Six-term Arizona Senator and former Republican presidential candidate John McCain passed away yesterday at the age of 81.
Sen. McCain was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor in July 2017 and had been undergoing treatment. But on Friday his family announced he had decided to discontinue that treatment.
His wife, Cindy McCain, and his daughter & ABC Newser Meghan McCain released statements on Twitter:
My heart is broken. I am so lucky to have lived the adventure of loving this incredible man for 38 years. He passed the way he lived, on his own terms, surrounded by the people he loved, in the the place he loved best.
— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) August 26, 2018
I love you forever – my beloved father @SenJohnMcCain pic.twitter.com/Y50tVQvlVe
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 26, 2018
The Sunday shows took time to remember the late senator this morning, who, in addition to a lengthy career in politics, is known for his heroism as a bomber pilot during the Vietnam War. When McCain’s plane was shot down, he spent more than five years as a POW. While being held by his captors, he suffered torture that left him with lasting disabilities.
A look back at some of Senator John McCain’s many appearances on Fox News Sunday pic.twitter.com/iBpzSSJaNw
— FoxNewsSunday (@FoxNewsSunday) August 26, 2018
.@JonKarl remembers covering John McCain’s 2000 presidential campaign and says McCain’s campaign was about “serving a cause greater than oneself.”
“That 2000 presidential campaign was unlike anything I ever covered,” Karl says https://t.co/rrM65wKUMi #ThisWeek pic.twitter.com/SnQB7cygrr
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) August 26, 2018
EXCLUSIVE: Hillary Clinton remembers Sen. John McCain on #MTP@HillaryClinton: McCain leaves behind “a legacy of service and courage.” pic.twitter.com/aWx59nd7Jm
— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) August 26, 2018
Today on Face the Nation, we remember @SenJohnMcCain pic.twitter.com/4orqopdLoP
— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) August 26, 2018
“Era una persona muy influyente y muy accesible”, @LourdesMeluza recuerda sus encuentros con #JohnMccain pic.twitter.com/zSKHzL3Vdc
— Al Punto Univision (@AlPunto) August 26, 2018
TV newsers took to Twitter Saturday night to praise the late senator. He was someone who made himself very accessible to the media over the years, and had been a critic on President Trump’s attacks on the media.
Having interviewed @SenJohnMcCain over 30 years, I can testify he didn’t always like our tough questions, but he always appreciated the critical role a free press plays in a democracy. For that, and so much more, I will always be grateful. An American hero. May he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/abESrZZhkP
— Wolf Blitzer (@wolfblitzer) August 26, 2018
Rest In Peace, @SenJohnMcCain.
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) August 26, 2018
The passing of an American patriot who demonstrated his trademark bravery until the very end. Thinking about Cindy, Meghan and his devoted family tonight. https://t.co/n1cW7y2ICY
— David Muir (@DavidMuir) August 26, 2018
As an Arizonan, he was “my” senator for most of my life. I was always so moved by his personal story of courage. He was rare indeed. He did our state proud. Rest In Peace.
— Savannah Guthrie (@SavannahGuthrie) August 26, 2018
RIP John McCain. American Hero. 🇺🇸 He dedicated his life to serving a cause greater than oneself. Always enjoyed covering him in the Senate and on the Straight Talk Express. #service #hero
— Norah O’Donnell🇺🇸 (@NorahODonnell) August 26, 2018
No matter where we all are on the political spectrum, as Americans we should acknowledge that @SenJohnMcCain showed incredible sacrifice and bravery on behalf of our country under brutal circumstances. God bless his loved ones who are grieving. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/H4pqs0lYuR
— Shannon Bream (@ShannonBream) August 26, 2018
“We want these people to be great people, we want them to be grand. And he was.” @HardballChris on Sen. John McCain. pic.twitter.com/nLHJmVEXb4
— Hardball (@hardball) August 26, 2018
Additionally, the networks broke into their regularly-scheduled programming with special reports last night to announce McCain’s passing.
ABC’s 20/20 had a John McCain tribute teed up – John McCain: An American Hero – which aired in the 10 p.m. ET hour.