John McCain, a Republican who represented Arizona in the US Senate for 31 years and secured his party’s nomination for president in 2008, passed away on August 25. Regarded as a maverick by political observers, McCain’s long and storied service for his country was remembered this week in tributes around the world. Rabbi Abba Cohen of Agudath Israel of America said, “The American Jewish community is particularly and profoundly grateful for his abiding friendship and his stalwart support for the State of Israel.” A few select quotes from McCain’s career help paint a portrait of the man.

Political Courage

McCain was first elected to Congress in 1982 and then to the Senate in 1986, replacing Arizona political icon Barry Goldwater. McCain built considerable influence, eventually chairing the Senate Armed Services Committee. He ran for president twice — once in 2000, losing the party nomination to George W. Bush, and again in 2008, securing the GOP nomination, only to lose to Barack Obama.

I will not take the low road to the highest office in this land. I want the presidency in the best way, not the worst way. (After losing the South Carolina primary, Feb. 19, 2000)

No, ma’am. He’s a decent family man, a citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, and that’s what this campaign is all about. He’s not. Thank you. (To a woman who said she couldn’t trust Obama because “he’s Arab,” October 2008)

I looked into his eyes and saw three letters: a K, a G, and a B. (On Vladimir Putin, 2007)

Quick Wit

Although McCain took firm, principled stands, he was also capable of poking fun at himself.

“I’m reminded of that every day.” (Responding to President Obama, who cut off McCain in an argument by telling him, “The election’s over,” February 25, 2010)

Six decades ago I was an undistinguished member of the Class of 1958. My superiors didn’t hold me in very high esteem in those days. To be honest, I wasn’t too thrilled to be here back then, and I was as relieved to graduate — fifth from the bottom of my class — as the Naval Academy was to see me go. (Remarks at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, October 2017)

War Hero

McCain flew bombing missions in Vietnam for the US Navy. After his plane was shot down over Hanoi in October 1967, he was captured and held prisoner in the notorious “Hanoi Hilton” for five and a half years, during which time he was repeatedly subjected to severe torture.

I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else’s. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency; for its faith in the wisdom, justice, and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again; I wasn’t my own man anymore; I was my country’s. (Acceptance speech, Republican convention, September 2008)

Our code said we could only go home in the order of our capture, and there were men who had been shot down long before me. I thought about it, though. I wasn’t in great shape, and I missed everything about America, but I turned it down. A lot of prisoners had it much worse than I did. (Acceptance speech, Republican convention, September 2008)

War is wretched beyond description, and only a fool or a fraud could sentimentalize its cruel reality. (Speech to the American Red Cross, May 6, 1999)

 (Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 725)