The outpouring of respect, affection and accolades directed at Senator John McCain of Arizona on the occasion of his passing has brought into sharp relief for me the differences between him and Donald Trump. Moreover, I believe the contrast between these two men can and should be instructive to our nation as to how best to conduct oneself in the public arena.
John McCain served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was shot down over North Vietnam during a bombing raid. He was a prisoner of war for five and a half years, endured unspeakable torture and famously refused release ahead of his comrades in arms. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives for four years and served as the senator from Arizona for over thirty-one years. During that time, he was noted for working across the aisle with his opponents in the Democratic Party and for opposing measures supported by his own party (the Republicans) which he felt were not in the best interest of the republic. Finally, he served as the Republican nominee in the 2008 U.S. presidential election.
Donald Trump received five deferments for the draft during the Vietnam War. Donald Trump served his own financial interests until he decided to run for president in 2016. Trump indicated that McCain was only considered a war hero because he had been captured by the enemy. He went on to say, "I like people that weren't captured." Trump vilified his enemies, continuously attacked them and sought revenge when they defied him.
We are, of course, all flawed human beings. Nevertheless, it is clear to me that John McCain is far and away the better standard for public service.
John McCain served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was shot down over North Vietnam during a bombing raid. He was a prisoner of war for five and a half years, endured unspeakable torture and famously refused release ahead of his comrades in arms. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives for four years and served as the senator from Arizona for over thirty-one years. During that time, he was noted for working across the aisle with his opponents in the Democratic Party and for opposing measures supported by his own party (the Republicans) which he felt were not in the best interest of the republic. Finally, he served as the Republican nominee in the 2008 U.S. presidential election.
Donald Trump received five deferments for the draft during the Vietnam War. Donald Trump served his own financial interests until he decided to run for president in 2016. Trump indicated that McCain was only considered a war hero because he had been captured by the enemy. He went on to say, "I like people that weren't captured." Trump vilified his enemies, continuously attacked them and sought revenge when they defied him.
We are, of course, all flawed human beings. Nevertheless, it is clear to me that John McCain is far and away the better standard for public service.
Senator McCain also showed great respect for his opponents, including Barack Obama, whom he has asked to speak at his funeral. The contrast with Trump is disheartening and, frankly, frightening. A woman running for office in Arizona actually implied that the release of the statement that McCain would no longer be receiving medical care for his condition was timed to hurt her campaign! She is following in the steps of her narcissistic leader, and I fear we will be seeing more and more of this.
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