Colleagues, friends wish McCain a successful fight against cancer

Photo: T toes/Wikimedia Commons

Politicians and lawmakers reacted to the news of Senator John McCain having been diagnosed with cancer Wednesday with a message of strong confidence that the former presidential candidate would beat the disease through his fighting spirit.

President Donald Trump and leading Democratic and Republican politicians noted that McCain, a former prisoner of Vietnam war and national hero, would battle it out.

McCain, 80, has been a longtime advocate of close US-Pakistan relations, had recently returned from the region, where he expressed the United States’ desire for cooperative relations with Pakistan.

“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,” Trump said.

Former President Barack Obama, who contested against McCain in 2008 election, applauded the seasoned senator as an “American hero & one of the bravest fighters I’ve ever known.”

“Cancer doesn’t know what it’s up against,” Obama tweeted. “Give it hell, John,” Obama added.

Reacting to the news, former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said McCain “is as tough as they come,” and added she has his wife, Cindy, and “their whole family tonight.” Former President Bill Clinton also expressed profound wishes for Senator McCain’s recovery.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, praised McCain as a national hero.

“He has never shied from a fight and I know that he will face this challenge with the same extraordinary courage that has characterized his life,” McConnell said.

“We all look forward to seeing this American hero again soon.”

Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime friend, responded to the news of McCain having brain cancer by saying he will battle it out.

“This disease has never had a more worthy opponent.”