‘It never crossed my mind that there would be political life without John McCain’ – friends choke up

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle were fighting back tears, choked up, and even got in a warm chuckle or two when they remembered the life and legacy of Republican Senator John McCain.

Former colleagues, friends, and fellow senators  took to the airwaves Sunday morning to reminisce about McCain and memorialize his legacy.

‘I had always viewed him as indestructible. It never crossed my mind that there would be political life without John McCain, until now,’ said Republican Sen. Lindsay Graham, on CNN.

Graham was McCain’s closest friend in the Senate. The two traveled the world together for years with former Sen. Joe Lieberman, calling themselves ‘The Three Amigos.’ 

Sen. Lindsay Graham, McCain’s closest friend in the Senate, said he viewed he senator as ‘indestructible’

Sen. Jeff Flake remembered McCain as 'having a big brother that nobody wanted to mess with'

Sen. Jeff Flake remembered McCain as ‘having a big brother that nobody wanted to mess with’

McCain died on Saturday, a day after his family announced that the Vietnam War hero would stop treatment for his stage-four brain cancer. 

Sen. Jeff Flake, McCain’s fellow Republican senator from Arizona, fought back tears on CNN after the network played McCain’s floor speech about the senator after Flake announced he wouldn’t seek re-election this year.

‘I’m going to miss him,’ Flake said. ‘It’s tough to imagine a Senate without him. It’s tough to imagine politics without John McCain. But we need to go on.’

The senator also remembered about McCain as a mentor.

‘It was like having a big brother that nobody wanted to mess with,’ Flake said on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press.’ 

Democratic Sen. Chris Coons remembered going with McCain to Vietnam in June 2017 on what turned out to be McCain’s final trip to the country where he was imprisoned for five years during the Vietnam War.

Coons recalled visiting the cell where McCain was held during their trip. 

‘That was a remarkable visit,’ he said on CNN. ‘if anyone doubted his courage, his dedication to our country, spending time with him in Vietnam was a remarkable experience to get to go and visit the Hanoi Hilton prison where he spent five years under terrible conditions, two years in solitary confinement and being a victim of torture and resisted torture. He worked tirelessly to rebuild bridges between the American and Vietnamese people.’ 

He added: ‘I was so struck by his ability to help our country reconcile with Vietnam and to reconcile with that difficult chapter in our history.’

But it was McCain’s maverick legacy that most of his colleagues spoke about, praising his political courage, his willingness to work across the aisle, and his convictions as qualities deeply needed in today’s political climate.

‘He will be missed for many many reasons, that example he set of working across the aisle, working to bring people together, here at home and around the world, is one that should be remembered,’ Hillary Clinton, the former Democratic senator and presidential nominee said on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press.’

‘Our institutions are being severely tested right now, including his beloved Senate. He was, in every way he knew how, trying to sound the alarm,’ she noted. 

Flake said McCain’s capacity for forgiveness is something that is needed in today’s harsh political climate.

‘Oh, to forgive,’ he said on ABC’s ‘This Week,’ when asked about McCain’s legacy. ‘You know, his people talk about he had a temper, it was passionate, that’s certainly the case. But he would quickly forgive and move on and to see the good in his opponents, that is something that particularly these days we could use a lot more of.’

One moment in McCain’s long career that stood out for several of his colleagues was when the senator made his dramatic return to the Senate on July 27, 2017 after being diagnosed with brain cancer, to vote on a hastily assembled GOP bill to repeal and replace Obamacare.

He walked on to the Senate floor to a standing ovation from lawmakers and gave a dramatic thumbs down to signal his ‘no’ vote on the legislation, killing Republican plans to remove President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act.

Hillary Clinton, pictured here with John Kerry and John McCain, remembered doing vodka shots with McCain in Estonia

Hillary Clinton, pictured here with John Kerry and John McCain, remembered doing vodka shots with McCain in Estonia

‘It was John, through and through,’ Flake said on CNN. 

Lindsey Graham remembered the moment with more gravity.

‘When he came back, it’s the first time I saw him walk into chamber where I really thought that maybe he wouldn’t be here forever,’ he said on CNN. 

But there was also laughter behind the tears.

Former Sen. Jon Kyl, who represented Arizona in the Senate for years with McCain, said on ‘Fox News Sunday’ of serving with the senator:  ‘There was never a dull moment, I’ll put it that way.’

He added: ‘John was always there as a kind of conscious of the Senate.’ 

Clinton recalled McCain inviting her to travel on official trips with him across the globe, including one memorable night in Estonia.

‘We spent a memorable night in a hotel right on the old square doing vodka shots,’ she said on CNN.

And she said she’d like to toast McCain soon with some vodka.

‘I hope, I hope that will happen at some point in the future,’ she said on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press.’ 

The accolades for the senator have been pouring in since his death. 

McCain’s daughter Meghan McCain led a stream of online tributes on Saturday saying: ‘I love you forever, my beloved father’.

Despite his prickly relationship with the senator, Donald Trump tipped off his hat to McCain with a one line message, followed by a heartfelt two-paragraph statement issued by the Obamas.

‘My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!’ the president tweeted Saturday evening. 

Tributes have poured in from politicians and celebrities to honor the life of Senator John McCain who passed away Saturday afternoon at the age of 81 of stage four brain cancer

Tributes have poured in from politicians and celebrities to honor the life of Senator John McCain who passed away Saturday afternoon at the age of 81 of stage four brain cancer

Despite his contentious relationship with McCain, Trump paid his respects Saturday evening sharing his 'deepest sympathies' to the senator's family in a one line tribute

Despite his contentious relationship with McCain, Trump paid his respects Saturday evening sharing his ‘deepest sympathies’ to the senator’s family in a one line tribute

The First Lady also shared her sympathies, thanking McCain for his service to the nation

The First Lady also shared her sympathies, thanking McCain for his service to the nation

Vice President Mike Pence commended the senator for his military service and public works

Vice President Mike Pence commended the senator for his military service and public works

Ivanka Trump joined the chorus writing: 'Honoring the memory and legacy of Senator John McCain, an American patriot'

Ivanka Trump joined the chorus writing: ‘Honoring the memory and legacy of Senator John McCain, an American patriot’

The senator’s wife Cindy McCain, 64, took to Twitter to share her heartbreak upon her husband’s death.  

‘My heart is broken. I am so lucky to have lived the adventure of loving this incredible man for 38 years. He passed the way he lived, on his own terms, surrounded by the people he loved, in the the place he loved best,’ she wrote Saturday evening.

Their daughter Meghan McCain, 33, shared a moving note on Twitter, revealing her last moments with her father. 

‘I was with my father at his end, as he was with me at my beginning…All that I am is thank to him. Now that he is gone, the task of my lifetime is to live up to his example, his expectations, and his love.

‘He was a great fire who burned bright, and we lived in his light and warmth for so very long. We know that his flame lives on, in each of us.

The late senator's wife shared her heartbreak on Twitter saying: 'I am so lucky to have lived the adventure of loving this incredible man for 38 years.'

The late senator’s wife shared her heartbreak on Twitter saying: ‘I am so lucky to have lived the adventure of loving this incredible man for 38 years.’

Meghan McCain shared a moving letter announcing the death of her father on Saturday evening

Meghan McCain shared a moving letter announcing the death of her father on Saturday evening

The Obama's shared a lengthy tribute to McCain, praising the Vietnam veteran's courage

The Obama’s shared a lengthy tribute to McCain, praising the Vietnam veteran’s courage

Former president George W. Bush called McCain 'a friend whom I'll deeply miss' in tribute

Former president George W. Bush called McCain ‘a friend whom I’ll deeply miss’ in tribute

Former president George H. W. Bush also released a statement commending McCain as 'a patriot of the highest order, a public servant of rarest courage'

Former president George H. W. Bush also released a statement commending McCain as ‘a patriot of the highest order, a public servant of rarest courage’

The Clintons shared a moving tribute, praising the Vietnam veteran for his exemplary service

The Clintons shared a moving tribute, praising the Vietnam veteran for his exemplary service

‘My father is gone, and I miss him only as an adoring daughter can. But in this loss, and in this sorrow, I take comfort in this: John McCain, hero of the republic and to his little girl, wakes today to something more glorious than anything on this earth. 

‘Today the warrior enters his true and eternal life, greeted by those who have gone before him rising to meet the Author of All Things: ‘The dream is ended: this is the morning,” she wrote. 

Barack Obama also issued a touching statement commending the Arizona native, who he defeated in the 2008 presidential election, as inspiration to the nation.

‘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.’

The statement continued: ‘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 most heartfelt condolences to Cindy and their family.’ 

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell asked Republicans in his home state to observe a moment of silence for McCain in a lengthy statement saying: 'From his cell in Hanoi to the halls of the Senate, he never stopped fighting with courage and determination.'

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell asked Republicans in his home state to observe a moment of silence for McCain in a lengthy statement saying: ‘From his cell in Hanoi to the halls of the Senate, he never stopped fighting with courage and determination.’

Attorney General Jeff Sessions released this statement honoring the senator's life saying: 'For John McCain, his country was his life. He was tireless in its service'

Attorney General Jeff Sessions released this statement honoring the senator’s life saying: ‘For John McCain, his country was his life. He was tireless in its service’

Sarah Palin, McCain's former running mate in his 2008 presidential campaign, took to Twitter to write a two-part statement saying: 'John McCain was a maverick and a fighter, never afraid to stand for his beliefs'

Sarah Palin, McCain’s former running mate in his 2008 presidential campaign, took to Twitter to write a two-part statement saying: ‘John McCain was a maverick and a fighter, never afraid to stand for his beliefs’

Senator Lindsey Graham was McCain's closest confidante on the Senate floor and said he lost his dear ally and mentor. He followed up with a second tweet saying: 'I will need some time to absorb this'

Senator Lindsey Graham was McCain’s closest confidante on the Senate floor and said he lost his dear ally and mentor. He followed up with a second tweet saying: ‘I will need some time to absorb this’

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey said all flags would be lowered to half-staff in honor of McCain's dedication to his state and the nation

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey said all flags would be lowered to half-staff in honor of McCain’s dedication to his state and the nation

Ducey shared a long message to praise McCain's legacy saying: 'We were most proud to call him a fellow Arizonan'

Ducey shared a long message to praise McCain’s legacy saying: ‘We were most proud to call him a fellow Arizonan’

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Shumer said he'll introduce a resolution to rename a Senate office building after McCain

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Shumer said he’ll introduce a resolution to rename a Senate office building after McCain

Mike Pence followed the president’s tribute on Twitter writing: ‘Karen and I send our deepest condolences to Cindy and the entire McCain family on the passing of Senator John McCain. We honor his lifetime of service to this nation in our military and in public life. His family and friends will be in our prayers. God bless John McCain.’ 

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell asked Republicans in his home state to observe a moment of silence for McCain in a lengthy statement saying: ‘Today is a deeply sad day for the Senate and for our nation…It’s an understatement to say the Senate will not be the same without our friend John.’

‘From his cell in Hanoi to the halls of the Senate, he never stopped fighting with courage and determination,’ he added.

Sarah Palin took to Twitter to share her condolences as well. She was McCain’s running mate during the 2008 presidential election. 

‘Today we lost an American original. Sen. John McCain was a maverick and a fighter, never afraid to stand for his beliefs. John never took the easy path in life – and through sacrifice and suffering he inspired others to serve something greater than self,’ she wrote, calling him a dear friend and sharing an image of the two together on the campaign trail.

Senator Lindsey Graham was McCain’s closest confidante on the Senate floor and took to Twitter saying: ‘America and Freedom have lost one of her greatest champions. ….And I’ve lost one of my dearest friends and mentor.’

‘I will need some time to absorb this, but I want Cindy —and the entire McCain family — to know they are in my prayers,’ he added. 

Former Secretary of State John Kerry described the late senator as 'an American original - guts, grit and ultimately grace personified'

Former Secretary of State John Kerry described the late senator as ‘an American original – guts, grit and ultimately grace personified’

Former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright recalled how she saw first-hand how McCain motivated democracy's advocates 'while instilling fear in tyrants across the globe'

Former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright recalled how she saw first-hand how McCain motivated democracy’s advocates ‘while instilling fear in tyrants across the globe’

Former Senator Joe Lieberman, a close friend of McCain's shared his heartbreak writing: 'His death today hurts. I have lost a dear friend'

Former Senator Joe Lieberman, a close friend of McCain’s shared his heartbreak writing: ‘His death today hurts. I have lost a dear friend’

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster hailed McCain 'among the greatest of men'

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster hailed McCain ‘among the greatest of men’

Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi praised McCain as a leader and public servant of deep patriotism

Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi praised McCain as a leader and public servant of deep patriotism

Al Gore wrote on Twitter that he 'always admired and respected John from the opposite side of the aisle'

Al Gore wrote on Twitter that he ‘always admired and respected John from the opposite side of the aisle’

Former Speaker of the House John Boehner said the Arizona senator 'lived with courage until the end'

Former Speaker of the House John Boehner said the Arizona senator ‘lived with courage until the end’

Former Vice President Joe Biden said 'more than anything, John was a friend'

Former Vice President Joe Biden said ‘more than anything, John was a friend’

Bernie Sanders also shared his respects saying McCain will be missed by all Americans 'who respect integrity and independence'

Bernie Sanders also shared his respects saying McCain will be missed by all Americans ‘who respect integrity and independence’

US House candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said she learned about the power of humanity through interning for Senator Kennedy where she observed his friendship with McCain

US House candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said she learned about the power of humanity through interning for Senator Kennedy where she observed his friendship with McCain

Former California Governor Arnold Scwarzenegger commended McCain for his dignity and service, adding 'He showed us the way'

Former California Governor Arnold Scwarzenegger commended McCain for his dignity and service, adding ‘He showed us the way’

Retired American astronaut and retired US Navy Captain thanked the Vietnam veteran for his service, adding 'Fair winds and follow seas, Captain'

Retired American astronaut and retired US Navy Captain thanked the Vietnam veteran for his service, adding ‘Fair winds and follow seas, Captain’

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also voiced his respect for McCain adding: 'Canadians join Americans tonight in celebrating his life and mourning his passing'

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also voiced his respect for McCain adding: ‘Canadians join Americans tonight in celebrating his life and mourning his passing’

Former president George W. Bush called McCain ‘a man of deep conviction’ and his dear friend in a moving tribute.

‘Some lives are so vivid, it is difficult to imagine them ended. Some voices are so vibrant, it is hard to think of them stilled. John McCain was a man of deep conviction and a patriot of the highest order,’ he said.

‘He was a public servant in the finest traditions of our country. And to me, he was a friend whom I’ll deeply miss. Laura and I send our heartfelt sympathies to Cindy and the entire McCain family, and our thanks to God for the life of John McCain,’ he added.  

The Clintons shared a lengthy joint statement as well praising the late Republican for his heroic service to the country.

‘Senator John McCain believed that every citizen has a responsibility to make something of the freedoms given by our Constitution, and from his heroic service in the Navy to his 35 years in Congress, he lived by his creed every day. 

‘He was a skilled, tough politician, as well as a trusted colleague alongside whom Hillary was honored to serve in the Senate. He frequently put partisanship aside to do what he thought was best for the country, and was never afraid to break the mold if it was the right thing to do. 

‘I will always be especially grateful for his leadership in our successful efforts to normalize relations with Vietnam. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Cindy, his mother, Roberta, his children, and his entire family.’

The American flag at the White House was lowered to half-staff after McCain's passing 

The American flag at the White House was lowered to half-staff after McCain’s passing 

Paying respects: Flags across the nation were lowered to half mast following senator's death

Paying respects: Flags across the nation were lowered to half mast following senator’s death

A hearse arrived to the Sedona, Arizona home of the late senator on Saturday evening

A hearse arrived to the Sedona, Arizona home of the late senator on Saturday evening

Soon after the hearse was pictured leaving the McCain ranch estate hours after the senator's death was publicly announced

Soon after the hearse was pictured leaving the McCain ranch estate hours after the senator’s death was publicly announced

A military veteran paid respects at the entrance to the McCain ranch complex where the senator passed away surrounded by family and aides on Saturday afternoon

A military veteran paid respects at the entrance to the McCain ranch complex where the senator passed away surrounded by family and aides on Saturday afternoon

His hearse pictured en route to Phoenix, Arizona from his ranch in Sedona

His hearse pictured en route to Phoenix, Arizona from his ranch in Sedona

Honoring his service: Senator's hearse traveled with a stunning police escort procession

Honoring his service: Senator’s hearse traveled with a stunning police escort procession

Dozens of Americans lined Interstate 17 holding American flags as they waited for the procession to pass through with the hearse carrying the late McCain 

Dozens of Americans lined Interstate 17 holding American flags as they waited for the procession to pass through with the hearse carrying the late McCain 

Former vice president Al Gore shared a statement as well calling McCain ‘a true patriot’.  

‘Senator McCain was an American hero and a true patriot … I have no doubt that the Maverick’s legacy will forever be an important model of leadership and civil discourse,’ he wrote.

US House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi tweeted her condolences as well. 

‘He was a patriotic, courageous hero who served his country above all. You will be missed, Senator McCain. May you Rest In Peace.’

Arizona governor Doug Ducey shared a lengthy statement as well calling McCain ‘a giant. An icon. An American hero. He will never be forgotten.’

He also ordered all flags be lowered to half-staff in remembrance of the trailblazer’s life. He is expected to be named as McCain’s replacement in Senate.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer went so far as to say he will introduce a resolution to rename a Senate office building – the Russell – after McCain ‘so that generations remember him’.  

Senator John McCain's family announced Friday he would discontinue treatment for his aggressive terminal brain cancer

Senator John McCain’s family announced Friday he would discontinue treatment for his aggressive terminal brain cancer

The Arizona Republican was diagnosed with aggressive glioblastoma last summer

The Arizona Republican was diagnosed with aggressive glioblastoma last summer

On Friday the McCain family announced in a joint statement that the 81-year-old would stop treatment for his aggressive brain cancer that forced him to step away from Washington in December in order to seek medical treatment. 

‘Last summer, Senator John McCain shared with Americans the news our family already knew: he had been diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma, and the prognosis was serious. 

‘In the year since, John has surpassed expectations for his survival. But the progress of disease and the inexorable advance of age render their verdict. With his usual strength of will, he has now chosen to discontinue medical treatment. 

‘Our family is immensely grateful for the support and kindness of all his caregivers over the last year, and for the continuing outpouring of concern and affection from John’s many friends and associates, and the many thousands of people who are keeping him in their prayers. God bless and thank you all.’ 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk