John McCain was U.S. Senator from my state of Arizona since 1986. As a progressive Democrat and later Independent, I differed in opinion with McCain on many things, but there were moments in his life that demonstrated qualities of character – courage, humility, adherence to humanitarian principles, civility – that transcend “party differences” and made me respect him.
One such moment was his confronting a woman’s insane, ignorant, hateful question rooted in the “Obama is Muslim” conspiracy theory by telling the truth about Obama, despite a chance to throw some red meat to the dogs.
Another was his last speech.
“To fear the world we have organized and led for three-quarters of a century, to abandon the ideals we have advanced around the globe, to refuse the obligations of international leadership and our duty to remain ‘the last best hope of Earth’ for the sake of some half-baked, spurious nationalism cooked up by people who would rather find scapegoats than solve problems, is as unpatriotic as an attachment to any other tired dogma of the past that Americans consigned to the ash heap of history.”
I hope the remainder of the cowardly, hypocritical GOP are listening.
RIP John McCain.
Past the Isle of Dogs 
I seldom agreed with Mr. McCain’s politics, but there was never a moment when I believed he had anything but this country’s best interests at heart. That interview you shared was proof of what an honorable man he was. We could use more men like him in service to our country.
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I completely agree. Political differences aside, I always considered McCain to be a selfless, American patriot to his core – the complete antithesis of the soulless, corrupt and egomanaical current resident in the Oval Office.
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The other great quote from McCain that I like is when he was speaking at the Al Smith dinner prior to the 2008 election.
Both he and Obama were on the dais. McCain finished his speech, which showed only respect for Obama, by saying “I can’t wish you luck, but I do wish you well.” Total class.
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Thanks for honoring Sen. McCain. My husband is an Army Veteran who served in Vietnam, so we respected him greatly.
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My pleasure. Thanks for your comment.
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