News about John McCain’s updated health condition shocked the country Wednesday evening. What had started out as a procedure to remove a blood clot above his eye apparently became much more serious when his pathology revealed that a brain tumor was associated with the clot. McCain’s doctors subsequently diagnosed it as an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Shortly after the news broke, the Mayo Clinic released a statement on the 80-year-old senator’s condition, which read: “The Senator and his family are reviewing further treatment options with his Mayo Clinic care team. Treatment options may include a combination of chemotherapy and radiation.” The statement continued, “The Senator’s doctors say he is recovering from his surgery ‘amazingly well’ and his underlying health is excellent.”
The news of McCain’s illness rocked Washington DC. Despite the volatile partisan climate in our country, this appears to be one of those times when current and former leaders, from both sides of the aisle, were united with messages of love and support for the senator and his family.
John McCain is an American hero & one of the bravest fighters I've ever known. Cancer doesn't know what it's up against. Give it hell, John.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 20, 2017
As he’s shown his entire life, don’t bet against John McCain. Best wishes to him for a swift recovery.
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) July 20, 2017
.@SenJohnMcCain has always been a warrior. It's who he is. All of us, not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans, are behind him. pic.twitter.com/B6iDpPultM
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) July 20, 2017
John and I have been friends for 40 years. He's gotten through so much difficulty with so much grace. He is strong – and he will beat this.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 20, 2017
John McCain is as tough as they come. Thinking of John, Cindy, their wonderful children, & their whole family tonight.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 20, 2017
Just 2 weeks ago, @SenJohnMcCain & I were trekking thru Pakistan & Afghanistan. Trust me, John's in fighting shape & we're rooting for him. pic.twitter.com/82dSJFi58M
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) July 20, 2017
John McCain is a hero, one of the most respected senators and a friend. The hopes and prayers of the nation are with him and his family.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) July 20, 2017
Hang in there @SenJohnMcCain. You're tough! You can beat this. Fight, fight, fight! I am proud to call you my friend.
— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) July 20, 2017
.@SenJohnMcCain is a hero, a patriot and a fighter. I am privileged to call him a friend. Paul & I pray for his recovery and his family.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 20, 2017
John McCain is one tough fighter – we know he'll face this diagnosis with courage and strength. Our family… https://t.co/XXTUltNGey
— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) July 20, 2017
Thinking about a hero, my Chairman, my friend John McCain. Stay strong!
— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) July 20, 2017
Just spoke to @SenJohnMcCain. Tough diagnosis, but even tougher man.
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) July 20, 2017
My friend @SenJohnMcCain is a dogged ole S.O.B.
Sharp as hell and tougher than a $2 steak.
I look forward to catching up with him soon.
— John Dingell (@JohnDingell) July 20, 2017
Prayers for @SenJohnMcCain as he battles cancer. His courage and service in Vietnam humbles all who cherish liberty and freedom
— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) July 20, 2017
Even President Trump weighed in, albeit from his @POTUS Twitter account, not his usual personal one (which raises eyebrows as to whether or not the tweet really did come directly from the president himself):
Melania and I send our thoughts and prayers to Senator McCain, Cindy, and their entire family. pic.twitter.com/SO4XYgnyug
— President Trump 45 Archived (@POTUS45) July 20, 2017