Cindy, Meghan McCain react to projections that Biden wins presidency

PHOENIX — The widow and daughter of longtime Republican Arizona Sen. John McCain took to social media Saturday morning to congratulate Democrat Joe Biden after he was projected by the Associated Press to become the 46th president of the United States.

Widow Cindy McCain and daughter Meghan McCain in their tweets said Biden being elected will help to unify the country.

Congratulations to my dear friend and President-elect @JoeBiden Vice-President-elect @KamalaHarris. Its time to move beyond politics and toward building a stronger america. I know Joe will unify the country toward a better future.

— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) November 7, 2020

Congratulations Mr. President! ⁦@JoeBiden⁩ – one of the truly decent and moral men I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. Please lead our nation bravely towards healing and bipartisanship. 🇺🇸♥️🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/k9oAPgvTfS

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) November 7, 2020

The McCains have had a rocky relationship with incumbent Republican President Donald Trump.

Trump during his 2016 campaign said of McCain, “He’s not a war hero. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.”

McCain, a navy pilot, was shot down over North Vietnam in 1967 and was captured, beaten and held prisoner for more than five years.

Meghan McCain, who has been outspoken about the pain caused from the president’s comments about her father, in another tweet on Saturday hit back at Trump’s comment from 2016.

Only a very personal note – I am relieved and look forward to having a president who respects POW’s who have been captured…

(*I had to say it)

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) November 7, 2020

Trump was not invited to McCain’s funeral after he died in 2018 from complications of a brain tumor.

Cindy McCain in September endorsed Biden for President, citing their friendship with the Biden family and bond as parents of children serving in the military.

“He supports the troops and knows what it means for someone who has served,” McCain previously told The Associated Press. “Not only to love someone who has served, but understands what it means to send a child into combat. We’ve been great friends for many years, but we have a common thread in that we are Blue Star families.”

Cindy McCain said it was the first time she voted for a Democrat since she was 18-years-old. McCain also said she remains a registered Republican and has no plans to change.

“I decided to take a stand, and hopefully other people will see the same thing. Other women particularly,” she said at the time. “You may have to step out of your comfort zone a little bit, but Biden is by far the best candidate in the race.”

McCain further affirmed support for Biden in an ad during the campaign that said the former vice president would put the country first when it comes to handling the coronavirus pandemic and taking care of veterans.

The Associated Press has called the state of Arizona for Biden, the first time the state has gone blue since 1996. Arizona, according to the Associated Press, also elected Mark Kelly over Republican incumbent Martha McSally to give the state two Democratic senators for the first time since 1953.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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