Washington Reacts to McCain's Cancer Diagnosis
Support for Sen. John McCain poured in from Washington, D.C., amid news of the congressman's cancer diagnosis.
Politicians extended support for Sen. John McCain after learning the congressman has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.(Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
Support for Sen. John McCain poured across social media Wednesday night following an announcement from the congressman's office that he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
McCain, R-Ariz., had undergone surgery last week to have a blood clot removed from above his left eye, and doctors learned it was related to glioblastoma. McCain's doctors said he is recovering from his surgery "amazing well" and "his underlying health is excellent," according to a statement released from his office. He is considering treatment options with his family.
His daughter Meghan McCain tweeted a statement following the public news, saying her 80-year-old father "is the toughest person I know." Nothing, she said, has ever made him surrender.
McCain is a Vietnam prisoner of war and has served in Congress for more than three decades. He was the Republican nominee for president in 2008.
President Donald Trump immediately extended his support, saying in a statement: "Senator John McCain has always been a fighter."
"Melania and I send our thoughts and prayers to Senator McCain, Cindy, and their entire family. Get well soon," he said.
Melania and I send our thoughts and prayers to Senator McCain, Cindy, and their entire family. pic.twitter.com/SO4XYgnyug
— President Trump (@POTUS) July 20, 2017
The president also retweeted the statement from his personal Twitter account.
Melania and I send our thoughts and prayers to Senator McCain, Cindy, and their entire family. Get well soon. https://t.co/fONWVlmYyz
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 20, 2017
Former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush also extended their thoughts and well wishes, noting McCain's strength and reputation for being steadfast.
Obama, McCain's rival in the 2008 presidential election, called McCain "an American hero."
"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," Obama said.
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
Clinton echoed the thoughts: "As he's shown his entire life, don't bet against John McCain. Best wishes to him for a swift recovery."
As he’s shown his entire life, don’t bet against John McCain. Best wishes to him for a swift recovery.
— Bill Clinton (@billclinton) July 20, 2017
Bush paid tribute to McCain with reference to the senator's war experience. McCain, a Navy pilot, was shot down over Vietnam and held as a prisoner for 5 1/2 years.
"The Hanoi Hilton couldn't break John McCain's spirit many years ago, so Barbara and I know — with confidence — he and his family will meet this latest battle in his singular life of service with courage and determination," Bush said.
The former leaders joined members of Congress and Washington officials in ignoring political differences to send prayers and express support for McCain.
Karen & I are praying for @SenJohnMcCain. Cancer picked on the wrong guy. John McCain is a fighter & he'll win this fight too. God bless!
— Vice President Pence (@VP) 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
John McCain is one tough fighter - we know he'll face this diagnosis with courage and strength. Our family... https://t.co/XXTUltNGey
— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) July 20, 2017
John and I have been friends for 40 years. He's gotten through so much difficulty with so much grace. He is strong - and he will beat this.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) 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 has always been a warrior. It's who he is. All of us, not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans, are behind him. pic.twitter.com/B6iDpPultM
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) July 20, 2017
Just 2 weeks ago, @SenJohnMcCain & I were trekking thru Pakistan & Afghanistan. Trust me, John's in fighting shape & we're rooting for him. pic.twitter.com/82dSJFi58M
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) July 20, 2017
Hang in there @SenJohnMcCain. You're tough! You can beat this. Fight, fight, fight! I am proud to call you my friend.
— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) July 20, 2017
Just spoke to @SenJohnMcCain. Tough diagnosis, but even tougher man.
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) July 20, 2017
Thinking about a hero, my Chairman, my friend John McCain. Stay strong!
— Senator Tim Kaine (@timkaine) July 20, 2017
.@SenJohnMcCain is a hero to our Conference and a hero to our country. pic.twitter.com/Ld2lQH1mMn
— Leader McConnell (@SenateMajLdr) July 20, 2017
John McCain is a hero, one of the most respected senators and a friend. The hopes and prayers of the nation are with him and his family.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) July 20, 2017
.@SenJohnMcCain is an American hero. I pray for him and his family. I look forward to seeing him soon.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) July 20, 2017
My thoughts are with John McCain and his family tonight. A true fighter and American hero.
— Kamala Harris (@SenKamalaHarris) July 20, 2017
John is one tough hombre, and is my friend. I'm praying for you, John.
— Bill Nelson (@SenBillNelson) July 20, 2017
.@SenJohnMcCain is tough as they come. I look forward to seeing him back in DC soon. 🙏🏿 with him and the entire McCain family.
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) July 20, 2017
Saddened to learn of @SenJohnMcCain's serious illness. Looking forward to his return to the Senate.
— Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) July 20, 2017
"Americans never quit.
— Mark Sanford (@RepSanfordSC) July 20, 2017
We never surrender.
We never hide from history.
We make history."
-@SenJohnMcCain#FightOn #Maverick
Thinking of Sen McCain and his family tonight. Was so honored to visit the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" with him a few weeks ago. #AmericanHero pic.twitter.com/w7O3e8D9XA
— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) July 20, 2017
Prayers to Senator John McCain, who defines what it means to be a fighter. @JohnDingell and I send our love to you and your family.
— Rep. Debbie Dingell (@RepDebDingell) July 20, 2017
CBC Chairman @RepRichmond's statement on @SenJohnMcCain. #JohnMcCain pic.twitter.com/IPFh8cnObA
— The CBC (@OfficialCBC) July 20, 2017
Megan Trimble, Digital News Editor
Megan Trimble is the digital news editor for Civic at U.S. News & World Report. You can follow ... Read moreMegan Trimble is the digital news editor for Civic at U.S. News & World Report. You can follow her on Twitter, connect with her on LinkedIn or send her an email at mtrimble@usnews.com.
Tags: John McCain, cancer
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