As news of John McCain’s passing spread on Saturday evening, many past and present leaders shared tributes about the Arizona senator and expressed their condolences to his family.
The 81-year-old senator ultimately succumbed to a battle with a highly malignant form of brain cancer known as glioblastoma. Fewer than 5 percent of patients live beyond five years of the diagnosis, with a median survival rate of only 18 months. The same form of cancer claimed the lives of former Sen. Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts and Beau Biden, the late son of former Vice President Joe Biden.
McCain has spent the last 60 years in service to the country. He was a prisoner of war in Northern Vietnam for over five years, and he ran in two presidential campaigns. (RELATED: McCain Dies At Age 81)
President Obama, Michelle Obama and former VP Joe Biden, who ran against John McCain in 2008, tweeted out their condolences and sympathies to the McCain family.
First Lady Melania Trump shared as well. So did RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and Senators Cory Booker and Bernie Sanders, among many others.
JUST IN: Barack and Michelle Obama on John McCain: “Few of us have been tested the way John once was, or required to show the kind of courage that he did. But all of us can aspire to the courage to put the greater good above our own.” https://t.co/Fe3eogZ2AD pic.twitter.com/AAiNnKCo4h
— ABC News (@ABC) August 26, 2018
John McCain was a true patriot who dedicated his life to serving his country. He was an advocate for American leadership in the world and a tireless champion of our nation’s troops and veterans. Our prayers are with the entire McCain family.
— Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) August 26, 2018
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
Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to the McCain Family. Thank you Senator McCain for your service to the nation.
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) August 26, 2018
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
John McCain so warmly welcomed me to the Senate in ‘13. Our later private meeting in his office remains 1 of my most inspiring moments as a Senator.
Death may end a life but it can never end a love. John Loved America: his impact will forever endure. RIP https://t.co/c340f06GzB
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) August 26, 2018
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