on the Senate floor Tuesday minutes after his colleague, Jeff Flake, said he would not re-election because of the divisive political climate.

“It’s been one of the great honors of my life to have the opportunity to serve with a man of integrity, and honor, and decency, and commitment – to not only Arizona, but the United States of America,” McCain said in his speech.

Flake was combative in his address, putting a majority of the blame for the state of the nation’s politics on the shoulders of President Donald Trump, with whom he has feuded since the campaign trail.

“I have decided that I will be better able to represent the people of Arizona and to better serve my country and my conscience by freeing myself from the political considerations that consume far too much bandwidth and would cause me to compromise far too many principles,” he said.

You can watch McCain’s full speech above or read the text below:

“It’s been one of the great honors of my life to have the opportunity to serve with a man of integrity, and honor, and decency, and commitment – to not only Arizona, but the United States of America.

“I have seen Jeff Flake stand up for what he believes in, knowing full well that there would be a political price to pay … So I would just like to say, Jeff, I’ve known you now for a number of years.

“I know you have served Arizona and the country. And there’s one thing that I’m absolutely sure of and that you will continue that service, which is part of your family, it’s part of your view of America, it’s part of your willingness and desire to serve Arizona.

“And one of the great privileges of my life has been to have the opportunity to know you and serve with you. So, as we look, all of us, at some point, at the time we have spent here – whether it be short or whether it be long – we look back and we think about what we could’ve done, what we should’ve done, what we might’ve done, and the mistakes we made, and the things we’re proud of.

“Well, when the Flake service to this country and this Senate is reviewed, it will be one of honor, of brilliance, and patriotism, and love of country. I thank you, and God bless you and your family.”

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