Family, presidents, politicians tweet condolences after McCain passes away

PHOENIX — Family, two presidents and other politicians around the nation paid tribute to U.S. Sen. John McCain after his passing on Saturday evening.

He died of brain cancer at the age of 81.

McCain’s wife and daughter released remarks shortly after the death.

Cindy McCain, his wife, said he passed the way he lived.

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

His daughter, Meghan McCain, tweeted that her father “taught me how to live.”

I love you forever – my beloved father @SenJohnMcCain pic.twitter.com/Y50tVQvlVe

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 26, 2018

Jack McCain said his father’s desire to help a “cause greater than himself” defined him.

It is not the man that was great, but instead it was his desire to serve a cause greater than himself that defined his life. To me, he was a giant, but to him he was an imperfect servant of the nation he loved deeply. Fair winds, following seas, and clear skies.

— Jack McCain (@McCainJack) August 26, 2018

U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake, who has served in the Senate since 2013, released a lengthy written piece in the Washington Post about his service and friendship with McCain.

It was titled “I am grateful for John McCain.”

Flake said he has never known Washington without him.

“Just as he taught the country the value of standing alone to do what is right, he taught me that as well,” Flake wrote.

He also wrote about McCain outside the office — traveling to Afghanistan to visit soldiers, checking in on a Democratic congressman with Parkinson’s disease, watching Oak Creek in Arizona.

“Today, I am grateful for John McCain,” Flake ends with. “I’m grateful for the long and meaningful miles he traveled, and for having the privilege of having traveled just a few of those miles with him.”

McCain’s influence was apparent from the highest branches of office. Every living president gave remarks about the Maverick.

Pres. Donald Trump tweeted his condolences to McCain’s family.

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

His wife, first lady Melania Trump, also gave her respects to the senator.

“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to the McCain Family. Thank you Senator McCain for your service to the nation,” she said.

Pres. Barack Obama, McCain’s opponent in the 2008 Presidential elections, said that though they had differences, the two shared ideals.

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

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 26, 2018

Pres. George W. Bush released a statement on his presidential center’s website.

“Some lives are so vivid, it is difficult to imagine them ended. Some voices are so vibrant, it is hard to think of them stilled. John McCain was a man of deep conviction and a patriot of the highest order,” his statement said.

Pres. Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton released a joint statement saying he was “never afraid to break the mold.”

“Senator John McCain believed that every citizen has a responsibility to make something of the freedoms given by our Constitution, and from his heroic service in the Navy to his 35 years in Congress, he lived by his creed every day.  He was a skilled, tough politician, as well as a trusted colleague alongside whom Hillary was honored to serve in the Senate.  He frequently put partisanship aside to do what he thought was best for the country, and was never afraid to break the mold if it was the right thing to do.  I will always be especially grateful for his leadership in our successful efforts to normalize relations with Vietnam.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Cindy, his mother, Roberta, his children, and his entire family.”

Vice presidents also remarked on McCain’s character and service.

Vice President Mike Pence tweeted in prayer and remembrance of McCain’s service.

Karen and I send our deepest condolences to Cindy and the entire McCain family on the passing of Senator John McCain. We honor his lifetime of service to this nation in our military and in public life. His family and friends will be in our prayers. God bless John McCain.

— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) August 26, 2018

Former vice president Joe Biden also released a statement, honoring McCain’s history as a prisoner of war and saying the veteran’s “impact on America hasn’t ended.”

John McCain was many things – a proud graduate of the Naval Academy, a Senate colleague, a political opponent.

But, to me, more than anything, John was a friend. He will be missed dearly. pic.twitter.com/AS8YsMLw3d

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 26, 2018

Former vice president Dick Cheney said McCain “fought for a world that was safer.”

“John McCain served our nation with honor and distinction. He fought for a world that was safer and more free and sacrificed mightily for the nation he loved. Lynne and our family join me in sending our condolences and prayers to the McCain family,” he said.

Former Vice President Al Gore said he admired McCain from across the aisle.

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

— Al Gore (@algore) August 26, 2018

McCain was internationally renowned. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said citizens of his country will also celebrate McCain’s life.

“Senator John McCain was an American patriot and hero whose sacrifices for his country, and lifetime of public service, were an inspiration to millions. Canadians join Americans tonight in celebrating his life and mourning his passing,” Trudeau said.

Sarah Palin, McCain’s 2008 running mate, reminded the nation that McCain “never took the easy path” and inspired others.

“Today we lost an American original. Sen. John McCain was a maverick and a fighter, never afraid to stand for his beliefs. John never took the easy path in life – and through sacrifice and suffering he inspired others to serve something greater than self. John McCain was my friend. I will remember the good times. My family and I send prayers for Cindy and the McCain family,” she said.

Several Arizona public figures released statements on McCain as well.

Ariz. Gov. Doug Ducey called for flags to be flown at half-mast and said the veteran brought America “above partisanship and challenged us to be great.”

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. Rep. Martha McSally gave her condolences to the McCain family.

John McCain was one of Arizona’s greatest Senators, one of our country’s finest statesmen, and an American hero who risked his life to defend this great nation. He loved this state, and he loved this country.

— Martha McSally (@RepMcSally) August 26, 2018

Former state Senator Kelli Ward referenced McCain’s decades in service.

We are saddened to hear of the passing of @SenJohnMcCain. His decades of service will not be forgotten by the men & women of Arizona. May God grant the McCain family comfort and peace during this difficult time.

— Dr. Kelli Ward (@kelliwardaz) August 26, 2018

U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema called McCain a patriot in a tweet.

Arizona will never be the same. @SenJohnMcCain may you rest in peace, and may comfort come to your family – and to all of us who will grieve your loss to our great country. A statesmen, a patriot, our Arizona hero.

— Kyrsten Sinema (@kyrstensinema) August 26, 2018

U.S. Andy Biggs released several tweets honoring McCain.

When I won election to the U.S. House, Senator McCain invited me to his office to talk to me about Congress. He dismissed his staff and mine and we spent more than an hour talking about politics, family, and America. I will always remember that occasion with great fondness.

— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) August 26, 2018

U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego tweeted a short statement and released a longer one.

“John McCain is a national hero. From Vietnam to the halls of Congress, Senator McCain served our country his entire life. In the way he lived, he set an example of courage, honor, and love of country that will inspire young Americans for generations to come.

“All of us, in Arizona and across our land, have lost a truly great public servant. My sincerest condolences to Senator McCain’s family and his loved ones on their loss.”

U.S. Rep Paul Gosar said McCain will always be remembered.

Senator John McCain led a meaningful and full life. He served his country and his family with honor and respect. He will always be remembered for a life well lived.

— Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS (@RepGosar) August 26, 2018

U.S. Rep. Tom O’Halleran mourned McCain in a statement, which included:

“Senator McCain held himself to the highest standards, and he is a model of leadership through true public service. His legacy is that of a fighter who always put his country and the American people first. He was well-known for reaching across the aisle, putting party aside to try to solve the challenges our nation faced. He had foresight and tackled tough issues head-on.”

State Sen. Steve Farley released a statement encompassed in five tweets, saying that “No one has served our nation and the state of Arizona with more conviction and purpose than Senator John McCain.”

I, along with all my fellow Arizonans, are devastated to hear of his passing and wish the best to his family, especially Cindy and Meghan, during these extremely difficult times.

— Steve Farley (@SteveFarleyAZ) August 26, 2018

Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords tweeted that there is “no equal” to McCain.

Arizona will not be the same without Senator John McCain. There is no equal to his service and integrity. @ShuttleCDRKelly and I are holding his family in our hearts tonight. We’ll miss you, John.

— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) August 26, 2018

Former Phoenix mayor Greg Stanton said McCain is “ingrained in our state’s identity.”

.@SenJohnMcCain was an American hero by any measure. My statement on the passing of Arizona’s great Senator. pic.twitter.com/EOiOrf9vme

— Greg Stanton (@gregstantonaz) August 26, 2018

National figures also released statements remembering McCain and expressing condolences to his family.

House Speaker Paul Ryan called McCain “a giant of our time.”

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

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced McCain’s death at the Republican Part of Kentucky’s Lincoln Dinner in Lexington, KY.

He also released a statement, according to the Associated Press.

“He was also a fascinating personality. He would occasionally be in a bad place with various members, including myself, and when this would blow over it was like nothing ever happened. He also had a wicked sense of humor and it made every tense moment come out better. So, we’re going to miss him a lot. We haven’t had him since December, and now we won’t have him again. I’m going to miss him a lot. He was a great friend.”

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi tweeted a statement in which she referenced McCain’s integrity and humility.

.@SenJohnMcCain was a leader & public servant of deep patriotism, outstanding bravery & undaunted spirit. Throughout his career, we all saw his integrity, humility, courage & grace. May it be a comfort to his family to know that so many around the world mourn with them.

— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) August 26, 2018

In a pair of tweets, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said he will propose a plan to rename the Russell Senate Office Building after the Maverick.

The Senate, the United States, and the world are lesser places without John 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.

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) August 26, 2018

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