John McCain, a former prisoner of war in
Vietnam who served as a U.S. senator from Arizona for more than
three decades, died on Saturday at the age of 81.
Below are some of the reactions to his death:
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outdated concepts or cliches, but the building blocks of an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 vivid, it is difficult to imagine them
ended. Some voices are so vibrant, it is hard to think of them
stilled. John McCain was a man of deep conviction and a patriot
of the highest order. He was a public servant in the finest
traditions of our country. And to me, he was a friend whom I'll
deeply miss."
FORMER VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
"As a POW, John endured the worst of what human beings can
do to one another. In politics, he fell short of his greatest
ambition. At the end of his life he faced a cruel and relentless
disease. And yet through it all he never lost sight of what he
believed most: Country First. And the spirit that drove him was
never extinguished: we are here to commit ourselves to something
bigger than ourselves."
FORMER PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER
"John McCain was a man of honor, a true patriot in the best
sense of the word. Americans will be forever grateful for his
heroic military service and for his steadfast integrity as a
member of the United States Senate."
U.S. VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE
"Karen and I send our deepest condolences to Cindy and the
entire McCain family on the passing of Senator John McCain. We
honor his lifetime of service to this nation in our military and
in public life. His family and friends will be in our prayers.
God bless John McCain."
ARIZONA GOVERNOR DOUG DUCEY
"John McCain is one American who will never be forgotten. He
was a giant. An icon. An American hero. But here at home, we
were most proud to call him a fellow Arizonan. Like so many of
us, he was not born here, but his spirit, service and fierce
independence shaped the state with which he became synonymous."
CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER JUSTIN TRUDEAU
"Senator John McCain was an American patriot and hero whose
sacrifices for his country, and lifetime of public service, were
an inspiration to millions. Canadians join Americans tonight in
celebrating his life and mourning his passing."
HOUSE MINORITY LEADER NANCY PELOSI
"The nation is in tears. Today, with the passing of John
McCain, Congress and America have lost a leader and public
servant of deep patriotism, outstanding bravery and undaunted
spirit."
FORMER GOVERNOR OF ALASKA SARAH PALIN
"Today we lost an American original. Sen. John McCain was a
maverick and a fighter, never afraid to stand for his beliefs.
John never took the easy path in life - and through sacrifice
and suffering he inspired others to serve something greater than
self."
AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER SCOTT MORRISON
"Senator John McCain was a true friend of Australia who was
committed to strengthening the alliance between our two nations.
He was a man of great courage and conviction. Our thoughts and
prayers go out to his wife, Cindy, and all the McCain family
during this time."