A Life of Unmatched Integrity, the Legacy of John McCain

One of Arizona Senator John McCain’s most notable moments was not one where he came out on top, in fact it was when he had to accept defeat.

McCain’s 2008 Presidential campaign, although competitive, never overstepped the boundaries of respect concerning his opponent. McCain staunchly defended his opponent’s honor and character amid their debates and political disagreements. His refusal to turn to ad hominem arguments and comments questioning Obama’s background and patriotism ultimately lost him the Presidency.

McCain’s concession speech was full of emotional, caring messages to his supporters and to his antagonists. His focus fell on his respect and awe for President Elect Obama’s ability to persevere and inspire the American people. McCain’s military and Senatorial background alone are enough to command serious respect, but it was his character that many would argue set him apart from his peers.

Earlier this year, McCain called both Presidents Obama and Bush, asking them to speak at his funeral. This request surprised them both, for they ultimately held McCain back in both of his presidential runs.

President Obama’s remarks at McCain’s Memorial service on Saturday were inspiring and sincere. With a touch of humor, he delivered the most honorable and awe-filled eulogies a person could wish for. The following are a few highlights:

“President Bush and I competed against John. He made us better presidents, just as he made the Senate better, just as he made this country better.”

“John liked being unpredictable, even a little contrarian. He had no interest in conforming to some pre-packaged version of what a senator should be...”

“He had been to hell and back and yet somehow never lost his energy or his optimism or his zest for life. So cancer did not scare him.”

“John cared about the institutions of self-government, our Constitution, our Bill of Rights, rule of law, separation of powers, even the arcane rules and procedures of the Senate. He knew that in a nation as big and boisterous and diverse as ours, those institutions, those rules, those norms are what bind us together. They give shape and order to our common life, even when we disagree. Especially when we disagree.”

“...we laughed with each other. And we learned from each other. And we never doubted the other man's sincerity or the other man's patriotism, or that when all was said and done, we were on the same team.”

“That's perhaps how we honor him best, by recognizing that there are some things bigger than party or ambition or money or fame or power. That there are some things that are worth risking everything for: principles that are eternal, truths that are abiding. At his best, John showed us what that means. For that, we are all deeply in his debt.”