Chicago, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Sen. John McCain died Saturday, August 25, 2018, at the age of 81. Senator McCain was diagnosed with brain cancer in July 2017.
Former President Barack Obama, who defeated United States Senator John McCain, issued a statement Saturday mourning the passing of his one-time political opponent in the 2008 race for the Oval Office.
Mr. Obama observed that, though he and Senator McCain “were members of different generations,” they “shared … a fidelity to something higher-the ideals for which generations of Americans and immigrants alike have fought, marched, and sacrificed.” He added, “We saw our political battles, even, as a privilege, something noble, an opportunity to serve as stewards of those high ideals at home, and to advance them around the world.”
Mr. Obama’s complete statement:
“John McCain and I were members of different generations, came from completely different backgrounds, and competed at the highest level of politics. But we shared, for all our differences, a fidelity to something higher-the ideals for which generations of Americans and immigrants alike have fought, marched, and sacrificed. We saw our political battles, even, as a privilege, something noble, an opportunity to serve as stewards of those high ideals at home, and to advance them around the world. We saw this country as a place where anything is possible – and citizenship as our patriotic obligation to ensure it forever remains that way.
“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 heartfelt condolences to Cindy and their family.”
As of 10:25 p.m. on August 25, there was no statement on the White House website regarding Senator McCain’s passing. President Trump did send two sentences on Twitter at 7:45 EDT, ”My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!”