John McCain is the last Republican I’ve voted for, back in the 2000 Virginia GOP primary. That vote was in part a vote against George W. Bush, but it was also a vote FOR someone I thought at the time was a “Teddy Roosevelt Republican,” someone who had pushed for climate action and campaign finance reform, and who generally seemed to be willing to do what was best for his country, not just his party. Particularly since 2008, when he picked crazy Sarah Palin as his running mate, my opinion of McCain started to go downhill, but even in that campaign, McCain had moments like this one, in which he pushed back (albeit somewhat awkwardly) against the ignorant bigotry of the GOP “base.” So, despite my many and major differences politically with McCain, I still have respect for the man, particularly the sacrifices he made for our country as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. So, of course, I was saddened to learn last night about McCain’s brain cancer diagnosis, the same type of cancer that killed Sen. Ted Kennedy in 2009, and am pulling for McCain’s recovery.
With that, here are some comments from Virginia Democrats wishing McCain well:
Thinking about a hero, my Chairman, my friend John McCain. Stay strong!
— Senator Tim Kaine (@timkaine) July 20, 2017
Praying for @SenJohnMcCain‘s speedy recovery tonight. A grateful nation stands with you, John.
— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) July 20, 2017
Keep up the fight @SenJohnMcCain! Please know that @DSMcAuliffe & my thoughts & prayers are with you & your family! https://t.co/q0pUGh4WxM
— Terry McAuliffe (@TerryMcAuliffe) July 20, 2017
Tragic to lose a voice of courage and sanity in this period of cowardly distemper. Get well soon, @SenJohnMcCain .
— Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) July 20, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with Senator John McCain and his family. We all know John is a fighter and this is no exception. God bless.
— Justin Fairfax (@FairfaxJustin) July 20, 2017
All of us are rooting for your father and your family. Our prayers for his speedy recovery. https://t.co/AhAN06oMOh
— Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) July 20, 2017
Prayers for @SenJohnMcCain and his family – a true man of service and courage.
— Tom Perriello (@tomperriello) July 20, 2017
My prayers are with John McCain and his family. This man has been a true hero, dedicating his life to the service of our country.
— Rep. Donald McEachin (@RepMcEachin) July 20, 2017
Also see:
John McCain is an American hero & one of the bravest fighters I've ever known. Cancer doesn't know what it's up against. Give it hell, John.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 20, 2017
John McCain is as tough as they come. Thinking of John, Cindy, their wonderful children, & their whole family tonight.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 20, 2017
.@SenJohnMcCain is a hero, a patriot and a fighter. I am privileged to call him a friend. Paul & I pray for his recovery and his family.
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) July 20, 2017
.@SenJohnMcCain, you are a true fighter & I'll be praying for you until you beat this. I know you will.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) July 20, 2017
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