Vice president biden

It was a momentous funeral that championed his aspirations of political comity but also rebuked the tribalism and division trafficked by Donald Trump. As millions tuned in to the nationally televised memorial attended by the breadth of Washington powerbrokers, Trump himself was notably absent -- leaving the capital to head to his golf club in Virginia just when eulogies to McCain were being delivered. And while Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Barack Obama offered subtle swipes at the current commander in chief, McCain's daughter Meghan used the words of Trump's campaign slogan to deliver a searing, unmistakable rebuke. "The America of John McCain has no need to be made great again because America was always great," she said, to extended applause. As Bush and Obama praised McCain for repeatedly placing country over party or self, the stunning contrast between the unifying ceremony under the neo-Gothic arches of Washington National Cathedral and an outcast Trump only highlighted … [Read more...] about Two presidents honor McCain at funeral as Trump heads to golf club

Joe Biden hailed his longtime Senate colleague as a “brother” and beacon of bipartisanship. Biden paid tribute to the two-time Republican presidential candidate, who died on Saturday from brain cancer at age 81, during a 90-minute memorial service at North Phoenix Baptist Church, the latest in a string of commemorative salutes to the Vietnam War hero and venerable politician. Biden, 75, credited McCain with reflecting core values, sometimes frayed in the growing rancor of the nation’s politics, that everyday Americans wanted to believe about themselves. “They knew that John believed so deeply and so passionately in the soul of America that it made it easier for them to have confidence and faith in America,” Biden said. He also recalled McCain as a man who could be cantankerous and stubborn but treated political opponents, including Democrats, with mutual respect while cherishing friendships struck up with those with whom he differed. U.S. Senator John … [Read more...] about Former Vice President Biden salutes McCain as ‘a brother’

McCain, a prisoner of war in Vietnam, longtime U.S. senator from Arizona and 2008 Republican presidential nominee, died of brain cancer on Saturday at age 81. That prompted many Americans to lower flags to half-staff, a traditional gesture of honor. But President Donald Trump, who had clashed with fellow Republican McCain over various issues and said during his campaign that the senator was “not a war hero,” wavered in his approach to what presidents normally treat as a gesture of courtesy and respect. Trump’s White House lowered its flag on Saturday, then raised it back following the minimum period under law. Trump also delayed issuing the customary proclamation for flags to remain at half-staff for longer than the two-day minimum. Finally, under pressure from veterans and members of Congress, Trump said in a statement later on Monday that he respected McCain’s service to the nation and had ordered flags to half-staff. In a letter to Trump on its Facebook page, … [Read more...] about White House wobbles on US flag after McCain death

Below are some of the reactions to his death: U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP “My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!” SENATE MAJORITY LEADER MITCH MCCONNELL “In an era filled with cynicism about national unity and public service, John McCain’s life shone as a bright example. He showed us that boundless patriotism and self-sacrifice are not outdated concepts or cliches, but the building blocks of an extraordinary life.” FORMER PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA AND MICHELLE OBAMA “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. At John’s best, he showed us what that means. And for that, we are all in his debt. Michelle and I send our most heartfelt condolences to Cindy and their family.” FORMER PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH “Some lives are so … [Read more...] about Reactions to the death of Senator John McCain