Politicos and sports figures react to McCain’s diagnosis

From the world of politics to sports, tributes and prayers poured in for Arizona Sen. John McCain following news of his brain-cancer diagnosis on Wednesday.

Like many, Gov. Doug Ducey called the six-term senator, Republican presidential nominee and Vietnam War veteran an “American hero.”

Across the political spectrum, Republicans and Democrats agreed that McCain has brought grit and patriotism to his post.

RELATED: Meghan McCain on father: ‘He is the toughest person I know

Former President George H.W. Bush expected McCain to bring his characteristic toughness to his latest bout with cancer.

“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.”

Former President Barack Obama, who battled McCain for the White House in 2008, praised his former opponent as “one of the bravest fighters I’ve ever known.”

Hillary Clinton, the former Democratic presidential nominee, called McCain “as tough as they come.” 

McCain’s diagnosis drew swift reaction from Arizona’s elected officials and others who have followed his political career.

“Senator John McCain is one of the bravest men I know — a hero, a warrior, and a survivor. He survived the Vietnam war after being shot down then held as a prisoner of war for five and a half years. I am confident he will defeat this foe as well,” U.S. Rep. Martha McSally said in a statement.

He “has been a personal mentor for me. I have been honored to serve alongside him in the Arizona delegation in Congress and I look forward to continuing to do so,” McSally said.

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the ranking member on the Senate Armed Services Committee that McCain chairs, praised McCain as a statesman.

“He never gives up and will face cancer with the same indomitable spirit that has always carried him through. I am praying for him and hope he returns to action soon,” Reed said.

U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., called McCain a “truth-teller.”

“John McCain is a national hero who has survived war, captivity, three rounds of cancer, and more,” she said. “If anyone can fight back against a horrible cancer like this, it’s John McCain. His voice is so critical in Washington today; a truth-teller who doesn’t care where the chips fall. He is a fighter, and we stand in this fight with him.”

“My deepest thoughts and prayers are with Senator McCain,” said U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz. “He’s a public servant and an American hero. He’s a fighter, and we wish him the absolute best.”

U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., offered his prayers for his colleague:

“I have just learned about my friend John McCain’s diagnosis of brain cancer. I pray for his health, his spirit and his family tonight. May God have His loving hand upon them all. John McCain is an American hero and possesses such great strength and courage. He has exhibited those qualities his whole life and I have no doubt he will continue to inspire us all in this next fight.”

U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., said he and his wife were also praying for McCain:

“I have been amazed by his energy and vigor for serving his country over the years, and the sacrifices he made for this nation are unmatched. I hope to see him back on Capitol Hill soon, and I know that he will fight this diagnosis with every ounce of strength he has within him.”

U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., said McCain provides needed “equilibrium and balance” to the Senate.

“He’s been a good voice for Arizona,” Grijalva said. “I hope he’s able to return to his role in the Senate because it’s an important role. Some level of independence is needed in the Senate, especially with everything that’s going on.”

“Sen. McCain has dedicated his entire life to serving our nation with honor. Tonight I ask that we join together to keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers,” said U.S. Rep. Tom O’Halleran, D-Ariz.

“I’m heartbroken,” said consultant Max Fose, who started working with McCain’s campaigns in 1993. “When I heard about this, I cried.”

Former Arizona Sen. Dennis DeConcini, a Democrat who frequently battled McCain during his tenure in Washington, called the news “a very sad situation.”

“McCain has served his country exceptionally well. He and I have had our disagreements over the years, but I’ve always respected him.”

DeConcini recalled when McCain, during his brief tenure in the House of Representatives, called into a radio show with DeConcini to praise him for pushing for inspections in Vietnam for missing Americans after the war.

“He didn’t have to do it. I wasn’t expecting it,” DeConcini said. “He took very serious service and government.”

Mark Kelly said he and his wife, former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., feel a special bond with McCain after his close support for her when she was shot in 2011.

“The guy is an American icon and a hero, and somebody that we both, for different reasons, looked up to,” Kelly said. “Gabby, being a strong, independent Arizonan, and myself being a pilot in the Navy flying off aircraft carriers. I respected him my entire career in the Navy. I’m very proud I feel like I can call him a friend.”

McCain, an avid sports fan, was also on the minds of Arizona’s teams on Wednesday.

“There’s not a person who has embodied toughness and courage throughout his life like John McCain and there is no doubt he will bring that to this fight as well,” said Michael Bidwill, Arizona Cardinals team president. “All of us at the Cardinals send our prayers and very best wishes to Senator McCain and his family.”

“There are few greater D-Backs fans than John McCain, and few greater fans of the senator than this entire organization,” said Derrick Hall, CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks. “He is a wonderful friend, and our prayers have begun. He is a brave hero and role model who has always proven to be strong and resilient. This will be another battle fought and won by this extraordinary American and Arizonan.”

Former Phoenix Suns star Charles Barkley added his voice to the tributes.

“I don’t know him well. I’ve met him a couple of times. But, No. 1, anybody who has the courage to go to war, that to me makes them an instant icon,” Barkley said. “What he’s been through and accomplished in his life is just amazing. I think it’s fair to say the term living legend is true.”

Steve Patterson, the CEO of the Arizona Coyotes, praised McCain as “a patriot, an American hero and part of our Coyotes family. He’s been a fighter his entire life, and we know that he won’t stop fighting now. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his wife, Cindy, and his entire family.”

Republic reporters Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, Dan Nowicki, Nick Piecoro, Kent Somers, Sarah McLellan and Scott Bordow contributed to this article.

READ MORE:

McCain’s cancer, glioblastoma, described as ‘very aggressive tumor’

Roberts: Praying tonight for John McCain

Montini: John McCain is NOT dying

Read or Share this story: http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2017/07/20/reaction-mccains-diagnosis/494395001/