The snubbing of the President may seem spiteful to some, but the President deserved the snub. Let’s honor that, and the man who gave his all for this country. Deepest condolences to the McCain family.
1
I stood in line with thousands to pay my respects. It was close to 110 degrees as the line snaked out of the rotunda for blocks. Cooling stations, ice and cold water was passed out by volunteers, city officials and APS.
I got my draft card in 1968 and was never called up. I was lucky. We have veterans in Arizona living in the woods. Men who have totally given up on life. War savaged them and they have never recovered.
What I admire most about John McCain was he got dealt a blow that would destroy most of us. He got back up and contributed. He had a failed marriage and moved on and had a great marriage and wonderful children. In the end he knew he was finished and was able to say goodbye with grace and courage to his loved ones, colleagues, friends and adversaries.
I'm a progressive and disagree with him on lots of policy but more importantly I trusted his judgement and had enormous respect for his strength and character.
13
I recommend that everyone, R or D, watch the HBO documentary on John McCain's life. If such a viewing does not alter your thinking on working with the other side there is no hope for Congress or America.
1
Seeing that heartbreaking picture of Mrs. McCain over her husband's casket reminded me of Mrs. Reagan when she bent down to kiss President Reagan's casket, and then kept caressing it with her hand.
There really are no words that adequately captures the pain and grief these women feel and endure. All I know for certain is that my heart is breaking for Cindy McCain and their children.
Profound condolences to the McCain family.
20
I visited the British Naval Museum in 2005. That day, that afternoon was the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, the day Lord Nelson fell. The exhibit made you relive the battle. Seeing Lord Nelson's uniform with the fatal bullet hole in it, I thought "they don't make heroes like that any more." But no. I realize now that John McCain was our hero, the hero of our lives. Just as Nelson stood bravely on deck in full uniform as a French sniper fired from high on a mast, John McCain faced down his captors in Hanoi. And then in later years faced down the cockroaches in the Washington and the Senate, time and again, up until that last thumbs-down we played over and over on our video-recorders. Lord Nelson arguably saved his country. But each man stood up for his country, unwilling to give an inch, no matter the personal price they paid. We are awed and inspired by their courage.
12
He was and will remain in our memories, as a towering and respected presence. An American we can all be proud of.
5
Above all, a family heartbroken. Let’s honor that, and the man who gave his all for this country. Deepest condolences.
10
If Arizona wants to honor McCain there is a way that could work for both Arizonians and the country.
There's been talk about who the governor should appoint to fill his spot until the election, some say that his wife Cindy should be asked but from what I've seen the governor should ask Meghan to fill his spot. She appears from all angles to be cut from the same mold as her father, which would benefit the state and the country.
God bless John McCain and his family.
27
...and neither Trump nor Palin were invited. I guess no garbage to soil the occasion.
13
It doesn’t seem possible. Hard to believe we will not see John McCain or hear his voice again.
Sad.
10
He did own up to the of selecting of Palin as a running mate as being miscalculation of spectacular proportions [my words, not his].
5
Thumbs Up to the greatest thumbs down ever. Thank You Sir.
17
I am 63 and was in 2nd grade when JFK died. The coverage of his death did not last as long as this constant glorification of McCain. Have our politicians become so feckless that a at best mediocre politician is treated as if he was the second coming of Christ?
It has gotten so bad that I have read stories of what a great conservationist McCain was, a patently false story. Enough is enough.
3
@Paulie What's gotten so bad is the impossibility of working with others, of compromise, of disrespect for others. McCain worked across the aisle, he showed respect (usually) and when he screwed up, he acknowledged it. Too much now is focused on "can't compromise" and can't listen to someone else's viewpoint.
3
@Paulie I was in 8th grade and must have a better memory than you, because I remember media coverage differently.
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@Little Mag
I concur. I recall the assassination dominated the every television news station, and it was on the front page of every newspaper and magazine in the country, if not much of the world. The funeral was on all of the network channels - all day long.
If someone is tired of reading and/or seeing the life and death of John McCain, then why not simply turn the page or turn off the TV, radio, or media device?
2
The family’s touching grief makes me ache for them. When Mrs. McCain kissed the flag-draped coffin I lost it. What a loving tribute to her husband and their marriage. When my husband died, I did the same thing to his coffin and his family told me I should stop seeking the widow limelight because it was unseemly. No. It’s honest and real. My deepest condolences to this beautiful family of this great, if flawed (by his own admission) patriot.
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@Brigid McAvey
I treasure your comment. Condolences on the passing your husband. To be perfectly honest, if my husband were to pass before me, I can see myself reacting in the same manner as you and Mrs. McCain. Letting go and saying good bye to a loved one is difficult as it is, but having to let go of one's spouse is beyond comprehension. I am always at a loss when people have little, if any compassion for someone in such painful and grief stricken times.
3
Meaghan McCain's face makes me think my own must have looked much the same almost 29 years ago when I lost my father. I feel her pain and my own. Time eases, but never fully heals, the pain. Cherish your memories.
7
Last night on my PBS affiliate, I watched a "Frontline" episode about McCain's life. An hour didn't do it justice, and I am a flaming liberal who disagreed with McCain on most things, most especially unleashing the quitter governor onto the nation.
Still, I watched in awe as film footage covered his time as a POW, and watched in anger later on as the show profiled how terribly his own party treated him throughout the years, and the mean-spirited pettiness with which donald infected McCain's last days, as well as chem-trail Kelly - and not a single Republican except those vacating their seats has had the spine to stand up to either of those misfits. John Sununu, when asked if he thought McCain was a hero, instead chose to say don was a hero. That was yesterday. How do the rest of the Republican politicians stand themselves?
Today, I watched as Cindy and especially Meghan McCain openly wept as they stood to honor their husband and father, and all I could think of was the great things they will do in McCain's name - when they are ready, of course - in spite of Republicans.
This flaming liberal looks forward to it.
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A man of true integrity. Always thriving to make, not only Arizona, the USA but the whole world a better place for all of humanity. A true American hero and born leader. Trump could have learned a lot from the McCain. The first thing on how to be a great leader and most of all a true American.
I will forever look at my fellow man and w
6
It's hard enough to lay a family member to rest; it has to be immeasurably harder to do the same while a nation watches. There will be time ahead for the McCain family to privately grieve; but, for now, they are sharing their son, husband, father and brother with the nation. We are grateful.
I hope this week gives all Americans the opportunity to honor the patriotic spirit and legacy of John McCain that Donald J. Trump has unsuccessfully tried to smother.
5
I understand the respect that the soldiers paying tribute to senator McCain had while carrying his casket. But why were the Navy color guard or Marine pallbearers absent. He was one of our own. No disrespect, but we should have carried our own. Semper Fi. Rest In Peace Senator McCain . God bless. A true patriot.
8
Look at that family. Look at those in uniform. This is American nobility, in service to us all. Wealthy is secondary to them; America always comes first, no matter the personal cost.
12
With all the accolades this week and the awe- inspiring comments about John McCain, the sad aspect is that next Monday it will be back to business as usual.
When all is said and done, most will have learned nothing from his honesty, bravery and 'maverick-ness.'
4
McCain is dead and Trump is President. That’s the biggest tragedy.
McCain wasn’t a war hero because he was captured. He was a hero for what he did while in captivity, enduring torture and solitary confinement for America, Americans and American soldiers.
RIP Mr. McCain. I forgive you for choosing Sara Palin as your running mate.
10
My heart aches for this nation. There are no heroes left.
6
After Senator John McCain's brilliant words exhorting us to take our country back from Trump's hatred and cowardice - this piece by Mr Romero is the next best piece written about his passing. He allowed Senator John McCain to be the full story, through different, but respectful, views of people celebrating his life and grieving their loss.
Thank you for excellent journalism. It's heartwarming, and much-needed, during these sad and ugly times.
23
This was heart breaking to watch. I rarely agreed with McCain's political positions, but he is someone I respected and would never doubt to do the right thing for his country. He will be sorely missed here in Arizona and all over the world.
10
The goodbye begins. May this be the start of a week of moving services honoring Sen. McCain and his contributions to this country. May they go beautifully and smoothly, full of dignity and without any interruptions from any one person in particular who seeks to rob this good man of his dignity, even in death.
On another note, the Senator's website, in listing the order of services, states that all those inclined to send flowers have them sent to their local VA Hospital. I thought this was a lovely and classy request by a grieving family, one asking Americans to think of others in the midst of national sadness. Truly wonderful.
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@Otto Bahn - I do hope you are kidding and if so, it’s a tasteless and crass joke.
That’s not how we honor a great American and that’s not how we honor a veteran. This is how it’s done, with the dignified public viewings and the church services. He’s not some object to tour the country: he was part of the heart of our country, and we must thank that heart with honor and graciousness. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’m so sick of the cruelty so many people are displaying in their discourse of late and that the unrepentant slob in the White House is trying to normalize with his atrocious behavior. To quote the Rev. William Barber, there are some who would try to stop “the heart of our democracy”. To them I say: begone. It is not your heart to own. To you I say: begone with your disrespect and slander. Begone with your crassness towards a good man and his memory. Begone with your wickedness aimed not just at Sen. McCain but at the heart of our democracy.
4
John McCain is America's hero. Interesting, because I don't think he thought of himself as being a hero. He was a hero because he acted like a hero. The word he used was love. He loved his country and by doing so, he loved us. We love him back.
25
Rest In Peace. You will be missed, Mr. Mcain. Blessings to your family and all who loved you.
20
Seeing Meghan McCain sobbing and crying while facing her father's flag-draped casket made me shed a tear. I lost my mother at age 13 and my dad at age 20. I know how sad she is. I had the utmost respect for Senator McCain and will be eternally grateful for the kindness he showed our son who worked in his D.C. senate office building all through high school. He even invited our son to travel with him on both of his presidential campaigns, mentoring him and teaching him so much about the world of politics. Meeting his mother and wife Cindy was also a real honor. Wonderful people, all of them. Just very sad our country lost such a fine man who tried to do his best to work well with others and to be a true patriot. Instead of the bitter vitriol thrown at him by Donald Trump, Trump should try as hard as he possibly can to emulate John McCain. But now I'm dreaming. That will never happen. And, it would be impossible anyway.
53
Farewell, Senator. You will be missed and you will be remembered.
24
John McCain. The antithesis of Donald Trump. Thank you sir for your service to the country that you loved so much. Kudos to you for having the last word by having Bush and Obama give the eulogies.
One can only imagine that Trump is going crazy with all of the accolades, appreciation, and attention McCain is receiving.
27
Senator McCain demonstrated bravery, honesty, integrity and humility. I am grateful for both his military and congressional service. Most of all, I respect his actions as a leader. I only wish that his passing would inspire his party to honestly and bravely assess the severe shortcomings of the president and change their kowtowing to the man who sits in the White House. By not doing so, they tarnish themselves.
36
This gentleman deserves our respect. Even though i may have disagreed with some of his votes there was an understanding to have an honest debate of ideas. He gave respect and he earned respect and so much more. The love this man had for this country challenges all of us. How many of us would have gone through torture for years at the hands of a captor? How many of us would, when allowed to be free of said torture allow another of his fellows go before him? I can only say thank you Mr. McCain for your years service to this country i call home.
25
I disagreed with Mr. McCain on a lot of issues, but he always had my respect for his civility and class, for his service and his sacrifice.
I feel like his death marks the end of an era, and what we are facing in this "new day" is such a debased version of what we have lost. A sad day on many levels.
32
True patriots like Senator McCain are the greatest threats to faux patriots like Mr. Trump.
Trump's contempt for Senator McCain reveals that.
I fear that the cadre of remaining Republicans in Congress will allow us to drift into tyranny with their obeisant fecklessness.
Even Senator McCain's closest Senate friend, Lindsey Graham, has already crossed over to subservience to the wanna-be king.
It is a sad day for our 240 year old democracy.
God speed Senator McCain.
Thank you for your service.
41
From the East coast, it looked like the majority of Arizonans had left McCain behind a long time ago. A 53% victory for a five term incumbent in 2016 is middling at best. Oh, and there was that 75% voter support of the man who had publicly ridiculed him just two years later.
8
I watched the ceremony this morning for this hero who lived his life in service of his country, and it was very moving. I am a Democrat who disagreed with much of his politics and had to watch this on the “Fake Liberal” News channel instead of the Republican Fox as one would’ve expected. I will try to remember his words of reassurance that we will make it through these dark and strange times. I’m sure grateful for his example these last few years, perhaps the most important moments of his service to America. RIP, Senator McCain.
29
I’m watching this on C-SPAN and I find myself crying, not eyes getting moist, but tears. It’s the tears of watching something beautiful which was believed to have been lost. A lot of older veterans are paying their respects, saluting, likely saw service in Vietnam, some now using canes and walkers. Many others are making the sign of the cross. There are white Americans, and Native Americans, and African Americans, and Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans ..... I guess the key word is Americans. I am watching America pass before me, joined by a purpose, in quiet respect.
I live in a state of despair. The language of hate and division and insult, it’s everywhere. I’m guilty. It’s hard not to respond. But someone has to turn the other cheek or we all go down, our country goes down, the promise of our ideals vanish. Someone has to start somewhere, because I can see even in Arizona — a state whose politics I often have disparaged — a higher road is fighting to prevail.
I’m dedicating this week to John McCain and the thoughts he’s left behind. I’m skimming the other news, trying not to get riled up, because it’ll be there. I’ll wake up to watch the Washington memorial service at 4 a.m. my time Saturday, my way of paying respect, a Democrat, a progressive, and because I’m trying to regain a feeling, like trying to remember a dream.
That’s all. Good luck.
80
New York Times reporters: Do not fall for the tweetstorm that is likely to break out during the viewing/memorial service in Washington. You know Trump can't stand it when he's not the center of attention, but let's try to keep our focus on the important things that day. Senator McCain deserves a heartfelt sendoff and his family deserves a few hours rest from the carryings-on of one of the few Americans who had no respect for him.
Please ask other members of the media to do the same.
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@phil239
Excellent Point! All eyes should be OFF Our Egomaniac-in-Chief as we honor a true American Patriot.
8
As I watched the few moments of coverage of Mr. McCain lying in State, with three of his children and wife present, my eyes welled in empathy for their painful loss and also for our country's loss.
I didn't know John McCain, we did not share the same lifelong political party and I did not vote for him when he ran for president. Nonetheless, instinctively I knew that none of that mattered today. I was proud of him, for the sacrifices he made while representing his country but more so for the manner in which he conducted himself throughout his public life.
The antithetical comparisons to the character of our current president will inevitably be made. There's a reason for that beyond the usual political partisanship. Great effort has recently been made to mold our country in to the acceptance that an honorable character in our leader is not really important anymore, as long as the money is flowing in the short run it doesn't matter.
John McCain knew that it mattered in the long run, perhaps his passing will serve to remind us again that our "better angels" are needed the most in a time when fear and hatred towards each other is being elevated as if it were righteous.
39
Dear Cindy, Meghan, and the entire McCain family:
My heart aches for you. May you find strength, peace, and comfort in the days ahead as you share the many memories of your husband and father, who served this country so very honorably and so very well.
17
We lost what may be the last true statesman....as a Democrat, I had nothing but respect for him.
30
Thank you, John McCain, for your service, honor, integrity, and love for our country. Although I disagreed with your views/positions on some issues, I never lost respect for your desire to do what is right/best for America.
27
It's impossible not to recognize and compare the stark differences in the character of John McCain and the President due to the President's behavior since McCain passed away. Such a pathetic, petty, individual, the President demonstrated his pathetic pettiness and lack of class and grace when he couldn't even wait 24 hours before he ordered the flag on the White House raised back to full mast. That singular act, describes perfectly, the vindictive, narcissistic, character of the man who presently sits at the desk in the Oval Office.
41
Fair winds and calm seas, soar to heavens above.
40
Semper Fortis!
13
There is one simple word to describe John McCain. AMERICAN.
27
@BTO
Yes, but, Congress passed the law that made U.S. citizens of children born in Panama to U.S. citizen parents, one year after McCain was born. Thus, this great American hero acquired his U.S. citizenship retroactively. https://fam.state.gov/FAM/07FAM/07FAM1100apP.html
@jan brown, you need to do more homework the act that gave John his citizenship was passed in 1934 and he was born in 1936.
John McCain was a very decent man who served his country his whole life. It's a shame he couldn't lead his party who left him and his standards to follow a crude, racist, draft dodging president.
38
McCain's great grandfather, William Alexander McCain served as an officer in the 5th Mississippi Calvary Regiment, Confederate States Army.
Still want to rename the Senate building for him?
2
oldschool....McCain is not his great grandfather, nor has McCain ever demonstrated a scintilla of racism that I'm aware of.
As opposed to Dixiecrat Richard Russell for whom the Senate Office Building is named.
Russell was for decades a leader of Southern opposition to the civil rights movement. Russell supported racial segregation and co-authored the Southern Manifesto with Strom Thurmond.
Russell and 17 fellow Democratic and one Republican Senator blocked the passage of civil rights legislation via the filibuster.
After Russell's protege, President Lyndon B. Johnson, signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law, Russell led a Southern boycott of the 1964 Democratic National Convention.
Your false equivalence between John McCain and Richard Russell is a disgrace and a sign of your own intellectual and moral bankruptcy.
58
Yes. We don't choose our ancestors, in case you don't know that. I'm a lifelong Dem, but I greatly respected Him. The last of the decent, honorable Republicans. Period.
8
@Socrates I didn't know until this past week (and having never visited DC) , that the Senate office building is named for a blatant racist and segregationist. It would be a GREAT idea to rename the building for Sen McCain. But if the Senate cannot agree to that, at least remove the current name.
2
I still believe most Americans are independent. I am very moved by the passing of a truly dedicated public servant whom i have always respected and admired. I weep for our loss as a nation and hold his family in my thoughts.
18
McCain had such presence - I feel he's still around. He would have made for an interesting President but the Lady from Alaska helped put an end to that. Still - he made his mark as his own man when he gave that spectacular 'thumbs down' to Trump on the Senate floor. The GOP have lost not only their way and political courage, but have also lost their sole respected and admired keeper of the flame.
104
No words are strong enough to totally honor this fine man. Farewell.
98
Thank you, Senator and Naval Captain, for your brave and loyal service to our nation. As many others, I did not always agree with your politics but we always understood clearly what they were. An admirable quality in a "politician". You reached across the aisle many times for the good of the country, unheard of in the divisive do nothing attitude today. You will be sorely missed.
77
In lieu of flowers, send VOTES. For Democrats.
208
@Phyliss Dalmatian
The lives we save will be our own and the rest of the country. Thanks Phyllis.
4
God bless you, Senator McCain, and your lovely family. You will be sorely missed not only by your state but also by the nation. Let your legacy be a renaissance of courage and truth. We need those attributes now more than ever before. Guide us with your spirit.
72
Rest in peace, John McCain.
Americans will honor your memory and ideals by restoring American decency, honor and patriotism on November 6 2018.
"Country First"
144
Many times I didn't agree with his political decisions. Many times I was mad at him for his decisions. Yet, I always held him in the highest regard for his honor, for his love of the country, for reaching across the aisle, for putting his love of the country over the party, and for his service. I'm sad we've lost him, one of the few senators I think of when I think about unity and unifying the country. Rest in peace John McCain. You deserve it.
120
No doubt 45 will be on the green early this week.
Thank you Senator McCain for your service to this country.
79
@Margo Channing - Indeed. Between the funeral for Senator McCain and Aretha Franklin's services, which are also scheduled to occur in the next few days, Donald will no doubt be on the warpath this week. Hopefully he'll do nothing more than decamp to a golf course in a huff and not do anything that detracts from this solemn moment for our nation and the Senator's family. This time is not about Trump, it's about Senator McCain, and the Senator deserves all the accolades and honors we can bestow upon his memory at this time. He was a good and faithful servant to our country, and Ms. Franklin herself was a national treasure in her own right. As we lay these illustrious Americans to rest, I hope we can all take pride in who we are and what we can accomplish as a people. We are not the Donald and his politics are not us. We owe it to Senator McCain's memory to live up to his assessment of us as people of decency and tenacity, qualities Trump knows nothing about.
22