View source for John McCain

{{Short description|American politician and naval officer (1936–2018)}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Pp-move}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| image               = John McCain official portrait 2009 (3x4 cropped).jpg
| caption             = Official portrait, 2009
| jr/sr1              = United States Senator
| state1              = [[Arizona]]
| term_start1         = January 3, 1987
| term_end1           = August 25, 2018
| predecessor1        = [[Barry Goldwater]]
| successor1          = [[Jon Kyl]]
{{Collapsed infobox section begin
| last          = yes
| Committee positions
| titlestyle    = border:1px dashed lightgrey;}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| embed         = yes
| office3       = Chair of the [[Senate Armed Services Committee]]
| term_start3   = January 3, 2015
| term_end3     = August 25, 2018{{Efn|[[Jim Inhofe]] served as acting chairman while McCain was on leave from December 2017 to September 6, 2018.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/how-the-oldest-senate-ever-is-taking-a-toll-on-the-operations-of-washington/2017/12/16/349f27b8-e1b3-11e7-89e8-edec16379010_story.html |title=How the oldest Senate ever is taking a toll on the business of Washington |first=Paul|last=Kane|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=December 16, 2017|access-date=September 26, 2020|archive-date=September 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927142931/https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/how-the-oldest-senate-ever-is-taking-a-toll-on-the-operations-of-washington/2017/12/16/349f27b8-e1b3-11e7-89e8-edec16379010_story.html |url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| predecessor3  = [[Carl Levin]]
| successor3    = [[Jim Inhofe]]
| office4       = Chair of the [[Senate Indian Affairs Committee]]
| term_start4   = January 3, 2005
| term_end4     = January 3, 2007
| predecessor4  = [[Ben Nighthorse Campbell]]
| successor4    = [[Byron Dorgan]]
| term_start5   = January 3, 1995
| term_end5     = January 3, 1997
| predecessor5  = [[Daniel Inouye]]
| successor5    = Ben Nighthorse Campbell
| office6       = Chair of the [[Senate Commerce Committee]]
| term_start6   = January 3, 2003
| term_end6     = January 3, 2005
| predecessor6  = [[Fritz Hollings]]
| successor6    = [[Ted Stevens]]
| term_start7   = January 20, 2001
| term_end7     = June 3, 2001
| predecessor7  = Fritz Hollings
| successor7    = Fritz Hollings
| term_start8   = January 3, 1997
| term_end8     = January 3, 2001
| predecessor8  = [[Larry Pressler]]
| successor8    = Fritz Hollings
{{Collapsed infobox section end}}
}}
| state2              = [[Arizona]]
| district2           = {{ushr|AZ|1|1st}}
| term_start2         = January 3, 1983
| term_end2           = January 3, 1987
| predecessor2        = [[John Jacob Rhodes]]
| successor2          = [[John Jacob Rhodes III]]
| birth_name          = John Sidney McCain III
| birth_date          = {{Birth date|1936|08|29}}
| birth_place         = [[Coco Solo]], Panama Canal Zone
| death_date          = {{Death date and age|2018|08|25|1936|08|29}}
| death_place         = [[Cornville, Arizona]], U.S.
| resting_place       = [[United States Naval Academy Cemetery]]
| party               = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| spouse              = {{plainlist|
* {{marriage|[[Carol McCain|Carol Shepp]]|July 3, 1965|April 1980|reason=divorced}}
* {{marriage|[[Cindy McCain|Cindy Hensley]]|May 17, 1980|<!--do not list end if it's due to his death-->}}
}}
| children            = 7, including [[Meghan McCain|Meghan]]
| parents             = {{plainlist|
* [[John S. McCain Jr.]]
* [[Roberta Wright]]
}}
| relatives           = [[McCain family]]
| education           = [[United States Naval Academy]] ([[Bachelor of Science|BS]])
| awards              = [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]] ([[Posthumous award|posthumous]], 2022)
| signature           = John mccain signature2.svg
| signature_alt       = Cursive signature in ink
| website             = {{official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20181230025839/https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/|name=Senate website}}
| nickname            = John Wayne
| branch              = [[United States Navy]]
| serviceyears        = 1958–1981
| rank                = [[Captain (United States O-6)|Captain]]
| battles             = {{tree list}}
* [[Vietnam War]]{{POW}}
** [[Operation Rolling Thunder]]{{WIA}}
{{tree list/end}}
| mawards             = {{plainlist|
* [[Silver Star]]
* {{longitem|[[Legion of Merit]] (2) with [[Combat&nbsp;"V"]]}}
* [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]]
* {{longitem|[[Bronze Star Medal]] (3) with Combat&nbsp;"V"}}
* [[Purple Heart]]
* ''([[Early life and military career of John McCain#Military awards|more...]])''
}}
| module              = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=John McCain speaks on the 2016 Presidential Transition.ogg|title=McCain's voice|type=speech|description=McCain speaking on the [[First presidential transition of Donald Trump|2016 presidential transition]]<br />Recorded November 16, 2016}}
}}
{{John McCain series}}
'''John Sidney McCain III''' (August 29, 1936&nbsp;– August 25, 2018) was an American politician and [[United States Navy|naval]] officer who represented [[Arizona]] in the [[United States Congress]] for over 35 years, first as a [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. representative]] from 1983 to 1987, then as a [[United States Senate|U.S. senator]] from 1987 until his death in 2018. A member of the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]], he was the party's nominee in the [[2008 United States presidential election|2008 presidential election]].

Born into the prominent [[McCain family]] in the [[Panama Canal Zone]], McCain graduated from the [[U.S. Naval Academy]] in 1958 and [[Early life and military career of John McCain|received a commission]] in the U.S. Navy. He became a [[Naval aviator (United States)|naval aviator]] and flew [[ground-attack aircraft]] from [[aircraft carrier]]s. During the [[Vietnam War]], he almost died in the [[1967 USS Forrestal fire|1967 USS ''Forrestal'' fire]]. While on a bombing mission during [[Operation Rolling Thunder]] over [[Hanoi]] in October 1967, McCain was shot down, seriously injured, and captured by the [[North Vietnam]]ese. He was a [[prisoner of war]] until 1973. McCain experienced episodes of [[torture]] and refused an out-of-sequence early [[repatriation|release]]. He sustained wounds that left him with lifelong physical disabilities. McCain retired from the Navy as a [[Captain (United States O-6)|captain]] in 1981 and moved to Arizona.

In 1982, McCain was elected to the House of Representatives, where he served two terms. Four years later, he was elected to the Senate, where he served six terms. While generally adhering to conservative principles, McCain also gained a reputation as a "maverick" for his willingness to break from his party on certain issues, including [[LGBT rights in the United States|LGBT rights]], [[gun regulation]]s, and [[Campaign finance reform in the United States|campaign finance reform]] where his stances were more moderate than those of the party's base. McCain was investigated and largely exonerated in a political influence scandal of the 1980s as one of the [[Keating Five]]. He then made regulating the [[financing of political campaigns]] one of his signature concerns, which eventually resulted in the passage of the [[McCain–Feingold Act]] in 2002. With [[Russ Feingold]], McCain would receive the 1999 [[John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/profile-in-courage-award/award-recipients/john-mccain-1999|title=John McCain - 1999|publisher=[[John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum|John F. Kennedy Library Foundation]]|accessdate=September 7, 2025}}</ref>  He was also known for his work in the 1990s to restore [[United States–Vietnam relations|diplomatic relations with Vietnam]]. McCain chaired the [[Senate Commerce Committee]] from 1997 to 2001 and 2003 to 2005, where he opposed [[pork barrel]] spending and [[Earmark (politics)|earmarks]]. He belonged to the bipartisan "[[Gang of 14]]", which played a key role in alleviating a crisis over judicial nominations.

McCain entered the race for the [[John McCain 2000 presidential campaign|2000 Republican presidential nomination]], but lost [[2000 Republican Party presidential primaries|a heated primary season contest]] to [[George W. Bush]]. He secured the [[John McCain 2008 presidential campaign|2008 Republican presidential nomination]], beating fellow candidates [[Mitt Romney]] and [[Mike Huckabee]], though he lost the general election to [[Barack Obama]]. McCain subsequently adopted more orthodox conservative stances and attitudes and largely opposed actions of the [[Obama administration]], especially with regard to foreign policy matters. In 2015, he became Chairman of the [[Senate Armed Services Committee]]. He refused to support [[Donald Trump]] in the [[2016 United States presidential election|2016 presidential election]] and later became a vocal critic of the [[First presidency of Donald Trump|first Trump administration]]. While McCain opposed the Obama-era [[Affordable Care Act]] (ACA), he cast the deciding vote against the [[American Health Care Act of 2017]], which would have partially repealed the ACA. After being diagnosed with [[glioblastoma]] in 2017, he reduced his role in the Senate to focus on treatment, dying from the disease in 2018.

== Early life and military career (1936–1981) ==
{{Main|Early life and military career of John McCain}}

=== Early life and education ===

John Sidney McCain III was born on August 29, 1936, at [[Coco Solo]] Naval Air Station in the [[Panama Canal Zone]], to naval officer [[John S. McCain Jr.]] and [[Roberta McCain|Roberta Wright McCain]]. He had an older sister, Sandy, and a younger brother, [[Joe McCain|Joe]].<ref name="timberg-bio-ch1">{{Cite book|last=Timberg|first=Robert|chapter-url=https://www.nytimes.com/books/first/t/timberg-mccain.html|title=John McCain, An American Odyssey|chapter=The Punk|author-link=Robert Timberg|via=The New York Times|publisher=[[Simon and Schuster]]|date=1999|isbn=978-0-684-86794-6|access-date=August 4, 2015|url=https://archive.org/details/johnmccainameric00timb}}</ref> At that time, the [[Panama Canal]] was under U.S. control.<ref>{{Cite book|author-link=Samuel Eliot Morison|last=Morison|first=Samuel Eliot|title=The Two-Ocean War: A Short History of the United States Navy in the Second World War|publisher=[[Naval Institute Press]]|date=2007|page=119}}</ref>

His father and his paternal grandfather, [[John S. McCain Sr.]], were also [[Naval Academy (United States)|Naval Academy]] graduates and both became [[four-star admiral]]s in the [[United States Navy]].<ref name="az-naval">Nowicki, Dan and [[Bill Muller|Muller, Bill]]. [https://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter2.html "John McCain Report: At the Naval Academy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906090218/http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter2.html |date=September 6, 2014 }}, ''[[The Arizona Republic]]'' (March 1, 2007). Retrieved November 10, 2007; [https://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-postscript.html "How the biography was put together"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829111658/http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-postscript.html |date=August 29, 2008 }}, ''The Arizona Republic'' (March 1, 2007). Retrieved June 18, 2008. ("McCain's grades [at the Naval Academy] were good in the subjects he enjoyed, such as literature and history. Gamboa said McCain would rather read a history book than do his math homework. He did just enough to pass the classes he didn't find stimulating. 'He stood low in his class,' Gamboa said. 'But that was by choice, not design.'")</ref> The McCain family moved with their father as he took various naval postings in the United States and in the Pacific.<ref name="timberg-bio-ch1" /><ref>Alexander, ''Man of the People'', p. 19.</ref> As a result, the younger McCain attended a total of about 20 schools.<ref name="ap-wmd" /> In 1951, the family settled in [[Northern Virginia]], and McCain attended [[Episcopal High School (Alexandria)|Episcopal High School]], a private preparatory boarding school in [[Alexandria, Virginia|Alexandria]].<ref>Alexander, ''Man of the People'', p. 22.</ref><ref>McCain was christened and raised Episcopalian. See Nichols, Hans. [http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aHH18X6Vsqzk "McCain Keeps His Faith to Himself, at Church and in Campaign"]{{dead link|date=November 2019|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, Bloomberg (April 25, 2008). He then identified as a Baptist, although he had not been baptized as an adult, and was not an official member of the church he attended. See Warner, Greg. [https://web.archive.org/web/20090318030725/http://www.abpnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3229&Itemid=121 "McCain's faith: Pastor describes senator as devout, but low-key"], [[Associated Baptist Press]] (April 8, 2008). Retrieved September 6, 2008. Also see Hornick, Ed. [http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/16/warren.forum/index.html "McCain and Obama cite moral failures"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080818024018/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/16/warren.forum/index.html |date=August 18, 2008}}, [[CNN]] (August 16, 2008): "McCain, who was raised an Episcopalian and now identifies himself as Baptist, rarely discusses his faith." Retrieved August 16, 2008. Also see Reston, Maeve and Mehta, Seema. [https://web.archive.org/web/20080912033715/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-saddleback17-2008aug17,0,140426.story "Barack Obama and John McCain to Meet at Saddleback Church"], ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', (August 16, 2008). Archived from [https://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-saddleback17-2008aug17,0,140426.story the original] on September 12, 2008: "McCain [is] an Episcopalian who attends a Baptist church in Phoenix{{nbsp}}..." Retrieved August 16, 2008.</ref> He excelled at [[scholastic wrestling|wrestling]] and graduated in 1954.<ref>Alexander, ''Man of the People'', p. 28.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://alextimes.com/2007/06/episcopal-fetes-a-favorite-son/|title=Episcopal fetes a favorite son|newspaper=Alexandria Times|date=June 12, 2007|access-date=March 19, 2012|archive-date=August 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809060417/https://alextimes.com/2007/06/episcopal-fetes-a-favorite-son/|url-status=live}}</ref> He referred to himself as an [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopalian]] as recently as June 2007, after which date he said he came to identify as a [[Baptist]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/16/AR2007091600864.html|title=McCain Says He's Been Baptist for Years|last=Smith|first=Bruce|date=September 17, 2007|access-date=August 8, 2018|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=August 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803183943/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/16/AR2007091600864.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:McCain at Annapolis.JPG|upright|thumb|McCain at the [[United States Naval Academy|Naval Academy]], 1954|alt=Formal portrait of young, dark-haired man in white naval uniform]]

Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, McCain entered the [[United States Naval Academy]], where he was a friend and informal leader for many of his classmates<ref name="timberg-ns-ch1" /> and sometimes stood up for targets of [[bullying]].<ref name="az-naval" /> He also fought as a lightweight [[boxing|boxer]].<ref name="nw051407">{{Cite news|last=Bailey|first=Holly|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/34694|title=John McCain: 'I Learned How to Take Hard Blows'|work=[[Newsweek]]|date=May 14, 2007|access-date=December 19, 2007|archive-date=January 25, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125125048/http://www.newsweek.com/id/34694|url-status=live}}</ref> He earned the nickname "John Wayne" "for his attitude and popularity with the opposite sex."<ref name="BBCNews2018Aug26-KeyMoments">{{Cite news |last=Zurcher |first=Anthony  |date=August 26, 2018 |title=The key moments in John McCain's life |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-44009916 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824230208/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-44009916 |archive-date=August 24, 2021 |access-date=August 24, 2021 |publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> McCain did well in academic subjects that interested him, such as literature and history, but studied only enough to pass subjects that gave him difficulty, such as mathematics.<ref name="az-naval" /><ref>McCain, ''Faith of My Fathers'', p. 134.</ref> He came into conflict with higher-ranking personnel and did not always obey the rules. "He collected demerits the way some people collect stamps."<ref name="BBCNews2018Aug26-KeyMoments" /> His [[class rank]] (894 of 899) was not indicative of his intelligence nor his [[Intelligence quotient]] (IQ), which had been tested to be 128 and 133.<ref name="timberg-ns-ch1" /><ref>Alexander, ''Man of the People'', 207. McCain scored 128 and then 133 on IQ tests.</ref> McCain graduated in 1958.<ref name="timberg-ns-ch1">{{Cite book|last=Timberg|first=Robert|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=89xm-0eIfG8C&pg=PA31|title=Nightingale's Song|publisher=[[Simon and Schuster]]|pages=31–35|isbn=978-0-684-82673-8|date=September 11, 1996}}</ref>

=== Naval training, first marriage, and Vietnam War assignment ===

[[Early life and military career of John McCain#Naval training, early assignments, first marriage, and children|McCain began his early military career]] when he was commissioned as an [[Ensign (rank)#United States|ensign]], and started two and a half years of training at [[Pensacola, Florida|Pensacola]] to become a naval aviator.<ref name="alexander-32">Alexander, ''Man of the People'', p. 32.</ref> While there, he earned a reputation as a man who partied.<ref name="ap-wmd">Woodward, Calvin. [https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2007-11-03-998821539_x.htm "McCain's WMD Is A Mouth That Won't Quit"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315155128/http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2007-11-03-998821539_x.htm |date=March 15, 2012 }}. [[Associated Press]]. ''[[USA Today]]'' (November 4, 2007). Retrieved November 10, 2007.</ref> He completed flight school in 1960, and became a naval pilot of [[ground-attack aircraft]]; he was assigned to [[A-1 Skyraider]] squadrons<ref>McCain, ''Faith of My Fathers'', p. 156.</ref> aboard the [[aircraft carrier]]s {{USS|Intrepid|CV-11|6}} and {{USS|Enterprise|CVN-65|6}}<ref name="feinberg">Feinberg, Barbara. ''John McCain: Serving His Country'', p. 18 (Millbrook Press 2000). {{ISBN|0-7613-1974-3}}.</ref> in the [[Caribbean Sea|Caribbean]] and [[Mediterranean Sea]]s.<ref name="timberg-bio">Timberg, ''American Odyssey'', pp. 66–68.</ref> McCain began as a sub-par flier<ref name="timberg-bio" /> who was at times careless and reckless;<ref name="lat100608" /> during the early to mid-1960s, two of his flight missions crashed, and a third mission collided with power lines, but he received no major injuries.<ref name="lat100608">Vartabedian, Ralph and Serrano, Richard A. [https://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-aviator6-2008oct06,0,876358,full.story "Mishaps mark John McCain's record as naval aviator"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021160309/http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-aviator6-2008oct06,0,876358,full.story |date=October 21, 2008 }}, ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' (October 6, 2008). Retrieved October 6, 2008.</ref> His aviation skills improved over time,<ref name="timberg-bio" /> and he was seen as a good pilot, albeit one who tended to "[[Flight envelope|push the envelope]]" in his flying.<ref name="lat100608" />

[[File:McCainWithSquadron.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|alt=Four military pilots posed in, on, or in front of, silver jet with United States markings|Lieutenant McCain (front right) with his squadron and [[T-2 Buckeye]] trainer, 1965]]

On July 3, 1965, McCain was 28 when he married [[Carol Shepp]], who had worked as a runway model and secretary.<ref name="dmr-mccain">[http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=caucus&template=detail&candidate=mccain "John McCain"]{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, ''Iowa Caucuses '08'', ''[[The Des Moines Register]]''. Retrieved November 8, 2007.</ref> McCain adopted her two young children, Douglas and Andrew.<ref name="feinberg" /><ref name="alexander-92">Alexander, ''Man of the People'', p. 92</ref> He and Carol then had a daughter, Sidney.<ref>Alexander, ''Man of the People'', p. 33</ref><ref name="nyt122707">Steinhauer, Jennifer. [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/27/us/politics/27mccainkids.html "Bridging four Decades, a Large, Close-Knit Brood"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829223159/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/27/us/politics/27mccainkids.html |date=August 29, 2018 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (December 27, 2007). Retrieved December 27, 2007.</ref> The same year, he was a one-day champion on the game show [[Jeopardy!|''Jeopardy''!]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-06-30-2937395846_x.htm |title=McCain recalls loss on ''Jeopardy!'' |last=Fouhy |first=Beth |work=[[USA Today]] |date=June 30, 2008 |access-date=June 3, 2013 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006103643/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-06-30-2937395846_x.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

McCain requested a combat assignment,<ref>McCain, ''Faith of My Fathers'', pp. 167–68.</ref> and was assigned to the aircraft carrier {{USS|Forrestal}} flying [[A-4 Skyhawk]]s.<ref>McCain, ''Faith of My Fathers'', pp. 172–73.</ref> [[Early life and military career of John McCain#Vietnam operations|His combat duty]] began in mid-1967, when ''Forrestal'' was assigned to a bombing campaign, [[Operation Rolling Thunder]], during the [[Vietnam War]].<ref name="dmr-mccain" /><ref name="mccain-185">McCain, ''Faith of My Fathers'', pp. 185–86.</ref> Stationed in the [[Gulf of Tonkin]], McCain and his fellow pilots became frustrated by micromanagement from Washington; he later wrote, "In all candor, we thought our civilian commanders were complete idiots who didn't have the least notion of what it took to win the war."<ref name="mccain-185" /><ref name="Karaagac">Karaagac, John. ''John McCain: An Essay in Military and Political History'', pp. 81–82 (Lexington Books 2000). {{ISBN|0-7391-0171-4}}.</ref>

On July 29, 1967, McCain was a [[lieutenant commander (United States)|lieutenant commander]] when he was near the center of the [[1967 USS Forrestal fire|USS ''Forrestal'' fire]]. He escaped from his burning jet and was trying to help another pilot escape when a bomb exploded;<ref name="nyt073167">Weinraub, Bernard. [http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/flash/politics/20080203_MCCAIN_TIMELINE/content/pdf/19670731b.pdf "Start of Tragedy: Pilot Hears a Blast As He Checks Plane"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229220753/http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/flash/politics/20080203_MCCAIN_TIMELINE/content/pdf/19670731b.pdf |date=December 29, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (July 31, 1967). Retrieved March 28, 2008.</ref> McCain was struck in the legs and chest by fragments.<ref name="timberg-73">Timberg, ''American Odyssey'', pp. 72–74.</ref> The ensuing fire killed 134&nbsp;sailors.<ref name="ff-178">McCain, ''Faith of My Fathers'', pp. 177–79.</ref><ref name="DANFS">US Navy [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/f3/forrestal.htm Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships – Forrestal] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320002709/http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/f3/forrestal.htm |date=March 20, 2008}}. States either Aircraft No.&nbsp;405 piloted by LCDR Fred D. White or No.&nbsp;416 piloted by LCDR John McCain was struck by the Zuni.</ref> With the ''Forrestal'' out of commission, McCain volunteered for assignment with the {{USS|Oriskany}}, another carrier employed in Operation Rolling Thunder.<ref>Timberg, ''American Odyssey'', 75.</ref> There, he was awarded the [[Navy Commendation Medal]] and the [[Bronze Star Medal]] for missions flown over North Vietnam.<ref name="ap050708" />

=== Prisoner of war ===

McCain was taken [[Early life and military career of John McCain#Prisoner of war|prisoner of war]] on October 26, 1967. He was flying his 23rd bombing mission over [[North Vietnam]] when his [[A-4E Skyhawk]] was shot down by a missile over [[Hanoi]].<ref name="az-pow">Nowicki, Dan & Muller, Bill. [https://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter3.html "John McCain Report: Prisoner of War"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605054859/http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter3.html |date=June 5, 2015 }}, ''[[The Arizona Republic]]'' (March 1, 2007). Retrieved November 10, 2007.</ref><ref name="hub-363" /> McCain fractured both arms and a leg when he ejected from the aircraft,<ref name=Dobbs>Dobbs, Michael. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/04/AR2008100402351.html "In Ordeal as Captive, Character Was Shaped"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904183401/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/04/AR2008100402351.html? |date=September 4, 2017 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (October 5, 2008)</ref> and nearly drowned after he parachuted into [[Trúc Bạch Lake]]. Some North Vietnamese pulled him ashore, then others crushed his shoulder with a rifle butt and bayoneted him.<ref name="az-pow" /> McCain was then transported to Hanoi's main [[Hỏa Lò Prison]], nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton".<ref name="hub-363">Hubbell, ''P.O.W.'', p. 363</ref>

Although McCain was seriously wounded and injured, his captors refused to treat him. They beat and [[interrogated]] him and he was given medical care only when the North Vietnamese discovered that his father was an admiral.<ref name="hub-364">Hubbell, ''P.O.W.'', p. 364</ref> His status as a [[prisoner of war]] (POW) made the front pages of major American newspapers.<ref name="nyt102867j">[[R. W. Apple, Jr.|Apple Jr., R. W.]] [http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/flash/politics/20080203_MCCAIN_TIMELINE/content/pdf/19671028.pdf "Adm. McCain's son, Forrestal Survivor, Is Missing in Raid"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415031004/http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/flash/politics/20080203_MCCAIN_TIMELINE/content/pdf/19671028.pdf |date=April 15, 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (October 28, 1967). Retrieved November 11, 2007.</ref><ref>[https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost_historical/access/165690022.html?dids=165690022:165690022&FMT=ABS&FMTS= "Admiral's Son Captured in Hanoi Raid"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808212456/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost_historical/access/165690022.html?dids=165690022:165690022&FMT=ABS&FMTS= |date=August 8, 2013 }}, [[Associated Press]]. ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (October 28, 1967). Retrieved February 9, 2008 (fee required for full text).</ref>

McCain spent six weeks in the hospital, where he received marginal care. He had lost {{convert|50|lb|kg|0}}, he was in a chest cast, and his gray hair had turned white.<ref name="az-pow" /> McCain was sent to a different camp on the outskirts of Hanoi.<ref>Timberg, ''American Odyssey'', p. 83</ref> In December 1967, McCain was placed in a cell with two other Americans, who did not expect him to live more than a week.<ref>Alexander, ''Man of the People'', 54.</ref> In March 1968, McCain was placed in [[solitary confinement]], where he remained for two years.<ref>Timberg, ''American Odyssey'', p. 89</ref>

In mid-1968, his father John S. McCain Jr. was named commander of all U.S. forces in the Vietnam theater, and the North Vietnamese offered McCain early release<ref name="hub-451">Hubbell, ''P.O.W.'', pp. 450–51</ref> because they wanted to appear merciful for propaganda purposes,<ref>Rochester and Kiley, ''Honor Bound'', p. 363</ref> and also to show other POWs that elite prisoners were willing to be treated preferentially.<ref name="hub-451" /> Such early release was prohibited by the POWs' interpretation of the military [[Code of the United States Fighting Force|Code of Conduct]], which states in Article III: "I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy."<ref>{{cite web|title=Executive Orders|url=https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/10631.html|website=National Archives|access-date=October 24, 2017|date=August 15, 2016|archive-date=August 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825143232/https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/10631.html|url-status=live}}</ref> McCain refused repatriation unless every man taken in before him was also released. To prevent the enemy from using prisoners for propaganda, officers were to agree to be released in the order in which they were captured.<ref name="az-pow" />

Beginning in August 1968, McCain was subjected to severe torture.<ref name="hub-453">Hubbell, ''P.O.W.'', pp. 452–54</ref> He was bound and beaten every two hours, and he was suffering from heat exhaustion and [[dysentery]].<ref name="az-pow" /><ref name="hub-453" /> Further injuries brought McCain to "the point of suicide", but his preparations were interrupted by guards. Eventually, McCain made an anti-U.S. propaganda "confession".<ref name="az-pow" /> He had always felt that his statement was dishonorable, but as he later wrote: "I had learned what we all learned over there: every man has his breaking point. I had reached mine."<ref>Timberg, ''American Odyssey'', pp. 95, 118</ref><ref name="usnwr73">McCain, John. [https://www.usnews.com/articles/news/world/2008/01/28/john-mccain-prisoner-of-war-a-first-person-account.html "How the POW's Fought Back"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013133940/http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/world/2008/01/28/john-mccain-prisoner-of-war-a-first-person-account.html |date=October 13, 2008}}, ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]'' (May 14, 1973), reposted in 2008 under title "John McCain, Prisoner of War: A First-Person Account". Retrieved January 29, 2008. Reprinted in ''Reporting Vietnam, Part Two: American Journalism 1969–1975'', pp. 434–63 ([[The Library of America]] 1998). {{ISBN|1-883011-59-0}}.</ref> Many U.S. POWs were tortured and maltreated to extract "confessions" and propaganda statements;<ref>Hubbell, ''P.O.W.'', pp. 288–306.</ref> virtually all eventually yielded something.<ref>Hubbell, ''P.O.W.'', pp. 548–49</ref> McCain received two to three beatings weekly because of his continued refusal to sign additional statements.<ref>Alexander, ''Man of the People'', p. 60</ref>

McCain refused to meet various anti-war groups seeking peace in Hanoi, wanting to give neither them nor the North Vietnamese a propaganda victory.<ref>Alexander, ''Man of the People'', p. 64</ref> From late 1969, treatment of McCain and many of the other POWs became more tolerable,<ref>Rochester and Kiley, ''Honor Bound'', pp. 489–91</ref> while McCain continued to resist the camp authorities.<ref>Rochester and Kiley, ''Honor Bound'', pp. 510, 537</ref> McCain and other prisoners cheered the [[Operation Linebacker II|U.S. "Christmas Bombing" campaign]] of December 1972, viewing it as a forceful measure to push North Vietnam to terms.<ref name="usnwr73" /><ref>Timberg, ''American Odyssey'', pp. 106–07</ref>

McCain was a prisoner of war in North Vietnam for five and a half years, until his release on March 14, 1973, along with 108 other prisoners of war.<ref name="nyt031573">Sterba, James. [http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/flash/politics/20080203_MCCAIN_TIMELINE/content/pdf/19730315.pdf "P.O.W. Commander Among 108 Freed"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415031012/http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/flash/politics/20080203_MCCAIN_TIMELINE/content/pdf/19730315.pdf |date=April 15, 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (March 15, 1973). Retrieved March 28, 2008.</ref> His wartime injuries left him permanently incapable of raising his arms above his head.<ref name="vf0207">[[Todd S. Purdum|Purdum, Todd]]. [https://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2007/02/mccain200702 "Prisoner of Conscience"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120054149/http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2007/02/mccain200702 |date=January 20, 2015}}, ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]'', February 2007. Retrieved January 19, 2008.</ref> After the war, McCain, accompanied by his family, returned to the site on a few occasions.<ref>{{cite news |title=McCain, in Vietnam, Finds the Past isn't Really the Past |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/04/27/world/mccain-in-vietnam-finds-the-past-isn-t-really-past.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527141248/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/04/27/world/mccain-in-vietnam-finds-the-past-isn-t-really-past.html |archive-date=May 27, 2015 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=[[The New York Times]]|date=April 27, 2000 |access-date=July 31, 2018|last1=Landler |first1=Mark }}</ref>

=== Commanding officer, liaison to Senate, and second marriage ===

McCain was reunited with his family when he [[Early life and military career of John McCain#Return to United States|returned]] to the United States. His wife [[Carol McCain|Carol]] had been severely injured by an automobile accident in December 1969. She was then four inches shorter, in a wheelchair or on crutches, and substantially heavier than when he had last seen her. As a returned POW, he became a celebrity of sorts.<ref name="az-return">{{Cite book|last1=Nowicki|first1=Dan|last2=Muller|first2=Bill|chapter-url=https://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter4.html|title=John McCain Report|chapter=Back in the U.S.A.|publisher=[[The Arizona Republic]]|date=March 1, 2007|access-date=November 10, 2007|archive-date=November 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081123055444/http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter4.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:John McCain 19742.jpg|thumb|alt=White-haired man in thirties sitting in a chair, pack of cigarettes readily available|Lieutenant Commander McCain being interviewed after his return from Vietnam, April 1973]]
[[File:Richard Nixon Greets John McCain.jpg|thumb|right|Lieutenant Commander McCain greeting President Nixon, May 1973]]

McCain underwent treatment for his injuries that included months of [[physical therapy]].<ref name="Kristof">{{Cite news|author-link=Nicholas Kristof|last=Kristof|first=Nicholas|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/27/us/pow-to-power-broker-a-chapter-most-telling.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091218213311/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/27/us/pow-to-power-broker-a-chapter-most-telling.html |archive-date=December 18, 2009 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=P.O.W. to Power Broker, A Chapter Most Telling|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=February 27, 2000|access-date=April 22, 2007}}</ref> He attended the [[National War College]] at [[Fort McNair]] in Washington, D.C., during 1973–1974.<ref>Alexander, ''Man of the People'', 81.</ref> He was rehabilitated by late 1974, and his flight status was reinstated. In 1976, he became [[Commanding Officer]] of a training squadron stationed in Florida.<ref name="az-return" /><ref name="dict-va174">[http://www.history.navy.mil/download/va154174.pdf ''Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308224044/http://www.history.navy.mil/download/va154174.pdf |date=March 8, 2008}}, Volume 1, [[Naval Historical Center]]. Retrieved May 19, 2008.</ref> He improved the unit's flight readiness and safety records,<ref>Vartabedian, Ralph. [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-apr-14-na-mccainsquadron14-story.html "McCain has long relied on his grit"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415031056/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/apr/14/nation/na-mccainsquadron14 |date=April 15, 2016 }}, ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' (April 14, 2008). Retrieved September 2, 2008.</ref> and won the squadron its first-ever [[Meritorious Unit Commendation]].<ref name="dict-va174" /> During this period in Florida, he had extramarital affairs, and his marriage began to falter, about which he later stated: "The blame was entirely mine".<ref>Timberg, ''American Odyssey'', pp. 123–24</ref><ref name="az-arizona" />

[[Early life and military career of John McCain#Senate liaison, divorce, and second marriage|McCain served as the Navy's liaison]] to the U.S. Senate beginning in 1977.<ref name=Frantz>{{cite web | last=Frantz | first=Douglas | title=The Arizona Ties: A Beer Baron and a Powerful Publisher Put McCain on a Political Path | website=The New York Times Web Archive | date=February 21, 2000 | url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/library/politics/camp/022100wh-gop-mccain2.html | access-date=April 9, 2025 | archive-date=April 19, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419233318/https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/library/politics/camp/022100wh-gop-mccain2.html | url-status=live }}</ref> In retrospect, he said that this represented his "real entry into the world of politics, and the beginning of my second career as a public servant."<ref name="az-return" /> His key behind-the-scenes role gained congressional financing for a new [[supercarrier]] against the wishes of the [[Carter administration]].<ref name="Kristof" /><ref>Timberg, ''American Odyssey'', pp. 132–34</ref>

In April 1979,<ref name="Kristof" /> McCain met [[Cindy Lou Hensley]], a teacher from [[Phoenix, Arizona]], whose [[Jim Hensley|father]] had founded [[Hensley & Co.|a large beer distributorship]].<ref name="az-arizona">Nowicki, Dan and Muller, Bill. [https://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter5.html "John McCain Report: Arizona, the early years"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724131214/http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter5.html |date=July 24, 2008 }}, ''[[The Arizona Republic]]'' (March 1, 2007). Regarding his first marriage, McCain said that he "had not shown the same determination to rebuild (his) personal life" as he had shown in his military career, and that "marriages can be hard to recover after great time and distance have separated a husband and wife. We are different people when we reunite{{nbsp}}... But my marriage's collapse was attributable to my own selfishness and immaturity more than it was to Vietnam, and I cannot escape blame by pointing a finger at the war. The blame was entirely mine." Retrieved November 21, 2007.</ref> They began dating, and he urged his wife, Carol, to grant him a divorce, which she did in February 1980; the uncontested divorce took effect in April 1980.<ref name="alexander-92" /><ref name="Kristof" /> The settlement included two houses and financial support for her ongoing medical treatments due to her 1969 car accident; they remained on good terms.<ref name="az-arizona" /> McCain and Hensley were married on May 17, 1980, with Senators [[William Cohen]] and [[Gary Hart]] attending as [[groomsmen]].<ref name="dmr-mccain" /><ref name="az-arizona" /> McCain's children did not attend, and several years passed before they reconciled.<ref name="nyt122707" /><ref name="Kristof" /> John and Cindy McCain entered into a [[prenuptial agreement]] that kept most of her family's assets under her name; they kept their finances separate and filed separate [[Tax return (United States)|income tax returns]].<ref name="ap041808">[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mccain-releases-his-tax-returns/ "McCain Releases His Tax Returns"], [[Associated Press]] for [[CBS News]] (April 18, 2008). Retrieved April 24, 2008.</ref>
[[File:Phoenix-John Mccain House-1951-1.jpg|left|thumb|The residence of John and Cindy McCain in Phoenix, Arizona]]

McCain decided to leave the Navy. It was doubtful whether he would ever be promoted to the rank of [[Admiral (United States)|full admiral]], as he had poor annual physicals and had not been given a major sea command.<ref>Timberg, ''American Odyssey'', p. 135</ref> His chances of being promoted to [[rear admiral (lower half)|rear admiral]] were better, but he declined that prospect, as he had already made plans to run for Congress and said he could "do more good there."<ref name="Kirkpatrick">Kirkpatrick, David. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/29/us/politics/29mccain.html "Senate's Power and Allure Drew McCain From Military "] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707012542/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/29/us/politics/29mccain.html |date=July 7, 2018 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (May 29, 2008). Retrieved May 29, 2008.</ref><ref name="wapo101308">[[Michael Leahy (author)|Leahy, Michael]]. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/12/AR2008101202306.html "Seeing White House From a Cell in Hanoi"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707040424/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/12/AR2008101202306.html |date=July 7, 2018 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (October 13, 2008). Retrieved October 17, 2008.</ref>

McCain retired from the Navy as a [[Captain (United States O-6)|captain]] on April 1, 1981.<ref name="ap050708" /><ref>Alexander, ''Man of the People'', p. 93</ref> He was designated as disabled and awarded a [[veteran's pension|disability pension]].<ref>Vartabedian, Ralph. [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-apr-22-na-pension22-story.html "John McCain gets tax-free disability pension"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823202902/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/apr/22/nation/na-pension22 |date=August 23, 2018 }}, ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' (April 22, 2008).</ref> Upon leaving the military, he moved to Arizona. His numerous military decorations and awards include: the [[Silver Star]], two [[Legion of Merit]]s, [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]], three Bronze Star Medals, two [[Purple Heart]]s, two [[Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal]]s, and the [[Prisoner of War Medal]].<ref name="ap050708">Kuhnhenn, Jim. [https://web.archive.org/web/20090627082502/http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/05/07/navy_releases_mccains_military_record/ "Navy releases McCain's military record"]. [[Associated Press]]. ''[[Boston Globe]]'' (May 7, 2008). Retrieved May 25, 2008.</ref>

== House and Senate elections and career (1982–2000) ==
{{Main|U.S. House and Senate career of John McCain (until 2000)}}

=== U.S. Representative ===

[[US House and Senate career of John McCain (until 2000)#U.S. Congressman|McCain set his sights on becoming a representative]] because he was interested in current events, was ready for a new challenge, and had developed political ambitions.<ref name="az-arizona" /><ref>Gilbertson, Dawn. [https://www.azcentral.com/news/election/mccain/articles/2007/01/23/20070123biz-hensley.html "McCain, his wealth tied to wife's family beer business"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415031112/http://www.azcentral.com/news/election/mccain/articles/2007/01/23/20070123biz-hensley.html |date=April 15, 2016 }}, ''[[The Arizona Republic]]'' (January 23, 2007). Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref><ref>Timberg, ''American Odyssey'', p. 139</ref> Living in Phoenix, he went to work for his new father-in-law's large [[Anheuser-Busch]] beer distributorship.<ref name="az-arizona" /> As vice president of public relations at the distributorship, he gained political support among the local business community, meeting powerful figures such as banker [[Charles Keating Jr.]], real estate developer [[Fife Symington III]] (later Governor of Arizona) and newspaper publisher [[Darrow "Duke" Tully]].<ref name=Frantz /> In 1982, McCain ran as a Republican for an open seat in [[Arizona's 1st congressional district]], which was being vacated by 30-year incumbent Republican [[John Jacob Rhodes]].<ref>Thornton, Mary. [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost_historical/access/127774772.html?dids=127774772:127774772&FMT=ABS&FM "Arizona 1st District John McCain"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808221159/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost_historical/access/127774772.html?dids=127774772:127774772&FMT=ABS&FM |date=August 8, 2013 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (December 16, 1982). Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref> A newcomer to the state, McCain was termed a [[carpetbagger]].<ref name="az-arizona" /> McCain responded to a voter making that charge with what a ''[[Phoenix Gazette]]'' columnist later described as "the most devastating response to a potentially troublesome political issue I've ever heard":<ref name="az-arizona" />

{{blockquote|Listen, pal. I spent 22&nbsp;years in the Navy. My father was in the Navy. My grandfather was in the Navy. We in the military service tend to move a lot. We have to live in all parts of the country, all parts of the world. I wish I could have had the luxury, like you, of growing up and living and spending my entire life in a nice place like the First District of Arizona, but I was doing other things. As a matter of fact, when I think about it now, the place I lived longest in my life was Hanoi.<ref name="az-arizona" /><ref>Timberg, ''American Odyssey'', pp. 143–44.</ref>}}

McCain won a highly contested primary election with the assistance of local political endorsements, his [[Washington, D.C.|Washington]] connections, and money that his wife lent to his campaign.<ref name="az-arizona" /><ref name=Frantz /> He then easily won the general election in the heavily Republican district.<ref name="az-arizona" />

[[File:John McCain 1983.jpg|thumb|McCain in 1983, during his first term in the [[United States House of Representatives|House of Representatives]]]]

In 1983, McCain was elected to lead the incoming group of Republican representatives,<ref name="az-arizona" /> and was assigned to the [[United States House Committee on Natural Resources|House Committee on Interior Affairs]]. Also that year, he opposed creation of a federal [[Martin Luther King Jr. Day]], but admitted in 2008: "I was wrong and eventually realized that, in time to give full support [in 1990] for a state holiday in Arizona."<ref>[https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/04/03/mccain-clinton-head-to-memphis-for-mlk-anniversary/ "McCain, Clinton Head to Memphis for MLK Anniversary"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709070137/https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/04/03/mccain-clinton-head-to-memphis-for-mlk-anniversary/ |date=July 9, 2018 }}, Washington Wire (blog), ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' (April 3, 2008). Retrieved April 17, 2008.</ref><ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/04/AR2008040401741.html "McCain Remarks on Dr. King and Civil Rights"] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130205210756/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/04/AR2008040401741.html |date=February 5, 2013 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (April 4, 2008): "We can be slow as well to give greatness its due, a mistake I made myself long ago when I voted against a federal holiday in memory of Dr. King. I was wrong and eventually realized that, in time to give full support for a state holiday in Arizona." Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref>

At this point, McCain's politics were mainly in line with those of President [[Ronald Reagan]]; this included support for [[Reaganomics]], and he was active on Indian Affairs bills.<ref name="alex-99">Alexander, ''Man of the People'', pp. 98–99, 104</ref> He supported most aspects of the [[foreign policy of the Reagan administration]], including its [[Foreign policy of the Ronald Reagan administration#Cold War|hardline stance against the Soviet Union]] and [[Foreign policy of the Ronald Reagan administration#Latin America|policy towards Central American conflicts]], such as backing the [[Contras]] in Nicaragua.<ref name="alex-99" /> McCain opposed keeping U.S. Marines [[Multinational Force in Lebanon|deployed in Lebanon]], citing unattainable objectives, and subsequently criticized President Reagan for pulling out the troops too late; in the interim, the [[1983 Beirut barracks bombing]] killed hundreds.<ref name="az-arizona" /><ref>Alexander, ''Man of the People'', p. 100</ref> McCain won re-election to the House easily in 1984,<ref name="az-arizona" /> and gained a spot on the [[United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs|House Foreign Affairs Committee]].<ref>Alexander, ''Man of the People'', pp. 100–01</ref> In 1985, he made his first return trip to Vietnam,<ref>Tapper, Jake. [http://archive.salon.com/politics2000/feature/2000/04/27/mccain/index.html "McCain returns to the past"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203010001/http://archive.salon.com/politics2000/feature/2000/04/27/mccain/index.html |date=December 3, 2007}}, ''[[Salon (magazine)|Salon]]'' (April 27, 2000). Retrieved November 21, 2007.</ref> and also traveled to Chile where he met with its military [[Government Junta of Chile (1973)|junta]] ruler, General [[Augusto Pinochet]].<ref>Reinhard, Beth. [http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2008/10/blog-mccain-met.html "Blog: McCain met with Pinochet"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091009203541/http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2008/10/blog-mccain-met.html|date=October 9, 2009}}, Naked Politics, ''[[Miami Herald]]'' (October 24, 2008). Retrieved November 1, 2008.</ref><ref name="dinges">{{cite news | author-link = John Dinges |last=Dinges |first= John |url=http://ciperchile.cl/2008/10/24/la-desconocida-cita-entre-john-mccain-y-pinochet/ |title= La desconocida cita entre John McCain y Pinochet | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081027061509/http://ciperchile.cl/2008/10/24/la-desconocida-cita-entre-john-mccain-y-pinochet/ |date=October 24, 2008 |publisher=Centro de Investigación e Información Periodística|archive-date=October 27, 2008 |access-date=October 27, 2008 | language =es }}</ref><ref name="lostiempos">{{cite news |language=es | url = http://www.lostiempos.com/diario/actualidad/internacional/20081025/revelan-inedita-cita-entre-mccain-y-pinochet-en_23183_30574.html |title= Revelan inédita cita entre McCain y Pinochet en 1985 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530220733/http://www.lostiempos.com/diario/actualidad/internacional/20081025/revelan-inedita-cita-entre-mccain-y-pinochet-en_23183_30574.html |access-date=May 30, 2013 | work=[[Los Tiempos]] | date=October 25, 2008 | archive-date= May 30, 2013}}</ref>

=== Growing family ===

In 1984, McCain and Cindy had their first child, daughter [[Meghan McCain|Meghan]], followed two years later by son John IV and in 1988 by son James.<ref name="nyt-bio">"[http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/john_mccain John McCain] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203011604/http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/john_mccain/ |date=December 3, 2013 }}", ''[[The New York Times]]''. Retrieved October 8, 2008.</ref> In 1991, Cindy brought an abandoned three-month-old girl needing medical treatment to the U.S. from a Bangladeshi orphanage run by [[Mother Teresa]].<ref name="alex-147">Alexander, ''Man of the People'', p. 147</ref> The McCains decided to adopt her and named her Bridget.<ref name="dad060400">Strong, Morgan. [http://www.dadmag.com/archive/060400jmccain.php "Senator John McCain talks about the challenges of fatherhood"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221071033/http://www.dadmag.com/archive/060400jmccain.php|date=December 21, 2007}}, Dadmag.com (June 4, 2000). Retrieved December 19, 2007.</ref>

=== First two terms in the U.S. Senate ===

[[US House and Senate career of John McCain (until 2000)#U.S. Senator|McCain's Senate career began]] in January 1987, after he defeated his Democratic opponent, former state legislator [[Richard Kimball (politician)|Richard Kimball]], by 20&nbsp;percentage points in the 1986 election.<ref name=Frantz /><ref name="az-senate" /> McCain succeeded Arizona native, conservative icon, and the 1964 Republican presidential nominee [[Barry Goldwater]] upon Goldwater's retirement as [[List of United States senators from Arizona|U.S. senator from Arizona]] for 30 years.<ref name="az-senate">Nowicki, Dan and Muller, Bill. [https://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter6.html "John McCain Report: The Senate calls"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123080838/http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter6.html |date=January 23, 2016 }}, ''[[The Arizona Republic]]'' (March 1, 2007). Retrieved November 23, 2007.</ref> In January 1988, McCain voted in favor of the [[Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/100-1988/s432|title=TO PASS S 557, CIVIL RIGHTS RESTORATION ACT, A BILL ... -- Senate Vote #432 -- Jan 28, 1988|website=GovTrack.us|access-date=May 14, 2020|archive-date=July 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728203812/https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/100-1988/s432|url-status=live}}</ref> and voted to override President Reagan's veto of that legislation the following March.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/100-1988/s487|title=TO ADOPT, OVER THE PRESIDENT'S VETO OF S 557, CIVIL ... -- Senate Vote #487 -- Mar 22, 1988|website=GovTrack.us|access-date=May 14, 2020|archive-date=August 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810145251/https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/100-1988/s487|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Reagans with John McCain 1987.jpg|thumb|alt=White-haired man in suit greets dark-haired man in suit in formal setting, as gaunt, well-coiffed woman looks on| President [[Ronald Reagan]] greets McCain as First Lady [[Nancy Reagan]] looks on, March 1987.]]

Senator McCain became a member of the [[United States Senate Committee on Armed Services|Armed Services Committee]], with which he had formerly done his Navy liaison work; he also joined the [[United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation|Commerce Committee]] and the [[United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs|Indian Affairs Committee]].<ref name="az-senate" /> He continued to support the Native American agenda.<ref name="Barone112">[[Michael Barone (pundit)|Barone, Michael]]; Ujifusa, Grant; [[Richard E. Cohen|Cohen, Richard E.]] ''[[The Almanac of American Politics]], 2000'', p. 112 (National Journal 1999). {{ISBN|0-8129-3194-7}}.</ref> As first a House member and then a senator—and as a lifelong gambler with close ties to the gambling industry<ref>Becker, Jo; Van Natta, Don. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/28/us/politics/28gambling-web.html "For McCain and Team, a Host of Ties to Gambling"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825152122/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/28/us/politics/28gambling-web.html |date=August 25, 2018 }}, ''The New York Times'' (September 27, 2008). Retrieved September 29, 2008.</ref>—McCain was one of the main authors of the 1988 [[Indian Gaming Regulatory Act]],<ref name="nigc">Johnson, Tadd. "[http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/17932/1/ar980140.pdf Regulatory Issues and Impacts of Gaming in Indian Country"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080809030357/http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/17932/1/ar980140.pdf |date=August 9, 2008 }}, ''Increasing Understanding of Public Problems and Policies: Proceedings of the 1998 National Public Policy Education Conference'', pp. 140–44 (September 1998)</ref><ref name="Sweeney">Sweeney, James. [http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060911/news_1n11gaming.html "New rules on Indian gaming face longer odds"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917032941/http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060911/news_1n11gaming.html |date=September 17, 2008}}, ''[[The San Diego Union-Tribune]]'' (September 11, 2006). Retrieved July 1, 2008.</ref> which codified rules regarding [[Native American gambling enterprises]].<ref name="mason">Mason, W. Dale. ''Indian Gaming: Tribal Sovereignty and American Politics'', pp. 60–64 ([[University of Oklahoma Press]] 2000). {{ISBN|0-8061-3260-4}}</ref> McCain was also a strong supporter of the [[Gramm–Rudman]] legislation that enforced automatic spending cuts in the case of budget deficits.<ref>Alexander, ''Man of the People'', p. 112</ref>

McCain soon gained national visibility. He delivered a well-received speech at the [[1988 Republican National Convention]], was mentioned by the press as a [[short list]] vice-presidential running mate for Republican nominee [[George H. W. Bush]], and was named chairman of Veterans for Bush.<ref name="az-senate" /><ref>Alexander, ''Man of the People'', pp. 115–20</ref>

==== Keating Five ====
{{main|Keating Five}}
McCain became embroiled in [[US House and Senate career of John McCain (until 2000)#Keating Five scandal|a scandal]] during the 1980s, as one of five United States senators comprising the so-called [[Keating Five]].<ref name="NYTKeating">Abramson, Jill; Mitchell, Alison. [https://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/21/us/senate-inquiry-in-keating-case-tested-mccain.html "Senate Inquiry In Keating Case Tested McCain"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826210324/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/21/us/senate-inquiry-in-keating-case-tested-mccain.html |date=August 26, 2018 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (November 21, 1999). Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref> Between 1982 and 1987, McCain had received $112,000 in lawful<ref name="nyt-sen-eth" /> political contributions from Charles Keating Jr. and his associates at [[Lincoln Savings and Loan Association]], along with trips on Keating's jets<ref name="NYTKeating" /> that McCain belatedly repaid, in 1989.<ref>Rasky, Susan. [https://www.nytimes.com/1989/12/22/us/washington-talk-senator-mccain-savings-loan-affair-now-personal-demon.html "To Senator McCain, the Savings and Loan Affair Is Now a Personal Demon"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827044042/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/12/22/us/washington-talk-senator-mccain-savings-loan-affair-now-personal-demon.html |date=August 27, 2018 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (December 22, 1989). Retrieved April 19, 2008.</ref> In 1987, McCain was one of the five senators whom Keating contacted to prevent the government's seizure of Lincoln, and McCain met twice with federal regulators to discuss the government's investigation of Lincoln.<ref name="NYTKeating" /> In 1999, McCain said: "The appearance of it was wrong. It's a wrong appearance when a group of senators appear in a meeting with a group of regulators, because it conveys the impression of undue and improper influence. And it was the wrong thing to do."<ref name="az-keating" /> In the end, McCain was cleared by the [[Senate Ethics Committee]] of acting improperly or violating any law or Senate rule, but was mildly rebuked for exercising "poor judgment".<ref name="nyt-sen-eth">[https://www.nytimes.com/1991/02/28/us/excerpts-of-statement-by-senate-ethics-panel.html "Excerpts of Statement By Senate Ethics Panel"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827044059/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/02/28/us/excerpts-of-statement-by-senate-ethics-panel.html |date=August 27, 2018 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (February 28, 1991). Retrieved April 19, 2008.</ref><ref name="az-keating">Nowicki, Dan and Muller, Bill. [https://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter7.html "John McCain Report: The Keating Five"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011225847/http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter7.html |date=October 11, 2014 }}, ''[[The Arizona Republic]]'' (March 1, 2007). Retrieval date November 23, 2007.</ref><ref>{{cite news | publisher = govtrack.us | title = Sen. John McCain, Former Senator for Arizona | url = https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/john_mccain/300071 | access-date = June 10, 2020 | archive-date = November 23, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211123235343/https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/john_mccain/300071 | url-status = live }}</ref>

In his 1992 re-election bid, the Keating Five affair was not a major issue,<ref name="az-rebound">Nowicki, Dan and Muller, Bill. [https://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter8.html "John McCain Report: Overcoming scandal, moving on"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414183720/http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter8.html |date=April 14, 2016 }}, ''[[The Arizona Republic]]'' (March 1, 2007). Retrieved November 23, 2007.</ref> and he won handily, gaining 56&nbsp;percent of the vote to defeat Democratic community and [[civil rights]] activist Claire Sargent and independent former governor, [[Evan Mecham]].<ref>Alexander, ''Man of the People'', pp. 150–51</ref>
==== Political independence ====
[[File:Bush Contact Sheet P16287 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|President [[George H. W. Bush]] meets with McCain, 1990.]]
McCain developed a reputation for [[US House and Senate career of John McCain (until 2000)#A maverick senator|independence]] during the 1990s.<ref name="wapo070598">{{cite news |first=Dan |last=Balz |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/campaigns/wh2000/stories/wh070598.htm |title=McCain Weighs Options Amid Setbacks |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=July 5, 1998 |access-date=May 10, 2008 |archive-date=April 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415031456/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/campaigns/wh2000/stories/wh070598.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> He took pride in challenging party leadership and establishment forces, becoming difficult to categorize politically.<ref name="wapo070598" />

[[File:McCain family at christening of USS John S. McCain (DDG-56).jpg|thumb|alt=White-haired man, elderly white-haired woman, young boy, young girl, short-haired woman holding roses, all in front of sign showing a ship's silhouette|The 1992 christening of {{USS|John S. McCain|DDG-56|6}} at [[Bath Iron Works]], with his mother [[Roberta McCain|Roberta]], son Jack, daughter [[Meghan McCain|Meghan]], and wife [[Cindy McCain|Cindy]]]]

As a member of the 1991–1993 [[Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs]], chaired by fellow Vietnam War veteran and Democrat, [[John Kerry]], McCain investigated the [[Vietnam War POW/MIA issue]], to determine the fate of U.S. service personnel listed as [[missing in action]] during the Vietnam War.<ref name="alex-152">Alexander, ''Man of the People'', pp. 152–54</ref> The committee's unanimous report stated there was "no compelling evidence that proves that any American remains alive in captivity in Southeast Asia."<ref>[https://fas.org/irp/congress/1993_rpt/pow-exec.html Report of the Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010150311/https://fas.org/irp/congress/1993_rpt/pow-exec.html |date=October 10, 2017 }}, [[U.S. Senate]] (January 13, 1993). Retrieved January 3, 2008.</ref> Helped by McCain's efforts, in 1995 the U.S. normalized diplomatic relations with Vietnam.<ref name="time072495">Walsh, James. [https://web.archive.org/web/20080214004519/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,983202,00.html "Good Morning, Vietnam"], ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' (July 24, 1995). Retrieved January 5, 2008.</ref> McCain was vilified by some POW/MIA activists who, despite the committee's unanimous report, believed many Americans were still held against their will in Southeast Asia.<ref name="time072495" /><ref name="alex-170">Alexander, ''Man of the People'', pp. 170–71</ref><ref name="bg062103">Farrell, John. [https://www.boston.com/globe/nation/packages/kerry/062103.shtml "At the center of power, seeking the summit"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080417020040/http://boston.com/globe/nation/packages/kerry/062103.shtml |date=April 17, 2008 }}, ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' (June 21, 2003). Retrieved January 5, 2008.</ref> From January 1993 until his death, McCain was Chairman of the [[International Republican Institute]], an organization that supports the emergence of political democracy worldwide.<ref>McIntire, Mike. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/28/us/politics/28IRI.html "Democracy Group Gives Donors Access to McCain"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814202000/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/28/us/politics/28IRI.html |date=August 14, 2018 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (July 28, 2008). Retrieved August 16, 2008.</ref>

In 1993 and 1994, McCain voted to confirm President Clinton's nominees to the [[U.S. Supreme Court]], [[Ruth Bader Ginsburg]] and [[Stephen Breyer]], whom he considered qualified. He later explained that "under our Constitution, it is the president's call to make."<ref>Eilperin, Juliet. [http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/05/06/_winstonsalem_ncforeshadowing.html "McCain Sees Roberts, Alito as Examples"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511174630/http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/05/06/_winstonsalem_ncforeshadowing.html |date=May 11, 2008}}, The Trail; A Daily Diary of Campaign 2008, via [[washingtonpost.com]] (May 6, 2008). Retrieved July 26, 2008.</ref> McCain had also voted to confirm nominees of presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.&nbsp;W. Bush, including [[Robert Bork]] and [[Clarence Thomas]].<ref name="Curry">Curry, Tom. [https://www.nbcnews.com/id/18337220 "McCain takes grim message to South Carolina"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210002332/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/18337220/ |date=February 10, 2018 }}, [[NBC News]] (April 26, 2007). Retrieved December 27, 2007.</ref>

==== Campaign finance reform ====
McCain attacked what he saw as the corrupting influence of large political contributions—from corporations, labor unions, other organizations, and wealthy individuals—and he made this his signature issue.<ref name="az-maverick">Nowicki, Dan and Muller, Bill. [https://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter9.html "John McCain Report: McCain becomes the 'maverick'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123080838/http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter9.html |date=January 23, 2016 }}, ''[[The Arizona Republic]]'' (March 1, 2007). Retrieved December 19, 2007.</ref> Starting in 1994, he worked with Democratic Wisconsin Senator [[Russ Feingold]] on [[Campaign finance reform in the United States|campaign finance reform]]; their McCain–Feingold bill attempted to put limits on "[[soft money]]".<ref name="az-maverick" /> The efforts of McCain and Feingold were opposed by some of the moneyed interests targeted, by incumbents in both parties, by those who felt spending limits impinged on free political speech and might be unconstitutional as well, and by those who wanted to counterbalance the power of what they saw as [[media bias]].<ref name="az-maverick" /><ref>Timberg, ''American Odyssey'', p. 190</ref> Despite sympathetic coverage in the media, initial versions of the [[McCain–Feingold Act]] were [[Filibuster in the United States Senate|filibustered]] and never came to a vote.<ref name="m-b">{{cite book|last1=Maisel|first1=L. Sandy|author-link1=L. Sandy Maisel|last2=Buckley|first2=Kara|title=Parties and Elections in America: The Electoral Process|year=2004|publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield]]|pages=163–166|isbn=0-7425-2670-4}}</ref>

The term "[[wikt:maverick|maverick]] Republican" was frequently applied to McCain, and he also used it himself.<ref name="az-maverick" /><ref name=barone>[[Michael Barone (pundit)|Barone, Michael]]; [[Richard E. Cohen|Cohen, Richard E.]] ''[[The Almanac of American Politics]], 2006'', pp. 93–98 (National Journal 2005). {{ISBN|0-89234-112-2}}.</ref><ref>McCain, ''Worth the Fighting For'', p. 327</ref> In 1993, McCain opposed [[Operation Gothic Serpent|military operations in Somalia]].<ref name="Jackson">Jackson, David. [https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-03-25-mccainforce_N.htm "McCain: Life shaped judgment on use of force"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315155706/http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-03-25-mccainforce_N.htm |date=March 15, 2012 }}, ''[[USA Today]]'' (March 25, 2008).</ref> Another target of his was [[pork barrel]] spending by Congress, and he actively supported the [[Line Item Veto Act of 1996]], which gave the president power to veto individual spending items<ref name="az-maverick" /> but was ruled unconstitutional by the [[Supreme Court (United States)|Supreme Court]] in 1998.<ref>''[[Clinton v. City of New York]]'', 524 U.S. 417 (1998)</ref>

In the [[1996 United States presidential election|1996 presidential election]], McCain was again on the short list of possible vice-presidential picks, this time for Republican nominee [[Bob Dole]].<ref name="az-rebound" /><ref name="alex-176">Alexander, ''Man of the People'', pp. 176–80</ref> While Dole instead selected [[Jack Kemp]],  he chose McCain to deliver the nominating speech for him in the presidential roll call vote at the [[1996 Republican National Convention]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Casteel |first1=Chris |title=Dole, Kemp Get Reins From GOP |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1996/08/15/dole-kemp-get-reins-from-gop/62346647007/ |website=The Oklahoman |access-date=April 30, 2023 |date=August 15, 1996 |archive-date=April 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430025022/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1996/08/15/dole-kemp-get-reins-from-gop/62346647007/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The following year, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine named McCain as one of the "25 Most Influential People in America".<ref name="fox-time25">[https://www.foxnews.com/story/bio-sen-john-mccain "Bio: Sen. John McCain"], [[Fox News]] (January 23, 2003). Retrieved August 11, 2008.</ref>

In 1997, McCain became chairman of the powerful Senate Commerce Committee; he was criticized for accepting funds from corporations and businesses under the committee's purview, but in response said the small contributions he received were not part of the big-money nature of the campaign finance problem.<ref name="az-maverick" /> McCain took on the [[tobacco industry]] in 1998, proposing legislation to increase cigarette taxes to fund anti-smoking campaigns, discourage teenage smokers, increase money for health research studies, and help states pay for smoking-related health care costs.<ref name="az-maverick" /><ref name="alex-184">Alexander, ''Man of the People'', pp. 184–87</ref> Supported by the [[Clinton administration]] but opposed by the industry and most Republicans, the bill failed to gain [[cloture]].<ref name="alex-184" />

=== Start of third term in the U.S. Senate ===

In November 1998, McCain won re-election to a third Senate term in a landslide over his Democratic opponent, environmental lawyer Ed Ranger.<ref name="az-maverick" /> In the [[impeachment of Bill Clinton|February 1999 Senate trial following the impeachment of Bill Clinton]], McCain voted to convict the president on both the [[perjury]] and [[obstruction of justice]] counts, saying Clinton had violated his sworn oath of office.<ref>Timberg, ''American Odyssey'', pp. 194–95</ref> In March 1999, McCain voted to approve the [[NATO bombing of Yugoslavia|NATO bombing campaign against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia]], saying that the ongoing genocide of the [[Kosovo War]] must be stopped and criticizing past Clinton administration inaction.<ref>{{Cite news|last=McDonald|first=Greg|url=https://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl/1999_3126690/nato-trains-sights-on-serb-targets-senate-oks-use.html|title=NATO trains sights on Serb targets: Senate OKs use of force in Balkans|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=March 24, 1999|access-date=March 5, 2008|archive-date=May 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512045241/http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl/1999_3126690/nato-trains-sights-on-serb-targets-senate-oks-use.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Later in 1999, McCain shared the [[Profile in Courage Award]] with Feingold for their work in trying to enact their campaign finance reform,<ref name="jfk-award">{{cite web|url=http://www.jfklibrary.org/Education+and+Public+Programs/Profile+in+Courage+Award/Award+Recipients/John+McCain/Award+Announcement.htm|title=U.S. Senators John McCain and Russell Feingold Share 10th John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506070535/http://www.jfklibrary.org/Education%2Band%2BPublic%2BPrograms/Profile%2Bin%2BCourage%2BAward/Award%2BRecipients/John%2BMcCain/Award%2BAnnouncement.htm|archive-date=May 6, 2008|website=[[John F. Kennedy Library Foundation]]|date=May 24, 1999|access-date=December 27, 2007}}</ref> although the bill was still failing repeated attempts to gain cloture.<ref name="m-b" />

[[File:McCainFatherandGrandfather.jpg|thumb|right|alt=two men in uniform|McCain's grandfather and father on board a U.S. ship in [[Tokyo Bay]], circa [[End of World War II in Asia|end of World War II]] in 1945]]

In August 1999, McCain's memoir ''[[Faith of My Fathers]]'', co-authored with [[Mark Salter]], was published;<ref name="az-2000" /> a reviewer observed that its appearance "seems to have been timed to the unfolding Presidential campaign."<ref>Bernstein, Richard. [https://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/01/books/books-of-the-times-standing-humbly-before-a-noble-family-tradition.html "Books of the Times; Standing Humbly Before a Noble Family Tradition"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826215128/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/10/01/books/books-of-the-times-standing-humbly-before-a-noble-family-tradition.html |date=August 26, 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (October 1, 1999). Retrieved August 11, 2008.</ref> The most successful of his writings, it received positive reviews,<ref>Alexander, ''Man of the People'', pp. 194–95</ref> became a bestseller,<ref>[http://booksandauthors.wiseto.com/bna/about_the_book/GALE|M1300097727 "Faith of My Fathers (1999)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120708000930/http://booksandauthors.wiseto.com/bna/about_the_book/GALE%7CM1300097727 |date=July 8, 2012 }} (IE only), Books and Authors. Retrieved May 26, 2008.</ref> and was later [[Faith of My Fathers (film)|made into a TV film]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.politico.com/story/2008/07/mccains-tv-biopic-reconsidered-011487 | title=McCain's TV biopic, reconsidered | first1=Jeffrey | last1=Ressner | first2=Kenneth P. | last2=Vogel | author-link2=Kenneth P. Vogel | work=[[Politico]] | date=July 3, 2008 | access-date=August 26, 2018 | archive-date=September 13, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913114424/http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0708/11487.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The book traces McCain's family background and childhood, covers his time at Annapolis and his service before and during the Vietnam War, concluding with his release from captivity in 1973. According to one reviewer, it describes "the kind of challenges that most of us can barely imagine. It's a fascinating history of a remarkable military family."<ref>Knickerbocker, Brad. [https://www.csmonitor.com/1999/0916/p16s2.html "From a Vietnam Prison to the United States Senate"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118074529/http://www.csmonitor.com/1999/0916/p16s2.html |date=January 18, 2008 }}, ''[[The Christian Science Monitor]]'' (September 16, 1999). Retrieved May 27, 2008.</ref>

== 2000 presidential campaign ==
{{Main|John McCain 2000 presidential campaign}}

McCain announced his candidacy for president on September 27, 1999, in [[Nashua, New Hampshire]], saying he was staging "a fight to take our government back from the power brokers and special interests, and return it to the people and the noble cause of freedom it was created to serve".<ref name="az-2000" /><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081026225756/http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1999/09/27/president.2000/mccain/ "McCain formally kicks off campaign"], [[CNN]] (September 27, 1999). Retrieved December 27, 2007</ref> The frontrunner for the Republican nomination was [[Governor of Texas|Texas Governor]] [[George W. Bush]], who had the political and financial support of most of the party establishment, whereas McCain was supported by many moderate Republicans and some conservative Republicans.<ref name="nyt092799">Bruni, Frank. [https://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/27/us/quayle-outspent-by-bush-will-quit-race-aide-says.html "Quayle, Outspent by Bush, Will Quit Race, Aide Says"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703065641/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/27/us/quayle-outspent-by-bush-will-quit-race-aide-says.html |date=July 3, 2021 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (September 27, 2000). Retrieved December 27, 2007</ref>

McCain focused on the [[New Hampshire primary]], where his message appealed to independents.<ref name="alex-188">Alexander, ''Man of the People'', pp. 188–89</ref> He traveled on a [[campaign bus]] called the Straight Talk Express.<ref name="az-2000" /> He held many [[town hall meeting]]s, answering every question voters asked, in a successful example of "retail politics", and he used free media to compensate for his lack of funds.<ref name="az-2000" /> One reporter later recounted that, "McCain talked all day long with reporters on his Straight Talk Express bus; he talked so much that sometimes he said things that he shouldn't have, and that's why the media loved him."<ref name="harpaz">Harpaz, Beth. ''The Girls in the Van: Covering Hillary'', p. 86 (St. Martin's Press 2001). {{ISBN|0-312-30271-1}}</ref> On February 1, 2000, he won New Hampshire's primary with 49&nbsp;percent of the vote to Bush's 30&nbsp;percent. The Bush campaign and the Republican establishment feared that a McCain victory in the crucial [[South Carolina primary]] might give his campaign unstoppable momentum.<ref name="az-2000" /><ref name="nat021000">[[David Corn|Corn, David]]. [http://www.thenation.com/article/mccain-insurgency "The McCain Insurgency"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526021124/http://www.thenation.com/article/mccain-insurgency |date=May 26, 2012 }}, ''[[The Nation]]'' (February 10, 2000). Retrieved January 1, 2008</ref>

[[File:John McCain Gallup Polling, 1999-2009.svg|thumb|upright=1.5|alt=Chart with three data lines|McCain's [[Gallup Poll]] favorable/unfavorable ratings, 1999–2009.<ref name="gallup-chart">Data for table is from [http://www.gallup.com/poll/1618/Favorability-People-News.aspx "Favorability: People in the News: John McCain"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830151157/http://www.gallup.com/poll/1618/favorability-people-news.aspx |date=August 30, 2017 }}, [[The Gallup Organization]], 2010. Retrieved May 25, 2010</ref> {{Legend-line|#00AA09 solid 5px|Approve}}
 {{Legend-line|#AA0012 solid 5px|Disapprove}}
 {{Legend-line|#FF9400 solid 5px|No opinion}}]]

''[[The Arizona Republic]]'' wrote that the McCain–Bush primary contest in South Carolina "has entered national political lore as a low-water mark in presidential campaigns", while ''[[The New York Times]]'' called it "a painful symbol of the brutality of American politics".<ref name="az-2000" /><ref name="nyt101907">Steinhauer, Jennifer. [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/19/us/politics/19mccain.html "Confronting Ghosts of 2000 in South Carolina"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209070019/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/19/us/politics/19mccain.html |date=December 9, 2008 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (October 19, 2007). Retrieved January 7, 2008</ref><ref name="dp2008">[https://www.pbs.org/now/shows/401/index.html "Dirty Politics 2008"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909160739/http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/401/index.html |date=September 9, 2017 }}, ''[[NOW on PBS|NOW]]'', [[PBS]] (January 4, 2008). Retrieved January 6, 2008</ref> A variety of interest groups, which McCain had challenged in the past, ran negative ads.<ref name="az-2000" /><ref>Alexander, ''Man of the People'', pp. 254–55, 262–63</ref> Bush borrowed McCain's earlier language of reform,<ref name="nyt021000">Mitchell, Alison. [https://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/10/us/2000-campaign-gop-front-runners-bush-mccain-exchange-sharp-words-over-fund.html "Bush and McCain Exchange Sharp Words Over Fund-Raising"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826211221/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/10/us/2000-campaign-gop-front-runners-bush-mccain-exchange-sharp-words-over-fund.html |date=August 26, 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (February 10, 2000). Retrieved January 7, 2008</ref> and declined to dissociate himself from a veterans activist who accused McCain (in Bush's presence) of having "abandoned the veterans" on POW/MIA and [[Agent Orange]] issues.<ref name="az-2000">Nowicki, Dan and Muller, Bill. [https://archive.today/20121206041000/http://www.azcentral.com/news/election/mccain/articles/2007/03/01/20070301mccainbio-chapter10.html "John McCain Report: The 'maverick' runs"], ''[[The Arizona Republic]]'' (March 1, 2007). Archived from [https://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter10.html the original] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081123013403/http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter10.html |date=November 23, 2008 }} on December 6, 2012.</ref><ref name="alex-250">Alexander, ''Man of the People'', pp. 250–51</ref>

Incensed,<ref name="alex-250" /> McCain ran ads accusing Bush of lying and comparing the governor to [[Bill Clinton]], which Bush said was "about as low a blow as you can give in a Republican primary".<ref name="az-2000" /> An anonymous smear campaign began against McCain, delivered by [[push poll]]s, faxes, e-mails, flyers, and audience [[plant (person)|plants]].<ref name="az-2000" /><ref>Alexander, ''Man of the People'', pp. 263–66</ref> The smears claimed that McCain had fathered a black child out of wedlock (the McCains' dark-skinned daughter was adopted from Bangladesh), that his wife Cindy was a drug addict, that he was a homosexual, and that he was a "[[The Manchurian Candidate|Manchurian Candidate]]" who was either a traitor or mentally unstable from his POW days.<ref name="az-2000" /><ref name="nyt101907" /> The Bush campaign strongly denied any involvement with the attacks.<ref name="nyt101907" /><ref>Gooding, Richard. [https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2004/11/mccain200411 "The Trashing of John McCain"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302055336/https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2004/11/mccain200411 |date=March 2, 2020 }}, ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]'' (November 2004). Retrieved July 21, 2015</ref>

McCain lost South Carolina on February 19, with 42&nbsp;percent of the vote to Bush's 53&nbsp;percent,<ref name="iht022100">Knowlton, Brian. [https://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/21/news/21iht-carolina.2.t_1.html "McCain Licks Wounds After South Carolina Rejects His Candidacy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826212118/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/21/news/21iht-carolina.2.t_1.html |date=August 26, 2016 }}, ''[[International Herald Tribune]]'' (February 21, 2000). Retrieved January 1, 2008</ref> in part because Bush mobilized the state's evangelical voters<ref name="az-2000" /><ref name="aap-08-p96">[[Michael Barone (pundit)|Barone, Michael]] and [[Richard E. Cohen|Cohen, Richard]]. ''[[The Almanac of American Politics]], 2008'', p. 96 ([[National Journal]] 2008). {{ISBN|0-89234-117-3}}</ref> and outspent McCain.<ref name="nyt021600">Mitchell, Alison. [https://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/16/us/the-2000-campaign-the-arizona-senator-mccain-catches-mud-then-parades-it.html "McCain Catches Mud, Then Parades It"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826211104/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/16/us/the-2000-campaign-the-arizona-senator-mccain-catches-mud-then-parades-it.html |date=August 26, 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (February 16, 2000). Retrieved January 1, 2008.</ref> The win allowed Bush to regain lost momentum.<ref name="iht022100" /> McCain said of the rumor spreaders, "I believe that there is a special place in hell for people like those."<ref name="dad060400" /> According to one acquaintance, the South Carolina experience left him in a "very dark place".<ref name="nyt101907" />

McCain's campaign never completely recovered from his South Carolina defeat, although he did rebound partially by winning in Arizona and Michigan a few days later.<ref name="cnn022200">McCaleb, Ian Christopher. [https://web.archive.org/web/20081211102052/http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/02/22/gop.wrap/index.html "McCain recovers from South Carolina disappointment, wins in Arizona, Michigan"], [[CNN]] (February 22, 2000). Retrieved December 30, 2007</ref> He made a speech in [[Virginia Beach]] that criticized Christian leaders, including [[Pat Robertson]] and [[Jerry Falwell]], as divisive conservatives,<ref name="nyt101907" /> declaring "we embrace the fine members of the religious conservative community. But that does not mean that we will pander to their self-appointed leaders."<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/29/us/the-2000-campaign-excerpt-from-mccain-s-speech-on-religious-conservatives.html "Excerpt From McCain's Speech on Religious Conservatives"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415031602/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/29/us/the-2000-campaign-excerpt-from-mccain-s-speech-on-religious-conservatives.html |date=April 15, 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (February 29, 2000). Retrieved December 30, 2007.</ref> McCain lost the Virginia primary on February 29,<ref>Rothernberg, Stuart. [http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/analysis/rothenberg/2000/03/01/ "Stuart Rothernberg: Bush Roars Back; McCain's Hopes Dim"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080311071908/http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/analysis/rothenberg/2000/03/01/ |date=March 11, 2008 }}, [[CNN]] (March 1, 2000). Retrieved December 30, 2007.</ref> and on March{{nbsp}}7 lost nine of the thirteen primaries on [[Super Tuesday]] to Bush.<ref>McCaleb, Ian Christopher. [https://web.archive.org/web/20130810022900/http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/03/08/super.tuesday/index.html "Gore, Bush post impressive Super Tuesday victories"], [[CNN]] (March 8, 2000). Retrieved December 30, 2007.</ref> With little hope of overcoming Bush's delegate lead, McCain withdrew from the race on March 9, 2000.<ref>McCaleb, Ian Christopher. [http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/03/09/mccain.bradley/ "Bradley, McCain bow out of party races"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125114418/http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/03/09/mccain.bradley/ |date=January 25, 2008}}, [[CNN]] (March 9, 2000). Retrieved December 30, 2007.</ref> He endorsed Bush two months later.<ref>Marks, Peter. [https://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/14/weekinreview/may-7-13-a-ringing-endorsement-for-bush.html "A Ringing Endorsement for Bush"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826214805/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/14/weekinreview/may-7-13-a-ringing-endorsement-for-bush.html |date=August 26, 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (May 14, 2000). Retrieved March 1, 2008.</ref>

== Senate career (2000–2008) ==
{{Main|U.S. Senate career of John McCain (2001–2014)}}

=== Remainder of third Senate term ===

McCain began 2001 by breaking with [[Presidency of George W. Bush|the new administration]] on a number of matters, including [[HMO]] reform, climate change, and gun control legislation; [[McCain–Feingold]] was opposed by Bush as well.<ref name="m-b" /><ref name="az-gwb">Nowicki, Dan and Muller, Bill. [https://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter11.html "John McCain Report: The 'maverick' and President Bush"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308050638/https://azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter11.html |date=March 8, 2021 }}, ''[[The Arizona Republic]]'' (March 1, 2007). Retrieved December 27, 2007.</ref> In May 2001, McCain was one of only two Senate Republicans to vote against the [[Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001|Bush tax cuts]].<ref name="az-gwb" /><ref name="pfspt">Holan, Angie. [http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/14/ "McCain switched on tax cuts"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012163246/http://politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/14/ |date=October 12, 2007 }}, Politifact, ''[[St. Petersburg Times]]''. Retrieved December 27, 2007.</ref> Besides the differences with Bush on ideological grounds, there was considerable antagonism between the two remaining from the previous year's campaign.<ref name="time071608">Carney, James. [https://web.archive.org/web/20080717145605/http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1823695,00.html "Frenemies: The McCain-Bush Dance"], ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' (July 16, 2008). Retrieved August 11, 2008.</ref><ref>Drew, ''Citizen McCain'', 5.</ref> When a Republican senator, [[Jim Jeffords]], became an Independent, thereby throwing control of the Senate to the Democrats, McCain defended Jeffords against "self-appointed enforcers of party loyalty".<ref name="az-gwb" /> Indeed, there was speculation at the time, and in years since, about McCain himself leaving the Republican Party, but McCain had always adamantly denied that he ever considered doing so.<ref name="az-gwb" /><ref>[[Thomas B. Edsall|Edsall, Thomas]] and [[Dana Milbank|Milbank, Dana]]. [https://web.archive.org/web/20080308075310/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/73520465.html?dids=73520465:73520465&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jun+2%2C+2001&author=Thomas+B.+Edsall+and+Dana+Milbank&pub=The+Washington+Post&edition=&startpage=A.01&desc=McCain+Is+Considering+Leaving+GOP "McCain Is Considering Leaving GOP: Arizona Senator Might Launch a Third-Party Challenge to Bush in 2004"], ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (June 2, 2001). Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref><ref name="hill032807">Cusack, Bob. [http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/democrats-say-mccain-nearly-abandoned-gop-2007-03-28.html "Democrats say McCain nearly abandoned GOP"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080120110110/http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/democrats-say-mccain-nearly-abandoned-gop-2007-03-28.html |date=January 20, 2008 }}, ''[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]'' (March 28, 2007). Retrieved January 17, 2008.</ref> Beginning in 2001, McCain used [[political capital]] gained from his presidential run, as well as improved legislative skills and relationships with other members, to become one of the Senate's most influential members.<ref>Kirkpatrick, David D. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/21/us/politics/21mccain.html "After 2000 Run, McCain Learned to Work Levers of Power"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330000100/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/21/us/politics/21mccain.html |date=March 30, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (July 21, 2008). Retrieved August 11, 2008.</ref>

After the [[September 11 attacks]] in 2001, McCain supported Bush and the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|U.S.-led war in Afghanistan]].<ref name="az-gwb" /><ref>McCain, John. [http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=95001375 "No Substitute for Victory: War is hell. Let's get on with it"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080424022332/http://opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=95001375 |date=April 24, 2008 }}, ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' (October 26, 2001). Retrieved January 17, 2008.</ref> He and Democratic senator [[Joe Lieberman]] wrote the legislation that created the [[9/11 Commission]],<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/09/07/911.legislation/index.html "Senate bill would implement 9/11 panel proposals"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080325020405/http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/09/07/911.legislation/index.html |date=March 25, 2008 }}, [[CNN]] (September 8, 2004). Retrieved January 17, 2008.</ref> while he and Democratic senator [[Fritz Hollings]] co-sponsored the [[Aviation and Transportation Security Act]] that federalized [[airport security]].<ref>[https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/terrorism-july-dec01-congress_10-12 "Senate Approves Aviation Security, Anti-Terrorism Bills"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250611030019/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/terrorism-july-dec01-congress_10-12 |date=June 11, 2025 }} , [[The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer|Online NewsHour]], [[PBS]] (October 12, 2001). Retrieved January 17, 2008.</ref>

In March 2002, McCain–Feingold, officially known as the [[Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act]] of 2002, passed in both Houses of Congress and was signed into law.<ref name="m-b" /><ref name="az-gwb" /> It was McCain's greatest legislative achievement.<ref name="az-gwb" /><ref>Alexander, ''Man of the People'', p. 168</ref>

[[File:John McCain pork.png|thumb|left|alt=Red rocks landscape of Arizona with McCain image added, on uppper half; cartoon illustration of pigs inside brown barrels on lower half|McCain's Senate website from 2003 to 2006 illustrated his concern about [[pork barrel]] spending.<ref name="az-maverick" />]]

Meanwhile, in discussions over proposed U.S. action against Iraq, McCain was a strong supporter of the Bush administration's position.<ref name="az-gwb" /> He stated that Iraq was "a clear and present danger" to the U.S., and voted for the [[Iraq War Resolution]] in October 2002.<ref name="az-gwb" /> He predicted that U.S. forces would be treated as liberators by many Iraqi people.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070212233445/http://mccain.senate.gov/press_office/view_article.cfm?id=53 "Sen. McCain's Interview With Chris Matthews"], ''[[Hardball with Chris Matthews]]'', [[MSNBC]] (March 12, 2003). Via McCain's Senate website and archive.org. Retrieved April 7, 2008.</ref> In May 2003, McCain voted against the second round of Bush tax cuts, saying it was unwise at a time of war.<ref name="pfspt" /> By November 2003, after a trip to Iraq, he was publicly questioning Secretary of Defense [[Donald Rumsfeld]], saying that more U.S. troops were needed; the following year, McCain announced that he had lost confidence in Rumsfeld.<ref>[https://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/middle_east/july-dec03/mccain_11-06_a.html "Newsmaker: Sen. McCain"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140119023447/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/middle_east/july-dec03/mccain_11-06_a.html |date=January 19, 2014 }}, [[PBS]], [[The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer|NewsHour]] (November 6, 2003). Retrieved January 17, 2008.</ref><ref name="az-estab">Nowicki, Dan and Muller, Bill. [https://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter12.html "John McCain Report: The 'maverick' goes establishment"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724130605/http://www.azcentral.com/news/specials/mccain/articles/0301mccainbio-chapter12.html |date=July 24, 2008 }}, ''[[The Arizona Republic]]'' (March 1, 2007). Retrieved December 23, 2007.</ref>

In October 2003, McCain and Lieberman co-sponsored the [[Climate Stewardship Acts|Climate Stewardship Act]] that would have introduced a [[cap and trade]] system aimed at returning [[greenhouse gas]] emissions to 2000 levels; the bill was defeated with 55&nbsp;votes to 43 in the Senate.<ref>[http://www.pewclimate.org/policy_center/analyses/s_139_summary.cfm "Summary of the Lieberman-McCain Climate Stewardship Act"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411180537/http://www.pewclimate.org/policy_center/analyses/s_139_summary.cfm |date=April 11, 2008}}, [[Pew Research Center|Pew Center on Global Climate Change]]. Retrieved April 24, 2008.</ref> They reintroduced modified versions of the Act two additional times, for the final time in January 2007 with the co-sponsorship of [[Barack Obama]], among others.<ref>[http://lieberman.senate.gov/index.cfm/news-events/news/2007/1/lieberman-mccain-reintroduce-climate-stewardship-and-innovation-act "Lieberman, McCain Reintroduce Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322173016/http://lieberman.senate.gov/index.cfm/news-events/news/2007/1/lieberman-mccain-reintroduce-climate-stewardship-and-innovation-act |date=March 22, 2012}}, Lieberman Senate website (January 12, 2007). Retrieved April 24, 2008.</ref>

[[File:George W. Bush and John McCain at the Navy goal line 2004.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7| President [[George W. Bush]] with Senator McCain, December 2004]]

In the [[2004 United States presidential election|2004 U.S. presidential election campaign]], McCain was frequently mentioned for the vice-presidential slot, only this time as part of the Democratic ticket under nominee John Kerry.<ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-03-10-mccain-vp_x.htm "McCain: I'd 'entertain' Democratic VP slot"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315153420/http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-03-10-mccain-vp_x.htm |date=March 15, 2012 }}, [[Associated Press]] for ''[[USA Today]]'' (March 10, 2004). Retrieved May 6, 2008.</ref><ref name="nyt061204">Halbfinger, David. [https://web.archive.org/web/20090411021604/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/12/politics/campaign/12MCCA.html "McCain Is Said To Tell Kerry He Won't Join"], ''[[The New York Times]]'' (June 12, 2004). Retrieved January 3, 2008.</ref><ref name="wapo061204">Balz, Dan and VandeHei, Jim. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A34742-2004Jun11.html "McCain's Resistance Doesn't Stop Talk of Kerry Dream Ticket"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210103754/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A34742-2004Jun11.html |date=February 10, 2017 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (June 12, 2004). Retrieved January 18, 2008.</ref> McCain said that Kerry had never formally offered him the position and that he would not have accepted it.<ref name="nyt061204" /><ref name="wapo061204" /><ref>[https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna5225039 "Kerry wants to boost child-care credit"], [[Associated Press]]. [[NBC News]] (June 16, 2004). Retrieved March 8, 2008.</ref> At the [[2004 Republican National Convention]], McCain supported Bush for re-election, praising Bush's management of the [[war on terror]] since the [[September 11 attacks]].<ref name="cnn083004">Loughlin, Sean. [http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/08/30/gop.mccain/index.html "McCain praises Bush as 'tested'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224043125/http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/08/30/gop.mccain/index.html |date=December 24, 2007 }}, [[CNN]] (August 30, 2004). Retrieved November 14, 2007.</ref> At the same time, he defended Kerry's Vietnam War record.<ref>Coile, Zachary. [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/08/06/MNGUT83SS41.DTL "Vets group attacks Kerry; McCain defends Democrat"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328140333/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2004%2F08%2F06%2FMNGUT83SS41.DTL |date=March 28, 2012 }}, ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'' (August 6, 2004). Retrieved August 15, 2006.</ref> By August 2004, McCain had the best favorable-to-unfavorable rating (55&nbsp;percent to 19&nbsp;percent) of any national politician;<ref name="cnn083004" /> he campaigned for Bush much more than he had four years previously, though the two remained situational allies rather than friends.<ref name="time071608" />

McCain was also up for re-election as senator, in 2004. He defeated little-known Democratic schoolteacher Stuart Starky with his biggest margin of victory, garnering 77&nbsp;percent of the vote.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/pages/results/states/AZ/S/01/epolls.0.html "Election 2004: U.S. Senate – Arizona – Exit Poll"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080121165231/http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/pages/results/states/AZ/S/01/epolls.0.html |date=January 21, 2008 }}, [[CNN]]. Retrieved December 23, 2007.</ref>

=== Start of fourth Senate term ===

In May 2005, McCain led the so-called [[Gang of 14]] in the Senate, which established a compromise that preserved the ability of senators to [[filibuster]] judicial nominees, but only in "extraordinary circumstances".<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/05/23/filibuster.fight/ "Senators compromise on filibusters; Bipartisan group agrees to vote to end debate on three nominees"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071223065612/http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/05/23/filibuster.fight/ |date=December 23, 2007 }}, [[CNN]] (May 24, 2005). Retrieved March 16, 2008.</ref> The compromise took the steam out of the filibuster movement, but some Republicans remained disappointed that the compromise did not eliminate filibusters of judicial nominees in all circumstances.<ref>Hulse, Carl. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/25/us/politics/25judges.html "Distrust of McCain Lingers Over '05 Deal on Judges"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130040007/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/25/us/politics/25judges.html |date=November 30, 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (February 25, 2008). Retrieved March 16, 2008.</ref> McCain subsequently cast [[Supreme Court of the United States|Supreme Court]] confirmation votes in favor of [[John Roberts]] and [[Samuel Alito]], calling them "two of the finest justices ever appointed to the United States Supreme Court."<ref name="Curry" />

[[File:Jsm2.ogg|thumb|McCain speaks on the Senate floor against [[Earmark (politics)|earmarking]], February 2007.]]

Breaking from his 2001 and 2003 votes, McCain supported the [[Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005|Bush tax cut extension]] in May 2006, saying not to do so would amount to a tax increase.<ref name="pfspt" /> Working with Democratic Senator [[Ted Kennedy]], McCain was a strong proponent of comprehensive immigration reform, which would involve legalization, guest worker programs, and border enforcement components. The [[Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act]] was never voted on in 2005, while the [[Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006]] passed the Senate in May 2006 but failed in the House.<ref name="az-estab" /> In June 2007, President Bush, McCain, and others made the strongest push yet for such a bill, the [[Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007]], but it aroused intense grassroots opposition among talk radio listeners and others, some of whom furiously characterized the proposal as an "amnesty" program,<ref>Preston, Julia. [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/10/washington/10oppose.html "Grass Roots Roared and Immigration Plan Collapsed"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415031750/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/10/washington/10oppose.html |date=April 15, 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (July 10, 2007). Retrieved July 27, 2008.</ref> and the bill twice failed to gain cloture in the Senate.<ref>[http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/immigration/why_the_senate_immigration_bill_failed "Why the Senate Immigration Bill Failed"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071104012751/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/immigration/why_the_senate_immigration_bill_failed |date=November 4, 2007 }}, [[Rasmussen Reports]] (June 8, 2007). Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref>

By the middle of the 2000s (decade), the increased [[Native American gaming|Indian gaming]] that McCain had helped bring about was a $23&nbsp;billion industry.<ref name="Sweeney" /> He was twice chairman of the [[Senate Indian Affairs Committee]], in 1995–1997 and 2005–2007, and his Committee helped expose the [[Jack Abramoff Indian lobbying scandal]].<ref>Schmidt, Susan; Grimaldi, James. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/22/AR2005062200921.html "Panel Says Abramoff Laundered Tribal Funds; McCain Cites Possible Fraud by Lobbyist"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923155417/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/22/AR2005062200921.html |date=September 23, 2017 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (June 23, 2005). Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref><ref>Anderson, John. ''Follow the Money'' (Simon and Schuster 2007), p. 254. {{ISBN|0-7432-8643-X}}.</ref> By 2005 and 2006, McCain was pushing for amendments to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act which would have limited creation of off-reservation casinos,<ref name="Sweeney" /> and also limited the movement of tribes across state lines to build casinos.<ref>Butterfield, Fox. "[https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/08/national/08gamble.html Indians' Wish List: Big-City Sites for Casinos] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429074830/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/08/national/08gamble.html |date=April 29, 2015 }}", ''[[The New York Times]]'' (April 8, 2005).</ref>

[[File:McCainAndPetreaus.JPG|thumb|left|alt=Middle-aged man in military uniform talking with older man in casual civilian clothes, at night|General [[David Petraeus]] and McCain in [[Baghdad]], November 2007]]

Owing to his time as a POW, McCain was recognized for his sensitivity to the detention and interrogation of detainees in the war on terror. An opponent of the Bush administration's use of torture and detention without trial at [[Guantanamo Bay detention camp|Guantánamo Bay]], saying: "some of these guys are terrible, terrible killers and the worst kind of scum of humanity. But, one, they deserve to have some adjudication of their cases{{nbsp}}... even [[Adolf Eichmann]] got a trial".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Frick |first1=Ali |title=In 2005, McCain Said Even The 'Scum Of Humanity' Deserve To Have 'Some Adjudication Of Their&nbsp;Cases' |url=https://thinkprogress.org/in-2005-mccain-said-even-the-scum-of-humanity-deserve-to-have-some-adjudication-of-their-cases-60ffb21e4122/ |access-date=August 28, 2018 |work=ThinkProgress |date=June 25, 2008 |archive-date=August 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829000234/https://thinkprogress.org/in-2005-mccain-said-even-the-scum-of-humanity-deserve-to-have-some-adjudication-of-their-cases-60ffb21e4122/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2005, McCain introduced the [[McCain Detainee Amendment]] to the Defense Appropriations bill for 2005, and the Senate voted 90–9 to support the amendment.<ref>[https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00249 "Roll Call Votes 109th Congress – 1st Session on the Amendment (McCain Amdt. No. 1977)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212124109/https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00249 |date=February 12, 2018 }}, [[United States Senate]] (October 5, 2005). Retrieved August 15, 2006.</ref> It prohibits inhumane treatment of prisoners, including prisoners at Guantánamo, by confining military interrogations to the techniques in the [[FM 34-52 Intelligence Interrogation|U.S. Army Field Manual on Interrogation]]. Although Bush had threatened to veto the bill if McCain's amendment was included,<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/10/06/senate.detainees/index.html "Senate ignores veto threat in limiting detainee treatment"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080313052438/http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/10/06/senate.detainees/index.html |date=March 13, 2008 }}, [[CNN]] (October 6, 2005). Retrieved January 2, 2008.</ref> the President announced in December 2005 that he accepted McCain's terms and would "make it clear to the world that this government does not torture and that we adhere to the international convention of torture, whether it be here at home or abroad".<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/12/15/torture.bill/ "McCain, Bush agree on torture ban"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124022622/http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/12/15/torture.bill/ |date=January 24, 2021 }}, [[CNN]] (December 15, 2005). Retrieved August 16, 2006.</ref> This stance, among others, led to McCain being named by ''Time'' magazine in 2006 as one of America's 10 Best Senators.<ref>Calabresi, Massimo and Bacon Jr., Perry. [https://web.archive.org/web/20060424234843/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1184028,00.html "America's 10 Best Senators"], [https://web.archive.org/web/20060706071424/http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1183947,00.html "John McCain: The Mainstreamer"], ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' (April 16, 2006). Retrieved August 14, 2008.</ref> McCain voted in February 2008 against a bill containing a ban on [[waterboarding]],<ref name="Eggen" /> which provision was later narrowly passed and vetoed by Bush. However, the bill in question contained other provisions to which McCain objected, and his spokesman stated: "This wasn't a vote on waterboarding. This was a vote on applying the standards of the [Army] field manual to CIA personnel."<ref name="Eggen">Eggen, Dan and Shear, Michael. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/15/AR2008021503318.html "Vote Against Waterboarding Bill Called Consistent"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909143838/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/15/AR2008021503318.html |date=September 9, 2017 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (February 16, 2008): "[T]he aide said, there are noncoercive interrogation techniques not used by the Army that could be useful to the CIA." Retrieved June 9, 2008.</ref>

Meanwhile, McCain continued questioning the progress of the war in Iraq. In September 2005, he remarked upon [[Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff]] [[Richard Myers]]' optimistic outlook on the war's progress: "Things have not gone as well as we had planned or expected, nor as we were told by you, General Myers."<ref>[[Thomas E. Ricks (journalist)|Ricks, Thomas]]. ''[[Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq]]'' p. 412 (Penguin Press 2006). {{ISBN|1-59420-103-X}}.</ref> In August 2006, he criticized the administration for continually understating the effectiveness of the insurgency: "We [have] not told the American people how tough and difficult this could be."<ref name="az-estab" /> From the beginning, McCain strongly supported the [[Iraq troop surge of 2007]].<ref>Baldor, Lolita C. [https://www.azcentral.com/news/election/special3/articles/0112USIraq12-ON.html?&wired "McCain Defends Bush's Iraq strategy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415035335/http://www.azcentral.com/news/election/special3/articles/0112USIraq12-ON.html?&wired |date=April 15, 2016 }}, [[Associated Press]]. ''[[The Arizona Republic]]'' (January 12, 2007). Retrieved July 19, 2012.</ref> The strategy's opponents labeled it "McCain's plan"<ref>Giroux, Greg. [https://www.nytimes.com/cq/2007/01/17/cq_2137.html "'Move On' Takes Aim at McCain's Iraq Stance"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415031827/http://www.nytimes.com/cq/2007/01/17/cq_2137.html |date=April 15, 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (January 17, 2007). Retrieved January 18, 2008.</ref> and [[University of Virginia]] political science professor [[Larry Sabato]] said, "McCain owns Iraq just as much as Bush does now."<ref name="az-estab" /> The surge and the war were unpopular during most of the year, even within the Republican Party,<ref name="time012308">Carney, James. [https://web.archive.org/web/20080127124929/http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1706450-3,00.html "The Resurrection of John McCain"], ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' (January 23, 2008). Retrieved February 1, 2008.</ref> as McCain's presidential campaign was underway; faced with the consequences, McCain frequently responded, "I would much rather lose a campaign than a war."<ref>Crawford, Jamie. [http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/07/28/iraq-wont-change-mccain/ "Iraq won't change McCain"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719204152/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/07/28/iraq-wont-change-mccain/ |date=July 19, 2008}}, [[CNN]] (July 28, 2007). Retrieved January 18, 2008.</ref> In March 2008, McCain credited the surge strategy with reducing violence in Iraq, as he made his eighth trip to that country since the war began.<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/16/mccain.iraq/index.html "McCain arrives in Baghdad"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320203216/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/16/mccain.iraq/index.html |date=March 20, 2008 }}, [[CNN]] (March 16, 2008). Retrieved March 16, 2008.</ref>

== 2008 presidential campaign ==
{{Main|John McCain 2008 presidential campaign}}
{{Further|2008 Republican Party presidential primaries|2008 United States presidential election}}
[[File:McCain25April2007Portsmouth.jpg|thumb|alt=White-haired man speaking at podium, with group of people behind him, some holding blue "McCain" signs|McCain formally announces his candidacy for president in [[Portsmouth, New Hampshire]], 2007.]]

McCain formally announced his intention to run for President of the United States on April 25, 2007, in [[Portsmouth, New Hampshire]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6593317.stm "McCain launches White House bid"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227135407/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6593317.stm |date=February 27, 2008 }}, [[BBC News]] (April 25, 2007). Retrieved May 15, 2008.</ref> He stated that: "I'm not running for president to be somebody, but to do something; to do the hard but necessary things, not the easy and needless things."<ref name="announce">[https://www.usatoday.com/news/pdf/4-25-2007-mccain-announcement.doc "Remarks as Prepared for Delivery: Senator McCain's Announcement Speech"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307125849/http://www.usatoday.com//news//pdf//4-25-2007-mccain-announcement.doc |date=March 7, 2012 }}, ''[[USA Today]]'' (April 25, 2007). Retrieved May 18, 2008.</ref>

McCain's oft-cited strengths as a presidential candidate for 2008 included national name recognition, sponsorship of major lobbying and campaign finance reform initiatives, his ability to reach across the aisle, his well-known military service and experience as a POW, his experience from the 2000 presidential campaign, and an expectation that he would capture Bush's top fundraisers.<ref name="wapo021206">Balz, Dan. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/11/AR2006021101374.html "For Possible '08 Run, McCain Is Courting Bush Loyalists"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401041314/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/11/AR2006021101374.html |date=April 1, 2017 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (February 12, 2006). Retrieved August 15, 2006.</ref> During the 2006 election cycle, McCain had attended 346&nbsp;events<ref name="vf0207" /> and helped raise more than $10.5&nbsp;million on behalf of Republican candidates. McCain also became more willing to ask business and industry for campaign contributions, while maintaining that such contributions would not affect any official decisions he would make.<ref>Birnbaum, Jeffrey and Solomon, John. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2007/12/30/ST2007123002933.html "McCain's Unlikely Ties to K Street"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914165018/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2007/12/30/ST2007123002933.html |date=September 14, 2017 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (December 31, 2007). Retrieved January 3, 2008.</ref> Despite being considered the front-runner for the nomination by pundits as 2007 began,<ref>Kirkpatrick, David D. and Pilhofer, Aron. [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/us/politics/15donate.html "McCain Lags in Income, but Excels in Spending"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415031844/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/us/politics/15donate.html |date=April 15, 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (April 15, 2007). Retrieved August 11, 2008.</ref> McCain was in second place behind former [[Mayor of New York City]] [[Rudy Giuliani]] in [[Nationwide opinion polling for the 2008 Republican Party presidential primaries|national Republican polls]] as the year progressed.

McCain had fundraising problems in the first half of 2007, due in part to his support for the [[Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007]], which was unpopular among the Republican base electorate.<ref name="cnn070207">[http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/07/02/mccain-lags-in-fundraising-cuts-staff/ "McCain lags in fundraising, cuts staff"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119200652/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/07/02/mccain-lags-in-fundraising-cuts-staff/ |date=January 19, 2008}}, [[CNN]] (July 2, 2007). Retrieved July 6, 2007.</ref><ref name="npr070207">[https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11663436 "Lagging in Fundraising, McCain Reorganizes Staff"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827075318/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11663436 |date=August 27, 2018 }}, [[National Public Radio|NPR]] (July 2, 2007). Retrieved July 6, 2007.</ref> Large-scale campaign staff downsizing took place in early July, but McCain said that he was not considering dropping out of the race.<ref name="npr070207" /> Later that month, the candidate's campaign manager and campaign chief strategist both departed.<ref>Sidoti, Liz. [http://newsok.com/mccain-campaign-suffers-key-shakeups/article/3080495 "McCain Campaign Suffers Key Shakeups"], ''[[The Oklahoman]]'' (July 10, 2007). Retrieved February 9, 2017.</ref> McCain slumped badly in national polls, often running third or fourth with 15&nbsp;percent or less support.

[[File:BushAndMcCains.jpg|thumb|left|alt=White-haired man in dark suit looks on as gray-haired man in dark suit holds hand and greets blonde-haired woman in medium-colored suit, all in front of a white building.|[[George W. Bush|President Bush]] holds [[Cindy McCain]]'s hand as he endorses her husband for president, March 2008.]]

The Arizona senator subsequently resumed his familiar position as a political [[underdog]],<ref name="iowagaz" /> riding the Straight Talk Express and taking advantage of free media such as debates and sponsored events.<ref name="pol071907">Martin, Jonathan. [https://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/0707/McCains_comeback_plan.html "McCain's comeback plan"] , ''[[Politico]]'' (July 19, 2007). Retrieved December 12, 2007.</ref> By December 2007, the Republican race was unsettled, with none of the top-tier candidates dominating the race and all of them possessing major vulnerabilities with different elements of the Republican base electorate.<ref>Witosky, Tom. [http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=85192 "McCain sees resurgence in his run for president"] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120524000459/http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=85192 |date=May 24, 2012}}, ''[[The Des Moines Register]]'' (December 17, 2007). Retrieved December 29, 2007.</ref> McCain was showing a resurgence, in particular with renewed strength in New Hampshire—the scene of his 2000 triumph—and was bolstered further by the endorsements from ''[[The Boston Globe]]'', the ''[[New Hampshire Union Leader]]'', and almost two dozen other state newspapers,<ref>Sinderbrand, Rebecca. [http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/12/29/mccain-clinton-win-concord-monitor-endorsements/ "McCain, Clinton win Concord Monitor endorsements"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080102143132/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/12/29/mccain-clinton-win-concord-monitor-endorsements/ |date=January 2, 2008}}, [[CNN]] (December 29, 2007). Retrieved December 29, 2007.</ref> as well as from Senator Lieberman (now an [[Independent Democrat]]).<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/12/17/mccain.endorsements/ "Lieberman: McCain can reunite our country"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612174305/http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/12/17/mccain.endorsements/ |date=June 12, 2008 }}, [[CNN]] (December 17, 2007). Retrieved June 26, 2008.</ref> McCain decided not to campaign significantly in the January 3, 2008, [[2008 Iowa Republican presidential caucuses|Iowa caucuses]], which saw a win by former [[Governor of Arkansas]] [[Mike Huckabee]].

McCain's comeback plan paid off when he won the [[2008 New Hampshire Republican presidential primary|New Hampshire primary]] on January 8, defeating former [[Governor of Massachusetts]] [[Mitt Romney]] in a close contest, to once again become one of the front-runners in the race.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/08/nh.main/index.html "CNN: McCain wins New Hampshire GOP primary"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912000610/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/08/nh.main/index.html |date=September 12, 2020 }}, [[CNN]] (January 8, 2008). Retrieved January 8, 2008.</ref> In mid-January, McCain placed first in the [[2008 South Carolina Republican presidential primary|South Carolina primary]], narrowly defeating Mike Huckabee.<ref name="SC Primary">Jones, Tim; Anderson, Lisa. [https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/01/20/moderates-flock-to-mccain-in-sc/ "Moderates flock to McCain in S.C.; 2nd-place finish deals blow for Huckabee"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250625115627/https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/01/20/moderates-flock-to-mccain-in-sc/ |date=June 25, 2025 }}, ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' (January 20, 2008). Retrieved November 2, 2008.</ref> Pundits credited the third-place finisher, Tennessee's former U.S. Senator [[Fred Thompson]], with drawing votes from Huckabee in South Carolina, thereby giving a narrow win to McCain.<ref>[https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0122/breaking85.html "Thompson Quits US Presidential Race"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011010516/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0122/breaking85.html |date=October 11, 2012 }}, [[Reuters]] (January 22, 2008). Retrieved June 2, 2008.</ref>
A week later, McCain won the [[2008 Florida Republican presidential primary|Florida primary]],<ref name="cnn012908f">[http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/29/fl.primary/index.html "McCain wins Florida, Giuliani expected to drop out"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325190455/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/29/fl.primary/index.html |date=March 25, 2021 }}, [[CNN]] (January 29, 2008). Retrieved January 29, 2008.</ref> beating Romney again in a close contest; Giuliani then dropped out and endorsed McCain.<ref>Holland, Steve. [https://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN2964765820080131 "Giuliani, Edwards quit White House Race"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080201110249/http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN2964765820080131 |date=February 1, 2008 }}, [[Reuters]] (January 30, 2008). Retrieved January 30, 2008.</ref>

On February 5, McCain won both the majority of states and [[Delegate (American politics)|delegates]] in the [[Super Tuesday, 2008|Super Tuesday]] [[2008 Republican Party presidential primaries|Republican primaries]], giving him a commanding lead toward the Republican nomination. Romney departed from the race on February{{nbsp}}7.<ref>Sidoti, Liz. [http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-02-06-2354800962_x.htm "Romney Suspends Presidential Campaign"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224000548/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-02-06-2354800962_x.htm |date=February 24, 2017 }}, [[Associated Press]] (February 7, 2008). Retrieved February 22, 2017.</ref> McCain's wins in the March{{nbsp}}4 primaries clinched a majority of the delegates, and he became the presumptive Republican nominee.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/04/march.4.contests/index.html "McCain wins key primaries, CNN projects; McCain clinches nod"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222653/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/04/march.4.contests/index.html |date=December 2, 2013 }}, [[CNN]] (March 4, 2008). Retrieved March 4, 2008.</ref>

Had he been elected, he would have become the first president physically born outside the United States. This raised a potential legal issue, since the [[United States Constitution]] requires the president to be a [[natural-born citizen]]. A bipartisan legal review,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lawyers-conclude-mccain-is-natural-born/ |title=Lawyers Conclude McCain is 'Natural Born' |publisher=[[CBS News]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=March 28, 2008 |access-date=May 23, 2008 |archive-date=August 8, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808153346/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/28/politics/main3977521.shtml }}</ref> and a unanimous but non-binding Senate resolution,<ref>[[Michael Dobbs (US author)|Dobbs, Michael]]. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/01/AR2008050103224.html "McCain's Birth Abroad Stirs Legal Debate"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905175041/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/01/AR2008050103224.html |date=September 5, 2017 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (May 2, 2008). Retrieved October 24, 2008.</ref> both concluded that he was a natural-born citizen. However, other legal scholars came to the opposite conclusion that although he was a citizen, at the time of his birth he was not a natural-born citizen, because the 1937 law that made him a citizen was passed one year after his birth.<ref name="ElevenMonthsShort">{{cite web | last=Chin | first=Gabriel | title=Why Senator John McCain Cannot be President: Eleven Months and a Hundred Yards Short of Citizenship | publisher=University of Michigan Law School Scholarship Repository | date=February 16, 2015 | url=https://repository.law.umich.edu/mlr_fi/vol107/iss1/23/ | access-date=April 9, 2025 | archive-date=May 29, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529145704/https://repository.law.umich.edu/mlr_fi/vol107/iss1/23/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news| issn = 0362-4331| last = Liptak| first = Adam| title = McCain's eligibility is disputed by professor| newspaper=[[The New York Times]]| accessdate = October 11, 2022| date = July 11, 2008| url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/11/world/americas/11iht-11mccain.14411311.html| archive-date = October 11, 2022| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221011155001/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/11/world/americas/11iht-11mccain.14411311.html| url-status = live}}</ref>

If inaugurated in 2009 at the age of 72&nbsp;years and 144&nbsp;days, he would have been the [[List of presidents of the United States by age|oldest person to become president]].<ref>Bash, Dana. [http://edition.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/08/29/mccain.birthday/index.html "With McCain, 72 is the new{{nbsp}}... 69?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607031508/http://edition.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/08/29/mccain.birthday/index.html |date=June 7, 2008 }}, [[CNN]] (September 4, 2006). Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref> McCain addressed concerns about his age and past health issues, stating in 2005 that his health was "excellent".<ref>McCain, John. [https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna8245636 Interview transcript] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202030430/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna8245636 |date=December 2, 2024 }} . ''[[Meet the Press]]'' via [[NBC News]] (June 19, 2005). Retrieved November 14, 2006.</ref> He had been treated for [[melanoma]] and an operation in 2000 for that condition left a noticeable mark on the left side of his face.<ref name="Altman">Altman, Lawrence. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/us/politics/09mccain.html "On the Campaign Trail, Few Mentions of McCain's Bout With Melanoma"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210084540/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/us/politics/09mccain.html |date=February 10, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (March 9, 2008). Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref> McCain's prognosis appeared favorable, according to independent experts, especially because he had already survived without a recurrence for more than seven years.<ref name="Altman" /> In May 2008, McCain's campaign briefly let the press review his medical records, and he was described as appearing cancer-free, having a strong heart, and in general being in good health.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081210064507/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/05/23/america/NA-POL-US-McCain-Health.php "Medical records show McCain is in good health"]. ''[[International Herald Tribune]]'' (May 23, 2008). Retrieved May 23, 2008.</ref>

McCain clinched enough delegates for the nomination and his focus shifted toward the general election, while Barack Obama and [[Hillary Clinton]] fought a prolonged [[2008 Democratic Party presidential primaries|battle for the Democratic nomination]].<ref>Page, Susan. [https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=4738053&page=1 "McCain runs strong as Democrats battle on"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129002016/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=4738053&page=1 |date=November 29, 2020 }} ''[[USA Today]]'' (April 28, 2008). Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref> McCain introduced various policy proposals, and sought to improve his fundraising.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/31/mccain.tour/ "McCain tells his story to voters"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405213421/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/31/mccain.tour/ |date=April 5, 2008 }} [[CNN]] (March 31, 2008). Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref><ref>Luo, Michael and Palmer, Griff. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/31/us/politics/31donate.html "McCain Faces Test in Wooing Elite Donors"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731073023/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/31/us/politics/31donate.html |date=July 31, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (March 31, 2008). Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref> Cindy McCain, who accounted for most of the couple's wealth with an estimated net worth of $100&nbsp;million,<ref name="ap041808" /> made part of her tax returns public in May.<ref name=taxreturn>Kuhnhenn, Jim. [https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-05-23-1295131054_x.htm "Cindy McCain had $6 million income in 2006"], [[Associated Press]]. ''[[USA Today]]'' (May 24, 2008). Retrieved May 24, 2008.</ref> After facing criticism about [[lobbyist]]s on staff, the McCain campaign issued new rules in May 2008 to avoid [[conflict of interest|conflicts of interest]], causing five top aides to leave.<ref name="wapo051908lob">Shear, Michael. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/18/AR2008051802212.html "A Fifth Top Aide To McCain Resigns"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025233929/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/18/AR2008051802212.html |date=October 25, 2017 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (May 19, 2008). Retrieved June 4, 2008.</ref><ref name="az052608">Kammer, Jerry. [https://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/05/26/20080526lobbyists0526.html "Lobbyists on John McCain's Team Facing Some New Rules"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415032011/http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/05/26/20080526lobbyists0526.html |date=April 15, 2016 }}, ''[[The Arizona Republic]]'' (May 26, 2008). Retrieved June 4, 2008.</ref>

When Obama became the Democrats' [[presumptive nominee]] in early June, McCain proposed joint town hall meetings, but Obama instead requested [[2008 United States presidential debates|more traditional debates]] for the fall.<ref>Pickler, Nedra. [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-mccain-fail-to-agree-on-town-halls/ "Obama, McCain Fail To Agree On Town Halls"], [[Associated Press]]. [[CBS News]] (June 13, 2008). Retrieved July 19, 2012.</ref> In July, a staff shake-up put [[Steve Schmidt]] in full operational control of the McCain campaign.<ref>[[Dan Balz|Balz, Dan]] and Shear, Michael D. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/02/AR2008070203038.html "McCain Puts New Strategist Atop Campaign"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221140811/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/02/AR2008070203038.html |date=February 21, 2021 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (July 3, 2008). Retrieved August 11, 2008.</ref> [[Rick Davis (political consultant)|Rick Davis]] remained as campaign manager but with a reduced role. Davis had also managed McCain's 2000 presidential campaign; in 2005 and 2006, [[United States Intelligence Community|U.S. intelligence]] warned McCain's Senate staff about Davis's Russian links but gave no further warnings.<ref>Birnbaum, Jeffrey and Solomon, John. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/24/AR2008012403383.html "Aide Helped Controversial Russian Meet McCain"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527163327/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/24/AR2008012403383.html |date=May 27, 2019 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (January 25, 2008).</ref><ref>Carter, Sara. [https://www.circa.com/story/2017/09/22/politics/grassley-asks-fbi-if-the-trump-campaign-was-warned-about-possible-russian-infiltrators-but-gets-backlash-from-mccain-camp "Grassley gets backlash from McCain camp after asking FBI if Trump's campaign was warned about Russia"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107024448/https://www.circa.com/story/2017/09/22/politics/grassley-asks-fbi-if-the-trump-campaign-was-warned-about-possible-russian-infiltrators-but-gets-backlash-from-mccain-camp |date=November 7, 2017 }}, ''[[Circa News]]'' (September 22, 2017).</ref><ref>King, John and Raju, Manu. [http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/21/politics/chuck-grassley-fbi-letter/index.html "Grassley asks FBI if it warned Trump about Manafort"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207010031/https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/21/politics/chuck-grassley-fbi-letter/index.html |date=December 7, 2020 }}, [[CNN]] (September 22, 2017).</ref><ref>Ames, Mark and Berman, Ari. [https://www.thenation.com/article/mccains-kremlin-ties/ "McCain's Kremlin Ties"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115055932/https://www.thenation.com/article/mccains-kremlin-ties/ |date=January 15, 2020 }}, ''[[The Nation]]'' (October 1, 2008).</ref>

Throughout the summer of 2008, Obama typically led McCain in national polls by single-digit margins,<ref>[http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/us/general_election_mccain_vs_obama-225.html "General Election: McCain vs. Obama"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217083055/http://www.realclearpolitics.com//epolls//2008//president//us//general_election_mccain_vs_obama-225.html |date=February 17, 2009 }}, [[Real Clear Politics]]. Retrieved August 11, 2008.</ref> and also led in several key swing states.<ref name="fn062708" /> McCain reprised his familiar underdog role, which was due at least in part to the overall challenges Republicans faced in the election year.<ref name="iowagaz">Boshart, Rod. "McCain says he's underdog in Iowa during State Fair visit", ''[[The Gazette (Cedar Rapids)|The Gazette]]'' (August 8, 2008). Retrieved August 11, 2008.</ref><ref name="fn062708">[http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/06/27/mccain-predicts-hell-overtake-obama-48-hours-before-the-election/ "McCain Predicts 'Underdog' Win in Final 48 Hours"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080803192600/http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/06/27/mccain-predicts-hell-overtake-obama-48-hours-before-the-election/ |date=August 3, 2008 }}, [[Fox News]] (June 27, 2008). Retrieved August 11, 2008.</ref> McCain accepted [[Campaign finance in the United States#Public financing of campaigns|public financing]] for the general election campaign, and the restrictions that go with it, while criticizing his Democratic opponent for becoming the first major party candidate to opt out of such financing for the general election since the system was implemented in 1976.<ref>Wayne, Leslie. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/16/us/politics/16mccain.html "McCain Raised $27 Million in July"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107112832/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/16/us/politics/16mccain.html |date=November 7, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (August 15, 2008). Retrieved August 16, 2008.</ref><ref>Barr, Andy. [http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/obama-passes-2-million-donors-2008-08-14.html "Obama passes two million donors"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080817022802/http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/obama-passes-2-million-donors-2008-08-14.html |date=August 17, 2008 }}, ''[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]'' (August 14, 2008). Retrieved August 16, 2008.</ref> The Republican's broad campaign theme focused on his experience and ability to lead, compared to Obama's.<ref>Kuhnhenn, Jim. [https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-07-31-1097990694_x.htm "Analysis: McCain tries to sow doubts about Obama"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315224456/http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-07-31-1097990694_x.htm |date=March 15, 2012 }}, [[Associated Press]] for ''[[USA Today]]'' (July 31, 2008). Retrieved August 11, 2008.</ref>

[[File:McCainPalin1.jpg|thumb|alt=Todd Palin, Sarah Palin (behind a podium), Cindy McCain, John McCain together on an outdoor stage during daytime, crowd holding blue-and-white "McCain Palin" signs around them|The Palins and McCains campaign in [[Fairfax, Virginia]], following the [[2008 Republican National Convention]] on September 10.]]

On August 29, 2008, McCain revealed [[Alaska Governor]] [[Sarah Palin]] as his surprise choice for a running mate.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/29/palin.republican.vp.candidate/index.html "McCain taps Alaska Gov. Palin as vice president pick"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913120340/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/29/palin.republican.vp.candidate/index.html |date=September 13, 2008 }}, [[CNN]] (August 29, 2008). Retrieved August 29, 2008.</ref> McCain was only the second U.S. major-party presidential nominee (after [[Walter Mondale]], who chose [[Geraldine Ferraro]]) to select a woman as his running mate and the first Republican to do so. On September 3, 2008, McCain and Palin became the Republican Party's presidential and vice presidential nominees at the [[2008 Republican National Convention]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota]]. McCain surged ahead of Obama in national polls following the convention, as the Palin pick energized core Republican voters who had previously been wary of him.<ref>Berman, Russell. [http://www.nysun.com/national/mccain-palin-surging-in-the-polls/85458/ "McCain-Palin Surging in the Polls"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826080747/https://www.nysun.com/national/mccain-palin-surging-in-the-polls/85458/ |date=August 26, 2018 }}, ''[[The New York Sun]]'' (September 9, 2008). Retrieved December 31, 2008.</ref> However, by the campaign's own later admission, the rollout of Palin to the national media went poorly,<ref>[[Adam Nagourney|Nagourney, Adam]]. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/us/politics/09webnagourney.html "In Election's Wake, Campaigns Offer a Peek at What Really Happened"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415201332/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/us/politics/09webnagourney.html |date=April 15, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (December 9, 2008). Retrieved December 31, 2008.</ref> and voter reactions to Palin grew increasingly negative, especially among independents and other voters concerned about her qualifications.<ref>Cohen, Jon and Agiesta, Jennifer. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/24/AR2008102402698_pf.html "Perceptions of Palin Grow Increasingly Negative, Poll Says"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118124531/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/24/AR2008102402698_pf.html |date=November 18, 2016 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (October 25, 2008). Retrieved December 31, 2008.</ref>

McCain's decision to choose Sarah Palin as his running mate was criticized; ''[[The New York Times]]'' journalist [[David Brooks (commentator)|David Brooks]] said that "he took a disease that was running through the Republican party – anti-intellectualism, disrespect for facts – and he put it right at the centre of the party".<ref name="Smith">{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=David |title=John McCain opened Pandora's box – Sarah Palin came out, but Trump was right behind her |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/aug/26/john-mccain-sarah-palin-donald-trump |access-date=August 28, 2018 |work=[[The Guardian]]|date=August 26, 2018 |archive-date=August 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827231829/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/aug/26/john-mccain-sarah-palin-donald-trump |url-status=live }}</ref> Laura McGann in ''[[Vox (website)|Vox]]'' says that McCain gave the "reality TV politics" and [[Tea Party movement]] more political legitimacy, as well as solidifying "the Republican Party's comfort with a candidate who would say absurdities{{nbsp}}... unleashing a political style and a values system that animated the Tea Party movement and laid the groundwork for a Trump presidency."<ref>{{cite news |last1=McGann |first1=Laura |title=John McCain, Sarah Palin, and the rise of reality TV politics |url=https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/8/25/17779128/sarah-palin-john-mccain-legacy-trump |access-date=August 28, 2018 |work=[[Vox (website)|Vox]]|date=August 27, 2018 |archive-date=August 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827190421/https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/8/25/17779128/sarah-palin-john-mccain-legacy-trump |url-status=live }}</ref> Although McCain later expressed regret for not choosing the independent Senator Joe Lieberman (who had previously been [[Al Gore]]'s running mate in 2000, while still elected as a Democrat) as his VP candidate instead, he consistently defended Palin's performances at his events.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Jonathan |title=At His Ranch, John McCain Shares Memories and Regrets With Friends |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/05/us/politics/john-mccain-arizona.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505180443/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/05/us/politics/john-mccain-arizona.html |archive-date=May 5, 2018 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=August 29, 2018 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=May 5, 2018 }}</ref>

On September 24, McCain said he was temporarily suspending his campaign activities, called on Obama to join him, and proposed delaying the first of the general election debates with Obama, to work on the [[proposed U.S. financial system bailout]] before Congress, which was targeted at addressing the [[subprime mortgage crisis]] and the [[2008 financial crisis]].<ref>Fouhy, Beth. [http://www.sfltimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1959&Itemid=206 "Obama rejects McCain's call to delay debate"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509090910/http://www.sfltimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1959&Itemid=206 |date=May 9, 2013 }}, [[Associated Press]]. ''[[South Florida]] Times'' (September 24, 2008). Retrieved July 19, 2012.</ref><ref>[https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=5877644&page=1 "John McCain Statement: 'Suspending' His Campaign"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826005201/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=5877644&page=1 |date=August 26, 2018 }}, [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] (September 24, 2008).</ref> McCain's intervention helped to give dissatisfied House Republicans an opportunity to propose changes to the plan that was otherwise close to agreement.<ref>Weisman, Jonathan. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/26/AR2008092603957.html "How McCain Stirred a Simmering Pot"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421052651/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/26/AR2008092603957.html |date=April 21, 2018 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (September 27, 2008). Retrieved September 27, 2008. "In truth, McCain's dramatic announcement Wednesday that he would suspend his campaign and come to Washington for the bailout talks had wide repercussions."</ref><ref>Stolberg, Cheryl Gay and Bumiller, Elisabeth. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/27/us/politics/27mccain.html "A Balancing Act as McCain Faces a Divided Party and a Skeptical Public"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929000653/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/27/us/politics/27mccain.html |date=September 29, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (September 26, 2008). Retrieved September 27, 2008. "His greatest contribution," Mr. Bachus said, "was returning to Washington and standing up for Republicans who were refusing to be stampeded."</ref> After Obama declined McCain's suspension suggestion, McCain went ahead with the debate on September 26.<ref>[http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=723483 "McCain To Attend Debate, Resume Campaign"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080927205109/http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=723483 |date=September 27, 2008}}, RTTNews (September 26, 2008). Retrieved September 26, 2008.</ref> On October 1, McCain voted in favor of a revised $700&nbsp;billion rescue plan.<ref>[http://www.ny1.com/archives/nyc/all-boroughs/2008/10/02/senate-passes-economic-rescue-package-NYC_86538.old.html "Senate Passes Economic Rescue Package"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401080451/http://www.ny1.com/archives/nyc/all-boroughs/2008/10/02/senate-passes-economic-rescue-package-NYC_86538.old.html |date=April 1, 2016}}, [[NY1 News]] (October 2, 2008). Retrieved April 10, 2016.</ref> Another debate was held on October 7; like the first one, polls afterward suggested that Obama had won it.<ref>Steinhauser, Paul. [http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/08/debate.poll/ "Obama picks up second debate win, poll says"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219190620/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/08/debate.poll/ |date=February 19, 2021 }}, [[CNN]] (October 8, 2008). Retrieved October 12, 2008.</ref> A final presidential debate occurred on October 15.<ref>Daniel, Douglass. [https://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/politics/5921063.html "Obama backs away from McCain's debate challenge"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629132340/http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/politics/5921063.html |date=June 29, 2011 }}, [[Associated Press]]. ''[[Houston Chronicle]]'' (August 2, 2008). Retrieved August 11, 2008.</ref> Down the stretch, McCain was outspent by Obama by a four-to-one margin.<ref>Rutenberg, Jim. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/18/us/politics/18ads.html "Nearing Record, Obama's Ad Effort Swamps McCain"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731143440/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/18/us/politics/18ads.html |date=July 31, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (October 17, 2008). Retrieved December 30, 2008.</ref>

During and after the final debate, McCain compared Obama's proposed policies to socialism and often invoked "[[Joe the Plumber]]" as a symbol of American small business dreams that would be thwarted by an Obama presidency.<ref>Drogin, Bob and Barabak, Mark Z. [https://web.archive.org/web/20081203122443/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-campaign19-2008oct19%2C0%2C6341003.story "McCain Says Obama Wants Socialism"], ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' (October 18, 2008). Retrieved December 31, 2008.</ref><ref>[[Elisabeth Bumiller|Bumiller, Elisabeth]]. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/31/us/politics/31mccain.html "In Ohio, McCain Is Everywhere Even if Joe the Plumber Isn't"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415032138/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/31/us/politics/31mccain.html |date=April 15, 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (October 30, 2008). Retrieved December 31, 2008.</ref> He barred using the [[Jeremiah Wright controversy]] in ads against Obama,<ref>Smith, Ben. [https://www.politico.com/blogs/ben-smith/2008/12/mccain-pollster-wright-wouldnt-have-worked-014757 "McCain pollster: Wright wouldn't have worked"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805221815/https://www.politico.com/blogs/ben-smith/2008/12/mccain-pollster-wright-wouldnt-have-worked-014757 |date=August 5, 2023 }} , ''[[Politico]]'' (December 11, 2008). Retrieved December 30, 2008.</ref> but the campaign did frequently criticize Obama regarding [[Bill Ayers 2008 presidential election controversy|his purported relationship with Bill Ayers]].<ref>Johnson, Alex. [https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna27343688 "McCain hammers Obama on Ayers ties"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202191311/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna27343688 |date=December 2, 2024 }}, [[NBC News]] (October 23, 2008). Retrieved January 1, 2009.</ref> McCain's rallies became increasingly vitriolic,<ref name="reut-back" /> with attendees denigrating Obama and displaying a growing anti-Muslim and anti-African-American sentiment.<ref name="huffpo-no" /> During a campaign rally in Minnesota, Gayle Quinnell, a McCain supporter, told him she did not trust Obama because "he's an Arab".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/oct/1/quinnell-where-are-they-now-gayle-quinnell/ |title=Where Are They Now?: Gayle Quinnell |work=[[The Washington Times]] |date=October 1, 2012 |access-date=February 10, 2018 |archive-date=February 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180211071848/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/oct/1/quinnell-where-are-they-now-gayle-quinnell/ |url-status=live }}</ref> McCain replied, "No ma'am. He's a decent family man, citizen, that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues."<ref name="huffpo-no">[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-uptake/mccain-responds-to-arab-a_b_133820.html "McCain Responds to 'Arab' Epithet at Rally: 'Obama a Decent Family Man'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915144930/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-uptake/mccain-responds-to-arab-a_b_133820.html |date=September 15, 2018 }}, ''[[HuffPost]]'' (October 10, 2008).</ref> McCain's response was considered one of the finer moments of the campaign and was still being viewed several years later as a marker for civility in American politics, particularly in light of the anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant animus of the Donald Trump presidency.<ref name="reut-back">[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-campaign-treason-idUSBRE84616T20120507 "Romney backer sees treason, Obama's campaign cries foul"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924163835/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/07/us-usa-campaign-treason-idUSBRE84616T20120507 |date=September 24, 2015 }}, [[Reuters]] (May 7, 2012).</ref><ref>[[Matt Bai|Bai, Matt]], [https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/us/politics/09bai.html "A Turning Point in the Discourse, but in Which Direction?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325233616/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/us/politics/09bai.html |date=March 25, 2017 }} ''[[The New York Times]]'' (January 8, 2011).</ref> Meghan McCain said that she cannot "go a day without someone bringing up (that) moment," and noted that at the time "there were a lot of people really trying to get my dad to go (against Obama) with{{nbsp}}... you're a Muslim, you're not an American aspect of that," but that her father had refused. "I can remember thinking that it was a morally amazing and beautiful moment, but that maybe there would be people in the Republican Party that would be quite angry," she said.<ref>{{cite news |last=King |first=Alexandra |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/10/politics/mccain-gray-zone-cnntv/index.html |title=Meghan McCain sees 'a lot of gray' with Trump voters and their views |publisher=[[CNN]] |date=February 10, 2018 |access-date=February 10, 2018 |archive-date=February 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210174224/https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/10/politics/mccain-gray-zone-cnntv/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:ElectoralCollege2008.svg|thumb|Results of the presidential election]]

The election took place on November 4, and Barack Obama was declared the projected winner at about 11:00&nbsp;pm Eastern Standard Time; McCain delivered his concession speech in Phoenix, Arizona, about twenty minutes later. In it, he noted the historic and special significance of Obama being elected the nation's first African American president.<ref name="cnn-conc">[http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/mccain.transcript/ "Transcript: McCain concedes presidency"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110133628/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/mccain.transcript/ |date=November 10, 2010 }}, [[CNN]] (November 4, 2008).</ref> McCain remarked, "Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans; and please believe me when I say, no association has ever meant more to me than that."<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 5, 2008 |title=McCain's Concession Speech |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/04/us/politics/04text-mccain.html |access-date=March 13, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313061430/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/04/us/politics/04text-mccain.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In the end, McCain won 173 [[electoral college votes|electoral votes]] to Obama's 365;<ref>Franke-Ruta, Garance. [http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/11/19/mccain_takes_missouri.html "McCain Takes Missouri"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023022914/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2008/11/mccain-takes-missouri.html |date=October 23, 2015 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (November 19, 2008). Retrieved November 19, 2008.</ref> McCain failed to win most of the [[battleground state]]s and lost some traditionally Republican ones. McCain gained 46&nbsp;percent of the nationwide popular vote, compared to Obama's 53&nbsp;percent.<ref name="cnn-2008-pres-results">[http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/president/ "President – Election Center 2008"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212014309/http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/president/ |date=December 12, 2008 }}, [[CNN]]. Retrieved November 19, 2008.</ref>

== Senate career after 2008 ==
{{Main|US Senate career of John McCain (2001–2014)}}

=== Remainder of fourth Senate term ===

[[US Senate career of John McCain (2001–2014)#Activities after Obama election to presidency|Following his defeat, McCain returned to the Senate]] amid varying views about what role he might play there.<ref>Mooney, Alexander. [http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/18/mccain.future/index.html "McCain may face bumpy shift from White House run"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081118214847/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/18/mccain.future/index.html |date=November 18, 2008 }}, [[CNN]] (November 18, 2008). Retrieved November 21, 2008.</ref> McCain indicated that he intended to run for [[2010 United States Senate election in Arizona|re-election to his Senate seat in 2010]].<ref>Cillizza, Chris. [http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/11/mccains_next_step.html "McCain's Next Step: Re-Election in 2010"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090708233419/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/11/mccains_next_step.html |date=July 8, 2009 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (November 19, 2008). Retrieved November 21, 2008.</ref> As the inauguration neared, Obama consulted with McCain on a variety of matters, to an extent rarely seen between a president-elect and his defeated rival,<ref>Kirkpatrick, David D. [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/19/us/politics/19mccain.html "Obama Reaches Out for McCain's Counsel"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415202642/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/19/us/politics/19mccain.html |date=April 15, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (January 19, 2009). Retrieved January 20, 2009.</ref> and President Obama's inauguration speech contained an allusion to McCain's theme of finding a purpose greater than oneself.<ref>Brune, Tom. [https://web.archive.org/web/20090712220416/http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/wednesday/nation/ny-usanal2112376956jan21%2C0%2C3845582.story "Obama speech strong but anti-climatic" (sic)], ''[[Newsday]]'' (January 20, 2009). Retrieved January 20, 2009.</ref>

[[File:President Barack Obama and Senator John McCain press conference.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Barack Obama speaking in foreground at an indoor event with an American flag in background; John McCain behind him, somewhat of focus| President [[Barack Obama]] and McCain at a press conference in March 2009]]

Nevertheless, McCain emerged as a leader of the Republican opposition to the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009|Obama economic stimulus package of 2009]], saying it incorporated federal policy changes that had nothing to do with near-term job creation and would expand the growing federal budget deficit.<ref>Hulse, Carl and Herszenhorn, David M. [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/07/us/politics/07stimulus.html "Senators Reach Deal on Stimulus Plan as Jobs Vanish"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427173556/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/07/us/politics/07stimulus.html |date=April 27, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (February 6, 2009). Retrieved February 7, 2009.</ref> McCain also voted against Obama's Supreme Court nomination of [[Sonia Sotomayor]]—saying that while undeniably qualified, "I do not believe that she shares my belief in judicial restraint"<ref>[[Kelly O'Donnell|O'Donnell, Kelly]] and Montanaro, Domenico. [https://web.archive.org/web/20090805042848/http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/08/03/2018373.aspx "McCain to vote against Sotomayor"], [[NBC News]] (August 3, 2009). Retrieved August 22, 2009.</ref>—and by August 2009 was siding more often with his Republican Party on closely divided votes than ever before in his senatorial career.<ref>Giroux, Greg. [https://web.archive.org/web/20090822120228/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000003192795 "McCain: Maverick No More?"], [[CQ Politics]] (August 19, 2009). Retrieved August 22, 2009.</ref> McCain reasserted that the War in Afghanistan was winnable<ref>McCain, John and others. [https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203440104574404753110979442 "Only Decisive Force Can Prevail in Afghanistan"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824012052/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203440104574404753110979442 |date=August 24, 2017 }}, ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' (September 13, 2009). Retrieved November 17, 2009.</ref> and criticized Obama for a slow process in deciding whether to send additional troops there.<ref name="time-voice">Newton-Small, Jay. [https://web.archive.org/web/20091011095913/http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1929092,00.html "John McCain: Can He Mend Fences with the Right?"], ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' (October 8, 2009). Retrieved November 20, 2009. In print magazine as "Voice in the Wilderness", October 19, 2009.</ref>

McCain also harshly criticized Obama for scrapping construction of the [[U.S. missile defense complex in Poland]], declined to enter negotiations over climate change legislation similar to what he had proposed in the past, and strongly opposed the [[Obama health care plan]].<ref name="time-voice" /><ref name="pol111909">Lerer, Lisa. [https://www.politico.com/story/2009/11/mccain-slams-horrendous-climate-bill-029747 "John McCain slams 'horrendous' climate bill"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250825092451/https://www.politico.com/story/2009/11/mccain-slams-horrendous-climate-bill-029747 |date=August 25, 2025 }} , ''[[Politico]]'' (November 19, 2009). Retrieved November 20, 2009.</ref> McCain led a successful filibuster of a measure that would allow repeal of the military's "[[Don't ask, don't tell]]" policy towards gays.<ref>Shane, Leo, III, [http://www.stripes.com/news/don-t-ask-don-t-tell-reversal-measure-falters-in-senate-1.119042 "'Don't ask, don't tell' reversal measure falters in Senate"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100925074505/http://www.stripes.com/news/don-t-ask-don-t-tell-reversal-measure-falters-in-senate-1.119042 |date=September 25, 2010 }}, ''[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]]'', September 21, 2010. Retrieved September 21, 2010.</ref> Factors involved in McCain's new direction included Senate staffers leaving, a renewed concern over national debt levels and the scope of federal government, a possible Republican primary challenge from conservatives in 2010, and McCain's campaign edge being slow to wear off.<ref name="time-voice" /><ref name="pol111909" /> As one longtime McCain advisor said, "A lot of people, including me, thought he might be the Republican building bridges to the Obama Administration. But he's been more like the guy blowing up the bridges."<ref name="time-voice" />

[[File:Flickr - europeanpeoplesparty - EPP in the USA (18).jpg|thumb|right|alt=Man in office with old-style furnishings|McCain in his Senate office, November 2010]]

In early 2010, a primary challenge from radio talk show host and former U.S. Congressman [[J. D. Hayworth]] materialized in the Senate election in Arizona and drew support from some but not all elements of the Tea Party movement.<ref name="nyt020910" /><ref name="wapo052210" /> With Hayworth using the campaign slogan "The Consistent Conservative", McCain said—despite his own past use of the term on a number of occasions<ref name="wapo052210" /><ref>Jacobson, Louis. [http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2010/apr/06/john-mccain/mccains-ultimate-maverick-move-denial/ "McCain's ultimate maverick move, denial"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031071022/http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2010/apr/06/john-mccain/mccains-ultimate-maverick-move-denial/ |date=October 31, 2014 }}, [[PolitiFact]] (April 6, 2010). Retrieved October 31, 2014.</ref>—"I never considered myself a maverick. I consider myself a person who serves the people of Arizona to the best of his abilities."<ref>[[David Margolick|Margolick, David]]. [http://www.newsweek.com/id/235883 "The McCain Mutiny"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100428183721/http://www.newsweek.com/id/235883 |date=April 28, 2010 }}, ''[[Newsweek]]'' (April 3, 2010). Retrieved April 6, 2010.</ref> The primary challenge coincided with McCain reversing or muting his stance on some issues such as the bank bailouts, closing of the [[Guantánamo Bay detention camp]], campaign finance restrictions, and gays in the military.<ref name="nyt020910">Steinhauer, Jennifer. [https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/us/politics/09arizona.html "From Right of Radio Dial, Challenge to McCain"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010032045/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/us/politics/09arizona.html |date=October 10, 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (February 9, 2010). Retrieved February 13, 2010.</ref>

When the health care plan, now called the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act]], passed Congress and became law in March 2010, McCain strongly opposed the landmark legislation not only on its merits but also on the way it had been handled in Congress. As a consequence, he warned that congressional Republicans would not work with Democrats on anything else: "There will be no cooperation for the rest of the year. They have poisoned the well in what they've done and how they've done it."<ref>O'Brien, Michael. [https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/64834-mccain-dont-expect-gop-cooperation-on-legislation-for-the-rest-of-this-year/ "McCain: Don't expect GOP cooperation on legislation for the rest of this year"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417090716/https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/64834-mccain-dont-expect-gop-cooperation-on-legislation-for-the-rest-of-this-year/ |date=April 17, 2024 }}, ''[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]'' (March 22, 2010). Retrieved March 28, 2010.</ref> McCain became a vocal defender of [[Arizona SB 1070]], the April 2010 tough anti-illegal immigration state law that aroused national controversy, saying that the state had been forced to take action given the federal government's inability to control the border.<ref name="wapo052210">Slevin, Peter. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/21/AR2010052102162.html "Hard line on immigration marks GOP race in Arizona"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304124149/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/21/AR2010052102162.html |date=March 4, 2016 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (May 22, 2010). Retrieved May 22, 2010.</ref><ref>Good, Chris. [https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2010/04/mccain-defends-arizonas-immigration-law/39518/ "McCain Defends Arizona's Immigration Law"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415200733/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2010/04/mccain-defends-arizonas-immigration-law/39518/ |date=April 15, 2017 }}, ''[[The Atlantic]]'' (April 26, 2010). Retrieved May 22, 2010.</ref> In the August 24 primary, McCain beat Hayworth by a 56 to 32&nbsp;percent margin.<ref>[https://www.politico.com/2010/maps/#/Senate/2010/AZ "The 2010 Results Map – Senate – 2010 – AZ"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613234450/https://www.politico.com/2010/maps/#/Senate/2010/AZ |date=June 13, 2019 }} , ''[[Politico]]'' (August 25, 2010). Retrieved August 25, 2010.</ref> McCain easily defeated Democratic [[Tucson, Arizona|Tucson]] city councilman Rodney Glassman in the general election.<ref name=Nov2010>[http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/morning_call/2010/11/republicans-sweeping-statewide-races.html "McCain, Republicans sweep statewides"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129031923/http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/morning_call/2010/11/republicans-sweeping-statewide-races.html |date=November 29, 2010 }}, ''[[Phoenix Business Journal]]'' (November 3, 2010). Retrieved November 3, 2010.</ref>

In the lame duck session of the [[111th Congress]], McCain voted for the compromise [[Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010]],<ref>{{cite news | last=Potts |first= Tracie |url = http://www2.counton2.com/news/2010/dec/14/lawmakers-compromise-tax-deal-nobody-completely-ha-ar-1221138/ | url-status=dead| archive-date= March 11, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311143034/http://www2.counton2.com/news/2010/dec/14/lawmakers-compromise-tax-deal-nobody-completely-ha-ar-1221138/ |title= Lawmakers compromise on tax deal, nobody completely happy |publisher=[[WCBD-TV]] |date=December 14, 2010 | access-date=November 15, 2012}}</ref> but against the [[DREAM Act]] (which he had once sponsored) and the [[New START Treaty]].<ref name="db-anger">Walshe, Shushannah. [http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2010/12/22/john-mccains-dont-ask-dont-tell-dream-votes-and-his-lasting-anger.html "John McCain's Lasting Anger"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118200152/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2010/12/22/john-mccains-dont-ask-dont-tell-dream-votes-and-his-lasting-anger.html |date=November 18, 2012 }}, ''[[The Daily Beast]]'' (December 21, 2010). Retrieved November 15, 2012.</ref> Most prominently, he continued to lead the eventually losing fight against "Don't ask, don't tell" repeal.<ref name="wapo121810" /> In his opposition, he sometimes fell into anger or hostility on the Senate floor, and called its passage "a very sad day" that would compromise the battle effectiveness of the military.<ref name="db-anger" /><ref name="wapo121810">Milbank, Dana. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/18/AR2010121802738.html "John McCain at his fieriest before 'don't ask, don't tell' vote"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522034732/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/18/AR2010121802738.html |date=May 22, 2017 }}, ''The Washington Post'' (December 18, 2010). Retrieved December 26, 2010.</ref>

=== Fifth Senate term ===

While control of the House of Representatives went over to the Republicans in the [[112th Congress]], the Senate stayed Democratic and McCain continued to be the ranking member of the [[Senate Armed Services Committee]]. As the [[Arab Spring]] took center stage, McCain urged that the embattled Egyptian president, [[Hosni Mubarak]], step down and thought the U.S. should push for democratic reforms in the region despite the associated risks of religious extremists gaining power.<ref>[https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=12829841 "McCain Says the Time for Mubarak to Leave Has Come"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120223508/http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=12829841 |date=January 20, 2012 }}, Associated Press, [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] (February 3, 2011). Retrieved May 22, 2011.</ref> McCain was an especially vocal supporter of the [[2011 military intervention in Libya]]. In April of that year he visited the [[Anti-Gaddafi forces]] and [[National Transitional Council]] in [[Benghazi]], the highest-ranking American to do so, and said that the rebel forces were "my heroes".<ref>[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mccain-libyan-rebels-are-my-heroes/ "McCain: Libyan rebels are 'my heroes'"], [[CBS News]] (April 22, 2011). Retrieved May 11, 2011.</ref> In June, he joined with Senator Kerry in offering a resolution that would have [[War Powers Resolution#Libya intervention in 2011|authorized the military intervention]], and said: "The administration's disregard for the elected representatives of the American people on this matter has been troubling and counterproductive."<ref>Steinhauer, Jennifer. [http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/21/kerry-and-mccain-introduce-libya-resolution/ "Kerry and McCain Introduce Libya Resolution"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923153244/http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/21/kerry-and-mccain-introduce-libya-resolution/ |date=September 23, 2015 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (June 21, 2011). Retrieved February 21, 2016.</ref><ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/06/22/war.powers.libya/ "Boehner: House not with McCain on Libya campaign"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306215058/http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/06/22/war.powers.libya/ |date=March 6, 2016 }}, [[CNN]] (June 22, 2011). Retrieved February 21, 2016.</ref> In August, McCain voted for the [[Budget Control Act of 2011]] that resolved the [[2011 United States debt-ceiling crisis|U.S. debt ceiling crisis]].<ref>[http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110801/news/110809987/ "McCain says he'll 'swallow hard' and vote for debt deal"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923212811/http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110801/news/110809987/ |date=September 23, 2015 }}, Associated Press, ''[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)|Daily Herald]]'' (August 1, 2011). Retrieved August 7, 2011.</ref> In November, McCain and Senator [[Carl Levin]] were leaders in efforts to codify in the [[National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012]] that terrorism suspects, no matter where captured, could be detained by [[Military Commissions Act of 2006|the U.S. military and its tribunal system]]; following objections by civil libertarians, some Democrats, and the White House, McCain and Levin agreed to language making it clear that the bill would not pertain to U.S. citizens.<ref>Barett, Ted. [http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/01/politics/senate-detainee-policy/index.html "Senate passes defense bill with detainee policy compromise"], [[CNN]] (December 2, 2011). Retrieved December 3, 2011.</ref><ref>Gerstein, Josh. [https://www.politico.com/blogs/under-the-radar/2011/12/defense-bill-revised-in-bid-to-avoid-veto-107179 "Defense bill revised in bid to avoid veto"], ''[[Politico]]'' (December 12, 2011). Retrieved December 26, 2011.</ref>

In the [[2012 Republican Party presidential primaries]], McCain endorsed former 2008 rival Mitt Romney and campaigned for him, but compared the contest to a [[Greek tragedy]] due to its drawn-out nature with massive [[super PAC]]-funded attack ads damaging all the contenders.<ref>Chabot, Hillary. [http://www.bostonherald.com/news/us_politics/view/20220228mccain_close_curtain_on_gop_greek_tragedy_believes_negative_campaign_will_take_a_toll_in_november/srvc=home&position=5 "John McCain: Close curtain on GOP 'Greek tragedy'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307213307/http://www.bostonherald.com/news/us_politics/view/20220228mccain_close_curtain_on_gop_greek_tragedy_believes_negative_campaign_will_take_a_toll_in_november/srvc%3Dhome%26position%3D5 |date=March 7, 2012 }}, ''[[Boston Herald]]'' (February 28, 2012). Retrieved March 7, 2012.</ref> He labeled the Supreme Court's 2010 ''[[Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission]]'' decision as "uninformed, arrogant, naïve", and, decrying its effects and the future scandals he thought it would bring, said it would become considered the court's "worst decision{{nbsp}}... in the 21st century".<ref>Gilbert, Holly. [http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/17/mccain-on-campaign-finance-the-system-is-broken/ "McCain on campaign finance: 'The system is broken'"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705205108/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/17/mccain-on-campaign-finance-the-system-is-broken/ |date=July 5, 2012}}, [[CNN]] (June 17, 2012). Retrieved July 7, 2012.</ref> McCain took the lead in opposing the defense spending sequestrations brought on by the Budget Control Act of 2011 and gained attention for defending State Department aide [[Huma Abedin]] against charges brought by a few House Republicans that she had ties to the [[Muslim Brotherhood]].<ref name="nyt-stalwart" />

[[File:Flickr - DVIDSHUB - Senators visit special operations forces soldiers in eastern Afghanistan (Image 6 of 15).jpg|thumb|right|alt=A group of about ten men walking along a road|The "Three Amigos" walking in [[Kunar Province]] in eastern Afghanistan in July 2011: McCain (second from left), [[Lindsey Graham]] (second from right in front), [[Joe Lieberman]] (right in front)<ref name="amigos" />]]

McCain continued to be one of the most frequently appearing guests on the Sunday morning news talk shows.<ref name="nyt-stalwart">Steinhauer, Jennifer. [https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/27/us/politics/once-a-rebel-mccain-now-walks-the-party-line.html "Once a Rebel, McCain Now Walks the Party Line"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517051347/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/27/us/politics/once-a-rebel-mccain-now-walks-the-party-line.html |date=May 17, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (July 27, 2012). Retrieved July 31, 2012.</ref>
He became one of the most vocal critics of the Obama administration's handling of the 2012 [[attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi]], saying it was a "debacle" that featured either "a massive cover-up or incompetence that is not acceptable" and that it was worse than the [[Watergate scandal]].<ref>Eldridge, David. [http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/inside-politics/2012/oct/28/mccain-slams-obama-libya-nobody-died-watergate/ "McCain slams Obama on Libya: 'Nobody died in Watergate'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031212651/http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/inside-politics/2012/oct/28/mccain-slams-obama-libya-nobody-died-watergate/ |date=October 31, 2012 }}, ''[[The Washington Times]]'' (October 28, 2012). Retrieved November 16, 2012.</ref> As an outgrowth of this strong opposition, he and a few other senators were successful in blocking the planned nomination of Ambassador to the UN [[Susan Rice]] to succeed Hillary Rodham Clinton as U.S. Secretary of State; McCain's friend John Kerry was nominated instead.<ref>Ioffe, Julia. [http://www.tnr.com/blog/plank/111399/john-kerry-wins-national-office-last "John Kerry's Quiet Campaign Pays Off"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225014040/http://www.tnr.com/blog/plank/111399/john-kerry-wins-national-office-last |date=December 25, 2012 }}, ''[[The New Republic]]'' (December 22, 2012). Retrieved December 23, 2012.</ref>

Regarding the [[Syrian civil war]] that had begun in 2011, McCain repeatedly argued for the U.S. intervening militarily in the conflict on the side of the anti-government forces. He staged a visit to rebel forces inside Syria in May 2013, the first senator to do so, and called for arming the [[Free Syrian Army]] with heavy weapons and for the establishment of a [[no-fly zone]] over the country. Following reports that two of the people he posed for pictures with had been responsible for the kidnapping of eleven Lebanese Shiite pilgrims the year before, McCain disputed one of the identifications and said he had not met directly with the other.<ref>{{cite news | last=Cassata | first =Donna |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/feedarticle/10818441 |title=McCain: Syrian rebels need heavy weapons |agency=[[Associated Press]] |work=[[The Guardian]] | date=May 31, 2013 | access-date= April 3, 2014}}</ref> Following the [[2013 Ghouta chemical weapons attack]], McCain argued again for strong American military action against the government of the Syrian president, [[Bashar al-Assad]], and in September 2013 cast a Foreign Relations committee vote in favor of Obama's request to Congress that it authorize a military response.<ref>[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/senate-panel-votes-to-authorize-syria-strike/ "Senate panel votes to authorize Syria strike"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202081829/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/senate-panel-votes-to-authorize-syria-strike/ |date=December 2, 2024 }}, [[Fox News]] (September 4, 2013). Retrieved September 11, 2013.</ref> McCain took the lead in criticizing a growing non-interventionist movement within the Republican Party, exemplified by his March 2013 comment that Senators [[Rand Paul]] and [[Ted Cruz]] and Representative [[Justin Amash]] were "wacko birds".<ref>Weiner, Rachel. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/03/08/mccain-calls-paul-cruz-amash-wacko-birds/ "McCain calls Paul, Cruz, Amash 'wacko birds'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120104406/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/03/08/mccain-calls-paul-cruz-amash-wacko-birds |date=November 20, 2015 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (March 8, 2013). Retrieved September 11, 2013.</ref>

[[File:Secretary Kerry and Senator McCain Chat With Members of the Saudi Royal Family.jpg|thumb|left|[[John Kerry|Kerry]] (far left) and McCain (third from left) with members of the [[Saudi Royal Family]] after greeting the new King [[Salman of Saudi Arabia]], Riyadh, January 2015]]

During 2013, McCain was a member of a bi-partisan group of senators, the "[[Gang of Eight (immigration)|Gang of Eight]]", which announced principles for another try at comprehensive immigration reform.<ref>Deruy, Emily. [https://abcnews.go.com/ABC_Univision/Politics/gang-accelerates-immigration-reform-pace/story?id=18354593 "Gang of Eight Accelerates Immigration Reform Pace"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919202401/https://abcnews.go.com/ABC_Univision/Politics/gang-accelerates-immigration-reform-pace/story?id=18354593 |date=September 19, 2020 }}, [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] (January 30, 2013). Retrieved February 2, 2013.</ref> The resulting [[Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013]] passed the Senate by a 68–32 margin, but faced an uncertain future in the House.<ref>[http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2013/07/19/McCain-Immigration-reform-backers-not-winning/UPI-81771374217200/ "McCain: Immigration-reform backers 'not winning'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729222750/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2013/07/19/McCain-Immigration-reform-backers-not-winning/UPI-81771374217200/ |date=July 29, 2013 }}, [[United Press International]] (July 19, 2013). Retrieved July 31, 2013.</ref> In July 2013, McCain was at the forefront of an agreement among senators to drop filibusters against Obama administration executive nominees without Democrats resorting to the "[[nuclear option]]" that would disallow such filibusters altogether.<ref>Condon, Stephanie. [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/senate-reaches-deal-to-avert-nuclear-option/ "Senate reaches deal to avert 'nuclear option'"], [[CBS News]] (July 16, 2013). Retrieved July 31, 2013.</ref><ref name="wapo-mav" /> However, the option would be imposed later in the year anyway, to the senator's displeasure.<ref name="nytm-ml2013" /> These developments and some other negotiations showed that McCain had become the leader of a power center in the Senate for cutting deals in an otherwise bitterly partisan environment.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2013/07/behind-the-curtain-new-power-triangle-94648.html |title=The new power triangle |work=[[Politico]] |date=July 23, 2013 |access-date=July 31, 2013 |first1=Mike |last1=Allen |first2=Jim |last2=Vandehei |archive-date=July 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727052827/http://www.politico.com/story/2013/07/behind-the-curtain-new-power-triangle-94648.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Pace, Julie. [http://www.startribune.com/obama-and-mccain-washington-s-newest-odd-couple/217226071/ "Once heated White House rivals, Obama and McCain becoming bipartisan partners in second term"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222092143/http://www.startribune.com/obama-and-mccain-washington-s-newest-odd-couple/217226071/ |date=December 22, 2015 }}, Associated Press, ''[[Star Tribune]]'' (July 27, 2013). Retrieved July 31, 2013.</ref><ref name="alh-mav" /> They also led some observers to conclude that the "maverick" McCain had returned.<ref name="wapo-mav">Kane, Paul. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/john-mccain-helps-avert-senate-showdown/2013/07/16/61fb21b4-ee4f-11e2-bed3-b9b6fe264871_story.html "John McCain helps avert Senate showdown"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416230846/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/john-mccain-helps-avert-senate-showdown/2013/07/16/61fb21b4-ee4f-11e2-bed3-b9b6fe264871_story.html |date=April 16, 2021 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (July 16, 2013). Retrieved August 1, 2013.</ref><ref name="alh-mav">[[Al Hunt|Hunt, Albert R.]] [http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/29/3529240/mccain-a-maverick-again.html "McCain a maverick again"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020050540/http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/29/3529240/mccain-a-maverick-again.html |date=October 20, 2013 }}, ''[[Miami Herald]]'' (July 29, 2013). Retrieved August 1, 2013.</ref>

McCain was publicly skeptical about the Republican strategy that precipitated the [[U.S. federal government shutdown of 2013]] and [[U.S. debt-ceiling crisis of 2013]] to defund or delay the Affordable Care Act; in October 2013 he voted in favor of the [[Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014]], which resolved them and said, "Republicans have to understand we have lost this battle, as I predicted weeks ago, that we would not be able to win because we were demanding something that was not achievable."<ref>Weisman, Jonathan. [https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/16/us/politics/congress-budget-debate.html "Senators Restart Talks as Default Looms"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312201233/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/16/us/politics/congress-budget-debate.html |date=March 12, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (October 15, 2013). Retrieved October 19, 2013.</ref> He was one of nine Republican senators who voted for the [[Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013]] at the end of the year.<ref>Barrett, Ted and Cohen, Tom. [http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/18/politics/senate-budget-deal/ "Senate approves budget, sends to Obama"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131223234738/http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/18/politics/senate-budget-deal/ |date=December 23, 2013 }}, [[CNN]] (December 18, 2013). Retrieved December 20, 2013.</ref> By early 2014, McCain's apostasies were enough that the [[Arizona Republican Party]] formally censured him for having what they saw as a liberal record that had been "disastrous and harmful".<ref>Sanchez, Yvonne Wingett. [https://www.azcentral.com/news/politics/articles/20140125arizona-republican-party-mccain-censure-gop.html "Arizona GOP censures McCain for 'disastrous' record"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405033843/http://www.azcentral.com/news/politics/articles/20140125arizona-republican-party-mccain-censure-gop.html |date=April 5, 2016 }}, ''[[The Arizona Republic]]'' (January 25, 2014). Retrieved January 26, 2014.</ref> McCain remained stridently opposed to many aspects of Obama's foreign policy, however, and in June 2014, following major gains by the [[Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant]] in the [[Northern Iraq offensive (June 2014)|2014 Northern Iraq offensive]], decried what he saw as a U.S. failure to protect its past gains in Iraq and called on the president's entire national security team to resign. McCain said, "Could all this have been avoided?{{nbsp}}... The answer is absolutely yes. If I sound angry it's because I am angry."<ref>Baron, Kevin. [http://www.nationaljournal.com/defense/mccain-calls-for-obama-s-national-security-team-to-resign-over-iraq-20140612 "McCain Calls for Obama's National Security Team to Resign Over Iraq"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140614091525/http://www.nationaljournal.com/defense/mccain-calls-for-obama-s-national-security-team-to-resign-over-iraq-20140612 |date=June 14, 2014 }}, ''[[National Journal]]'' (June 12, 2014). Retrieved June 14, 2014.</ref>

[[File:Маккейн на Євромайдані.jpg|thumb|right|McCain addresses anti-government protesters in [[Kyiv]], Ukraine, pledging his support for their cause, December 2013]]

McCain was a supporter of the [[Euromaidan]] protests against Ukrainian president [[Viktor Yanukovych]] and his government, and appeared in [[Maidan Nezalezhnosti|Independence Square]] in [[Kyiv]] in December 2013.<ref>Walsh, Nick Paton and Capelouto, Susanna. [http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/14/world/europe/ukraine-protests/ "Ukrainian protesters get visit from Sen. John McCain"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140925010341/http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/14/world/europe/ukraine-protests/ |date=September 25, 2014 }}, [[CNN]] (December 15, 2013). Retrieved December 17, 2014.</ref> Following the overthrow of Yanukovych and subsequent [[2014 Russian military intervention in Ukraine]], McCain became a vocal supporter of providing arms to Ukrainian military forces, saying the [[International sanctions during the Russo-Ukrainian War|sanctions imposed against Russia]] were not enough.<ref>Wong, Kristina. [https://thehill.com/policy/defense/224619-mccain-graham-call-for-us-to-arm-ukrainians/ "McCain, Graham call for US to arm Ukrainians"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601070959/https://thehill.com/policy/defense/224619-mccain-graham-call-for-us-to-arm-ukrainians/ |date=June 1, 2024 }}, ''[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]'' (November 18, 2014). Retrieved December 17, 2014.</ref> In 2014, McCain led the opposition to the appointments of [[Colleen Bell]], [[Noah Mamet]], and [[George James Tsunis|George Tsunis]] to the ambassadorships in Hungary, Argentina, and Norway, respectively, arguing they were unqualified.<ref>John, Arit. [https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2014-12-02/john-mccain-fights-loses-good-fight-against-bundlerambassadors "John McCain Fights, Loses Good Fight Against Bundler-Ambassadors"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141203140128/https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2014-12-02/john-mccain-fights-loses-good-fight-against-bundlerambassadors |date=December 3, 2014 }}, [[Bloomberg News]] (December 2, 2014). Retrieved December 4, 2014.</ref> Unlike many Republicans, McCain supported the release and contents of the [[Senate Intelligence Committee report on CIA torture]] in December 2014, saying "The truth is sometimes a hard pill to swallow. It sometimes causes us difficulties at home and abroad. It is sometimes used by our enemies in attempts to hurt us. But the American people are entitled to it, nonetheless."<ref>Everett, Burgess. [https://www.politico.com/story/2014/12/cia-torture-report-republicans-react-113432.html "Torture report divides Republicans"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621031816/http://www.politico.com/story/2014/12/cia-torture-report-republicans-react-113432.html |date=June 21, 2015 }}, ''[[Politico]]'' (December 9, 2014). Retrieved December 10, 2014.</ref> He added that the CIA's practices following the September 11 attacks had "stained our national honor" while doing "much harm and little practical good" and that "Our enemies act without conscience. We must not."<ref>Jaffe, Alexandra. [http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/09/politics/mccain-lauds-release-terror-report/ "McCain makes passionate defense for torture report's release"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226094353/http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/09/politics/mccain-lauds-release-terror-report |date=February 26, 2015 }}, [[CNN]] (December 10, 2014). Retrieved December 20, 2014.</ref> He opposed the Obama administration's December 2014 decision to normalize [[Cuba–United States relations|relations with Cuba]].<ref>Bolton, Alexander. [https://thehill.com/policy/international/227467-gop-senators-slam-obamas-cuba-moves/ "GOP senators slam Obama's Cuba moves"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519170314/https://thehill.com/policy/international/227467-gop-senators-slam-obamas-cuba-moves/ |date=May 19, 2024 }}, ''[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]'' (December 17, 2014). Retrieved December 20, 2014.</ref>

The [[114th United States Congress]] assembled in January 2015 with Republicans in control of the Senate, and McCain achieved one of his longtime goals when he became chairman of the Armed Services Committee.<ref name="nyt-chair" /> In this position, he led the writing of proposed Senate legislation that sought to modify parts of the [[Goldwater–Nichols Act of 1986]] to return responsibility for major weapons systems acquisition back to the individual armed services and their secretaries and away from the [[Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics]].<ref>[http://www.defensenews.com/story/breaking-news/2015/05/22/mccain-pentagon-weapons-reforms-budget-ndaa/27773133/ "McCain Would Let Services Out of 'Penalty Box'"], ''[[Defense News]]'' (May 22, 2015). Retrieved May 23, 2015.</ref> As chair, McCain tried to maintain a bipartisan approach and forged a good relationship with ranking member [[Jack Reed (Rhode Island politician)|Jack Reed]].<ref name="nyt-chair">Steinhauer, Jennifer. [https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/09/us/politics/mccain-uses-committee-post-to-press-for-defense-agenda.html "With Chairmanship, McCain Seizes Chance to Reshape Pentagon Agenda"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030032338/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/09/us/politics/mccain-uses-committee-post-to-press-for-defense-agenda.html |date=October 30, 2018 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (June 9, 2015). Retrieved June 10, 2015.</ref> In April 2015, McCain announced that he would run for a sixth term in [[2016 United States Senate election in Arizona|Arizona's 2016 Senate election]].<ref>Cheney, Kyle. [https://www.politico.com/story/2015/04/john-mccain-arizona-senate-2016-116722.html "John McCain announces reelection bid"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511081725/http://www.politico.com/story/2015/04/john-mccain-arizona-senate-2016-116722.html |date=May 11, 2015 }}, ''[[Politico]]'' (April 7, 2015). Retrieved April 9, 2015.</ref> During 2015, McCain strongly opposed the Obama administration's proposed comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear program (later finalized as the [[Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action]] (JCPOA)), saying that Secretary of State Kerry was "delusional" and "giv[ing] away the store" in negotiations with Iran.<ref>{{cite news |first=Michael |last=Crowley |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2015/05/john-kerry-mccain-friends-foes-vietnam-senate-117877.html |title=John Kerry and John McCain: Once friends, now foes |work=[[Politico]] |date=May 13, 2015 |access-date=May 13, 2015 |archive-date=May 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150515232946/http://www.politico.com/story/2015/05/john-kerry-mccain-friends-foes-vietnam-senate-117877.html |url-status=live }}</ref> McCain supported the [[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen|Saudi Arabian-led military intervention in Yemen]] against the [[Houthis]] and forces loyal to former president [[Ali Abdullah Saleh]].<ref>Perry, Mark. [http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/4/17/us-generals-think-saudi-strikes-in-yemen-a-bad-idea.html "US generals: Saudi intervention in Yemen 'a bad idea'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710132706/http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/4/17/us-generals-think-saudi-strikes-in-yemen-a-bad-idea.html |date=July 10, 2015 }}, [[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]] (April 17, 2015). Retrieved June 20, 2015</ref>

[[File:總統出席接見美國聯邦參議院軍事委員會馬侃（John McCain）主席訪問團 (26882360893).jpg|thumb|Taiwanese president [[Tsai Ing-wen]] meets with McCain, the leader of the U.S. Senate delegation, June 2016.]]

McCain accused President Obama of being "directly responsible" for the [[Orlando nightclub shooting]] "because when he pulled everybody out of Iraq, al-Qaeda went to Syria, became ISIS, and ISIS is what it is today thanks to Barack Obama's failures."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/06/16/john-mccain-obama-is-directly-responsible-for-orlando-attack/|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|title=John McCain: Obama is 'directly responsible' for Orlando attack|date=June 16, 2016|access-date=June 18, 2016|archive-date=June 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617222434/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/06/16/john-mccain-obama-is-directly-responsible-for-orlando-attack/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/17/john-mccain-obama-orlando-pretzel-logic|work=[[The Guardian]]|title=John McCain blamed Obama for the Orlando shooting. That's some pretzel logic |date=June 17, 2016|access-date=June 18, 2016}}</ref>

[[File:John McCain & Mitt Romney (23342266429).jpg|right|thumb|McCain campaigning with former Governor [[Mitt Romney|Romney]] in [[Mesa, Arizona]], during his 2016 re-election campaign]]

During the [[2016 Republican primaries]], McCain said he would support the Republican nominee even if it was [[Donald Trump]], in spite of his personal disagreements with Trump.

However, following [[Mitt Romney's 2016 anti-Trump speech]], McCain endorsed the sentiments expressed in that speech, saying he had serious concerns about Trump's "uninformed and indeed dangerous statements on national security issues".<ref name="ml2016">Dumcius, Gintautas. [http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/03/sen_john_mccain_weighs_in_on_d.html "Sen. John McCain backs up Mitt Romney, says Donald Trump's comments 'uninformed and indeed dangerous'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304102655/http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/03/sen_john_mccain_weighs_in_on_d.html |date=March 4, 2016 }}, ''[[The Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts)|The Republican]]'' (March 3, 2016). Retrieved March 3, 2016.</ref> Relations between the two had been fraught since early in [[Donald Trump 2016 presidential campaign|Trump's 2016 presidential campaign]], when McCain referred to a room full of Trump supporters as "crazies", and the real estate mogul then said of McCain: "He insulted me, and he insulted everyone in that room{{nbsp}}... He is a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren't captured{{nbsp}}... perhaps he was a war hero, but right now he's said a lot of very bad things about a lot of people."<ref name="ml2016" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Hains |first=Tim|url=http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2015/07/19/trump_on_mccain_he_is_a_war_hero_because_he_was_captured_i_like_people_who_werent_captured.html|date=July 19, 2015|title=Trump On McCain: "He Is A War Hero Because He Was Captured{{nbsp}}... I Like People Who Weren't Captured"|publisher=[[RealClearPolitics]]|archive-date=November 13, 2016|access-date=November 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113122227/http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2015/07/19/trump_on_mccain_he_is_a_war_hero_because_he_was_captured_i_like_people_who_werent_captured.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This was widely condemned by much of the Republican Party, with Senator [[Marco Rubio]] referring to Trump's comments as "offensive rantings", commentator [[Rick Santorum]] tweeting that "@SenJohnMcCain is an American hero, period", and Governor [[Scott Walker (politician)|Scott Walker]] using the comments as the basis for his denunciation of Trump in a campaign event in [[Sioux City, Iowa|Sioux City]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Schreckinger|first=Ben|title=Trump attacks McCain: 'I like people who weren't captured'|url=https://politi.co/2KOTac4|access-date=July 1, 2021|newspaper=Politico|date=July 18, 2015}}</ref> Following Trump becoming the presumptive nominee of the party on May 3, McCain said that Republican voters had spoken and he would support Trump.<ref>Raju, Manu. [http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/05/politics/john-mccain-jeff-flake-donald-trump/ "Flake, McCain split over backing Trump"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507134218/http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/05/politics/john-mccain-jeff-flake-donald-trump/ |date=May 7, 2016 }}, [[CNN]] (May 5, 2016). Retrieved May 7, 2016.</ref>

McCain himself faced a primary challenge from [[Kelli Ward]], a fervent Trump supporter, and then was expected to face a potentially strong challenge from Democratic Congresswoman [[Ann Kirkpatrick]] in the general election.<ref name="pol100816" /> The senator privately expressed worry over the effect that Trump's unpopularity among Hispanic voters might have on his own chances but also was concerned with more conservative pro-Trump voters; he thus kept his endorsement of Trump in place but tried to speak of him as little as possible given their disagreements.<ref>Everett, Burgess and Kim, Seung Min. [https://www.politico.com/story/2016/05/trump-latinos-mccain-222810 "McCain on tape: Trump damages my reelection hopes"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216193840/https://www.politico.com/story/2016/05/trump-latinos-mccain-222810 |date=December 16, 2024 }}, ''[[Politico]]'' (May 5, 2016). Retrieved May 7, 2016.</ref><ref>Barabak, Mark Z. [https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-mccain-trump-arizona-senate-20160823-snap-story.html "As John McCain fights for reelection, the Trump problem cuts two ways – both against him"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922143038/https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-mccain-trump-arizona-senate-20160823-snap-story.html |date=September 22, 2020 }}, ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' (August 24, 2016). Retrieved August 24, 2016.</ref><ref>{{Cite news |first=Matt |last=Fuller |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/john-mccain-unendorses-trump_us_57f95fc1e4b0e655eab4f273 |title=John McCain Unendorses Donald Trump |newspaper=[[HuffPost]] |date=October 8, 2016 |archive-date=February 8, 2018 |access-date=February 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208231638/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/john-mccain-unendorses-trump_us_57f95fc1e4b0e655eab4f273 |url-status=live }}</ref> However McCain defeated Ward in the primary by a double-digit percentage point margin and gained a similar lead over Kirkpatrick in general election polls, and when the [[Donald Trump Access Hollywood controversy|Donald Trump ''Access Hollywood'' controversy]] broke, he felt secure enough to on October{{nbsp}}8 withdraw his endorsement of Trump.<ref name="pol100816">Everett, Burgess. [https://www.politico.com/story/2016/10/mccain-trump-229380 "How McCain finally decided he couldn't stomach Trump anymore"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250526101243/https://www.politico.com/story/2016/10/mccain-trump-229380 |date=May 26, 2025 }}, ''[[Politico]]'' (October 8, 2016). Retrieved October 8, 2016.</ref> McCain stated that Trump's "demeaning comments about women and his boasts about sexual assaults" made it "impossible to continue to offer even conditional support" and added that he would not vote for Hillary Clinton, but would instead "[[write in]] the name of some good conservative Republican who is qualified to be president."<ref>Siddiqui, Sabrina; Jacobs, Ben; Helmore, Edward. [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/oct/08/john-mccain-donald-trump-sex-boast-tape "John McCain withdraws support for Donald Trump over groping boasts"], ''[[The Guardian]]'' (October 8, 2016). Retrieved October 8, 2016.</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Aaron |last=Blake |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/10/07/the-gops-brutal-responses-to-the-new-trump-video-broken-down/ |title=Three dozen Republicans have now called for Donald Trump to drop out |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=October 9, 2016 |archive-date=October 18, 2016 |access-date=October 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018021726/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/10/07/the-gops-brutal-responses-to-the-new-trump-video-broken-down/ |url-status=live }}</ref> McCain defeated Kirkpatrick, securing a sixth term as United States Senator from Arizona.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/09/us/politics/arizona-senate-john-mccain.html|title=John McCain Wins Arizona Senate Race|work=[[The New York Times]]|first=Fernanda |last=Santos|date=November 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115042350/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/09/us/politics/arizona-senate-john-mccain.html|archive-date=November 15, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2016, McCain obtained a copy of a [[Steele dossier|dossier regarding the Trump presidential campaign's links to Russia]] compiled by [[Christopher Steele]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=How the Trump dossier came to light: secret sources, a retired spy and John McCain |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jan/11/trump-russia-report-opposition-research-john-mccain |first1=Julian |last1=Borger |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=August 26, 2018|date=January 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180211165530/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jan/11/trump-russia-report-opposition-research-john-mccain |archive-date=February 11, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2016, McCain passed on the dossier to FBI Director [[James Comey]]. McCain later wrote that he felt the dossier's "allegations were disturbing" but unverifiable by himself, so he let the FBI investigate.<ref>{{Cite news | last=Resnick | first=Gideon | title=McCain Defends Giving Trump Dossier to Comey: Duty Demanded I Do It | newspaper=[[The Daily Beast]] | date=May 9, 2018 | url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/mccain-confirms-he-gave-trump-dossier-to-comey-duty-demanded-i-do-it | access-date=May 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510013213/https://www.thedailybeast.com/mccain-confirms-he-gave-trump-dossier-to-comey-duty-demanded-i-do-it |archive-date=May 10, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Sixth and final Senate term ===
[[File:National March on the NRA 8040026.jpg|thumb|The ''National March on the NRA'' in August 2018. The [[National Rifle Association of America]] (NRA) spent $7.74&nbsp;million to support John McCain.<ref>{{cite news |title=The 10 Politicians Who Have Benefited the Most From NRA Funding |url=https://fortune.com/2018/02/15/nra-contributions-politicians-senators/ |work=[[Forbes]]|date=February 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216003125/https://fortune.com/2018/02/15/nra-contributions-politicians-senators/ |archive-date=February 16, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>]]

McCain chaired the January 5, 2017, hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee where Republican and Democratic senators and intelligence officers, including [[James R. Clapper Jr.]], the [[Director of National Intelligence]], [[Michael S. Rogers]], the head of the [[National Security Agency]] and [[United States Cyber Command]] presented a "united front" that "forcefully reaffirmed the conclusion that the Russian government used hacking and leaks to try to influence the presidential election."<ref name="NYT_Jan6_2017">{{cite news |title=Countering Trump, Bipartisan Voices Strongly Affirm Findings on Russian Hacking |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/05/us/politics/taking-aim-at-trump-leaders-strongly-affirm-findings-on-russian-hacking.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105202350/http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/05/us/politics/taking-aim-at-trump-leaders-strongly-affirm-findings-on-russian-hacking.html |archive-date=January 5, 2017 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |work=[[The New York Times]] |first1=Matt |last1=Flegenheimer |first2=Scott |last2=Shane |date=January 5, 2017 |access-date=January 6, 2017}}</ref>

McCain visited the American missile destroyer [[USS John S. McCain (DDG-56)|USS John S McCain]], which docked in Vietnam on 2 June 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |title=John McCain visits 'Big Bad John' US destroyer in Vietnam - VnExpress International |url=https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/john-mccain-visits-big-bad-john-us-destroyer-in-vietnam-3594312.html |access-date=May 22, 2024 |website=VnExpress International }}</ref>

In June 2017, McCain voted to support President Trump's controversial [[2017 United States–Saudi Arabia arms deal|arms deal with Saudi Arabia]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Carney|first1=Jordain|title=Senate rejects effort to block Saudi arms sale|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/337614-senate-rejects-effort-to-block-saudi-arms-sale/|work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]|date=June 13, 2017|archive-date=April 13, 2024|access-date=April 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413112051/https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/337614-senate-rejects-effort-to-block-saudi-arms-sale/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Cooper|first1=Helene|title=Senate Narrowly Backs Trump Weapons Sale to Saudi Arabia|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/13/world/middleeast/trump-weapons-saudi-arabia.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613234459/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/13/world/middleeast/trump-weapons-saudi-arabia.html |archive-date=June 13, 2017 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=June 13, 2017}}</ref>

Repeal and replacement of Obamacare was a centerpiece of McCain's 2016 re-election campaign,<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.academia.edu/35311502|author= Gautreaux, R|title= Framing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act:A Content Analysis of Democratic and Republican Twitter Feeds|year= 2016|access-date= March 26, 2020|archive-date= November 20, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201120195817/https://www.academia.edu/35311502/Framing_the_Patient_Protection_and_Affordable_Care_Act_A_Content_Analysis_of_Democratic_and_Republican_Twitter_Feeds|url-status= live}}</ref> and in July 2017, he said, "Have no doubt: Congress must replace Obamacare, which has hit Arizonans with some of the highest premium increases in the nation and left 14 of Arizona's 15 counties with only one provider option on the exchanges this year."<ref>Nowicki, Dan. [https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2017/07/14/john-mccain-senate-health-bill/477485001/ "McCain is not happy with the new Senate health bill. Here's what he wants"], ''[[The Arizona Republic]]'' (July 14, 2017).</ref>

In September 2017, as the [[Rohingya crisis in Myanmar]] became ethnic cleansing of the [[Persecution of Muslims in Myanmar|Rohingya Muslim minority]], McCain announced moves to scrap planned future military cooperation with Myanmar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/john-mccain-to-punish-myanmar-in-defense-bill/article/2634199|first=Susan|last=Ferrechio|website=Washington Examiner|title=John McCain to punish Myanmar in defense bill|date=September 12, 2017|access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=September 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913022755/http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/john-mccain-to-punish-myanmar-in-defense-bill/article/2634199|url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2017, McCain praised President Trump's decision to decertify Iran's compliance with the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) while not yet withdrawing the U.S. from the agreement, saying that the Obama-era policy failed "to meet the multifaceted threat Iran poses. The goals President Trump presented in his speech today are a welcomed long overdue change."<ref name="Delk2017">{{cite news |last1=Delk |first1=Josh |title=McCain: Iran has 'literally been getting away with murder' |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/355396-mccain-iran-was-literally-been-getting-away-with-murder/ |access-date=September 1, 2018 |work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]] |date=October 13, 2017 |archive-date=October 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015160028/http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/355396-mccain-iran-was-literally-been-getting-away-with-murder |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Brain tumor diagnosis and surgery ====
[[File:John McCain returns to Senate and delivers remarks on July 25, 2017.webm|thumb|McCain returns to the Senate for the first time following his cancer diagnosis and delivers remarks on July&nbsp;25, 2017, after casting a crucial vote on the [[American Health Care Act]].]]

On July 14, 2017, McCain underwent a minimally invasive [[craniotomy]] at [[Mayo Clinic Arizona|Mayo Clinic Hospital]] in Phoenix, Arizona, to remove a blood clot above his left eye. His absence prompted [[Senate Majority Leader]] [[Mitch McConnell]] to delay a vote on the [[American Health Care Act of 2017|Better Care Reconciliation Act]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/15/politics/john-mccain-blood-clot/index.html|title=McConnell delays health care vote while McCain recovers from surgery|publisher=[[CNN]]|last1=Mattingly|first1=Phil|last2=Raju|first2=Manu|last3=Almasy|first3=Steve|date=July 17, 2017|access-date=July 19, 2017|archive-date=July 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716235059/http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/15/politics/john-mccain-blood-clot/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Five days later, Mayo Clinic doctors announced the presence of a [[glioblastoma]], which is a very aggressive cancerous [[brain tumor]].<ref name="tumor">{{Cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/19/health/gupta-mccain-glioblastoma/index.html |title=Sen. John McCain has brain cancer, aggressive tumor surgically removed |last=Scutti |first=Susan |publisher=[[CNN]] |date=July 19, 2017 |archive-date=August 26, 2018 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826190949/https://www.cnn.com/2017/07/19/health/gupta-mccain-glioblastoma/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Even with treatment, average survival time is approximately 14 months.<ref name="tumor" /> McCain was a survivor of previous cancers, including melanoma.<ref name="Altman" /><ref name="abc1606">{{cite news|title=McCain Recovering After Cancer Surgery|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=123056&page=1|access-date=July 20, 2017|work=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]|date=August 21, 2000|archive-date=July 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729005849/http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=123056&page=1|url-status=live}}</ref>

President Donald Trump publicly wished Senator McCain well,<ref>Caplan, David. [https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/sen-john-mccain-brain-tumor/story?id=48736008 "Sen. John McCain diagnosed with brain tumor after blood clot removed"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109154218/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/sen-john-mccain-brain-tumor/story?id=48736008 |date=January 9, 2020 }}, ''ABC News'' (July 19, 2017).</ref> as did many others, including former president Obama.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/887836712822558720|title=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|last=Obama|first=Barack|date=July 19, 2017|via=Twitter|access-date=July 23, 2017|archive-date=July 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723064746/https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/887836712822558720|url-status=live}}{{better source needed|date=January 2021}}</ref> On July 19, McCain's senatorial office issued a statement that he "appreciates the outpouring of support he has received over the last few days. He is in good spirits as he continues to recover at home ... and is confident that any future treatment will be effective."<ref>{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Sean |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/trumps-tough-talk-on-health-care-aims-to-revive-flagging-senate-effort/2017/07/24/a8acdb3e-7091-11e7-9eac-d56bd5568db8_story.html |title=McCain's return to Senate injects momentum into GOP health-care battle |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=July 24, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |archive-date=July 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725011744/https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/trumps-tough-talk-on-health-care-aims-to-revive-flagging-senate-effort/2017/07/24/a8acdb3e-7091-11e7-9eac-d56bd5568db8_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Return to the Senate ====
[[File:John McCain Votes No on Obamacare Repeal.jpg|left|thumb|McCain votes no on repealing the Affordable Care Act by giving a thumbs down.]]

McCain returned to the Senate on July 25, less than two weeks after brain surgery. He cast a deciding vote allowing the Senate to begin consideration of bills to replace the Affordable Care Act. He delivered a speech criticizing the [[party-line vote|party-line voting]] process and urged a "return to regular order" using the usual committee hearings and deliberations.<ref>{{cite news|author=Werner, Erica|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/mccain-fighting-cancer-turns-gop-kills-health-bill-48905650|title=McCain, fighting cancer, turns on GOP and kills health bill|publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]|date=July 28, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729005618/http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/mccain-fighting-cancer-turns-gop-kills-health-bill-48905650|archive-date=July 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author1=Cowan, Richard|author2=Oliphant, James|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-healthcare-mccain-idUSKBN1AA2MB|title=In hero's return, McCain blasts Congress, tells senators to stand up to Trump|work=[[Reuters]]|date=July 25, 2017|archive-date=August 25, 2018|access-date=July 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825002427/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-healthcare-mccain-idUSKBN1AA2MB|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Alonso-Zaldivar, Ricardo|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/congress/mccains-return-heavy-with-drama-for-obamacare-repeal/2017/07/25/70cb9de4-710f-11e7-8c17-533c52b2f014_story.html|title=Cheers for McCain, then a speech like impassioned prophet|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=July 25, 2017|quote=Obama and the Democrats shouldn't have pushed the Affordable Care Act through on party-line votes when they controlled Washington back in 2010, McCain said, 'and we shouldn't do the same with ours.{{nbsp}}...'|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725101314/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/congress/mccains-return-heavy-with-drama-for-obamacare-repeal/2017/07/25/70cb9de4-710f-11e7-8c17-533c52b2f014_story.html|archive-date=July 25, 2017}} The same Associated Press article was published at: {{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/07/26/us/politics/ap-us-mccain.html|title=McCain Delivers a Key Health Care Vote, Scolding Message|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=July 26, 2017|access-date=July 28, 2017|archive-date=July 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728212228/https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/07/26/us/politics/ap-us-mccain.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> On July 28, he cast the decisive vote against the Republicans' final proposal that month, the so-called "skinny repeal" option, which failed 49–51.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/28/politics/john-mccain-maverick-health-care/index.html|title=John McCain's maverick moment|last=Fox|first=Lauren|date=July 28, 2017|publisher=[[CNN]]|access-date=July 28, 2017|archive-date=August 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826003505/https://www.cnn.com/2017/07/28/politics/john-mccain-maverick-health-care/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> McCain supported the passage  of the [[Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017]].

McCain did not vote in the Senate after December 2017, remaining in Arizona to undergo cancer treatment. On April 15, 2018, he underwent surgery for an infection relating to [[diverticulitis]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/383446-mccain-recovering-after-surgery-for-infection/|title=McCain recovering after surgery for infection|author=Samuels, Brett|newspaper=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]|date=April 16, 2018|access-date=April 16, 2018}}</ref>

=== Committee assignments ===
[[File:U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and Senators Joni Ernst, Daniel Sullivan, John McCain, Tom Cotton, Lindsey Graham, and Cory Gardner attending the 2016 International Institute for Strategic Studies Asia Security Summit in Singapore.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|U.S. Secretary of Defense [[Ash Carter]] and Senators [[Joni Ernst]], [[Daniel Sullivan (U.S. senator)|Daniel Sullivan]], John McCain, [[Tom Cotton]], [[Lindsey Graham]], and [[Cory Gardner]] attending the 2016 [[International Institute for Strategic Studies]] Asia Security Summit in Singapore]]
* '''[[United States Senate Committee on Armed Services|Committee on Armed Services]]''' (Chair)
** as chair of the full committee may serve as an ex-officio member of any subcommittee
* '''[[United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs|Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs]]'''
** [[United States Senate Homeland Security Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations|Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations]]
** [[United States Senate Homeland Security Subcommittee on Financial and Contracting Oversight|Subcommittee on Financial and Contracting Oversight]]
* '''[[United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs|Committee on Indian Affairs]]'''
* '''[[United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence|Committee on Intelligence]]''' (ex-officio)

=== Caucus memberships ===
* [[United States Congressional International Conservation Caucus|International Conservation Caucus]]
* Senate Diabetes Caucus
* Senate National Security Caucus (Co-chair)
* Sportsmen's Caucus
* Senate Wilderness and Public Lands Caucus
* [[Senate Ukraine Caucus]]<ref>[http://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2015/2/portman-and-durbin-launch-senate-ukraine-caucus "Portman and Durbin Launch Senate Ukraine Caucus"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211073945/http://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2015/2/portman-and-durbin-launch-senate-ukraine-caucus |date=February 11, 2015 }}, web site of "Rob Portman United States Senator for Ohio" (February 9, 2015). Retrieved February 11, 2015.</ref>
* [[Republican Main Street Partnership]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Members|url=https://republicanmainstreet.org/members/|publisher=Republican Main Street Partnership|access-date=October 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826123025/https://republicanmainstreet.org/members/|archive-date=August 26, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Death and funeral ==
[[File:Memorial Service for Arizona Sen. John S. McCain.webm|thumb|right|Memorial service for McCain]]

On August 24, 2018, McCain's family announced that he would no longer receive treatment for his cancer.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/24/us/politics/john-mccain-brain-cancer.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824150732/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/24/us/politics/john-mccain-brain-cancer.html |archive-date=August 24, 2018 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=John McCain Will No Longer Be Treated for Brain Cancer, Family Says|last1=Fandos|first1=Nicholas|last2=Martin|first2=Johnathan|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=August 24, 2018|access-date=August 24, 2018}}</ref> He died the following day at his home in [[Cornville, Arizona]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2018/08/25/john-mccain-dead-arizona-senator-republican-maverick-obituary/538330001/|title=Sen. John McCain, American 'maverick' and Arizona political giant, dies at age 81|newspaper=[[The Arizona Republic]]|first=Dan|last=Nowicki|date=August 25, 2018|access-date=December 1, 2018|archive-date=April 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406025826/https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2018/08/25/john-mccain-dead-arizona-senator-republican-maverick-obituary/538330001/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url= https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/25/obituaries/john-mccain-dead.html | title= John McCain, War Hero, Senator, Presidential Contender, Dies at 81 | first= Robert | last= McFadden | date= August 25, 2018 | access-date= August 25, 2018 | work= [[The New York Times]] | archive-date= September 6, 2018 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180906151515/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/25/obituaries/john-mccain-dead.html | url-status= live }}</ref>
{{multiple image
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| image1    = 180829-Z-CZ735-248_(43560303525).jpg
| alt1      =
| image2    = President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko bid farewell to U.S. Senator John McCain (8).jpg
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| caption1  = John McCain lies in state at the [[Arizona State Capitol]] rotunda.
| caption2  = Members of the Armed Forces stand at attention at John McCain's casket at the [[Washington National Cathedral]].
}}
McCain [[Lying in state|lay in state]] in the [[Arizona State Capitol]] in Phoenix on August 29, which would have been his 82nd birthday. This was followed by a service at North Phoenix Baptist Church on August 30. His remains were then moved to Washington, D.C., to lie in state in the [[United States Capitol rotunda]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aoc.gov/nations-stage/lying-state-honor |title=Lying in State or in Honor |work=Architect of the Capitol |publisher=US Architect of the Capitol |access-date=September 1, 2018 |archive-date=May 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518015734/https://www.aoc.gov/nations-stage/lying-state-honor |url-status=live }}</ref> on August 31, which was followed by a service at the [[Washington National Cathedral]] on September 1. He was a "lifelong Episcopalian" who attended, but did not join, a [[Southern Baptist Convention|Southern Baptist]] church for at least 17 years; memorial services were scheduled in both denominations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/lifelong-episcopalian-senator-john-mccain-remembered-hero-stood-quietly-faith-227024/|title=Lifelong Episcopalian Senator John McCain Remembered as 'Hero' Who Stood Quietly for His Faith|work=The Christian Post|access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827185301/https://www.christianpost.com/news/lifelong-episcopalian-senator-john-mccain-remembered-hero-stood-quietly-faith-227024/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://baptistnews.com/article/mccains-faith-pastor-describes-senator-as-devout-but-low-key-updated/|title=McCain's faith: Pastor describes senator as devout, but low-key (updated)|website=baptistnews.com|publisher=Baptist News Global|access-date=August 27, 2018|date=April 9, 2008|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828001823/https://baptistnews.com/article/mccains-faith-pastor-describes-senator-as-devout-but-low-key-updated/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Prior to his death, McCain requested that former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama deliver eulogies at his funeral and asked that neither President Donald Trump nor his former running mate Sarah Palin attend any of the services.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/john-mccain-funeral-obama-george-w-bush-requested-eulogies/|title=McCain requested Obama and George W. Bush deliver eulogies at funeral|work=[[CBS News]]|access-date=August 26, 2018|archive-date=August 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826054354/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/john-mccain-funeral-obama-george-w-bush-requested-eulogies/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2018/08/26/john-mccain-trump-funeral-plans-sot-vpx.cnn|title=McCain didn't want Trump at funeral service|work=[[CNN]]|access-date=August 26, 2018|archive-date=August 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826022324/https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2018/08/26/john-mccain-trump-funeral-plans-sot-vpx.cnn|url-status=live}}</ref> McCain himself planned the funeral arrangements and selected his [[pallbearer]]s for the service in Washington, including former vice president and former Delaware Senator (and future president) [[Joe Biden]], former Wisconsin Senator [[Russ Feingold]], former [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] [[William Cohen]], actor [[Warren Beatty]], and Russian dissident [[Vladimir Kara-Murza]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2018/08/28/john-mccain-pallbearer-russia-799061|title=McCain's choice of Russian dissident as pallbearer is final dig at Putin, Trump|work=[[Politico]]|first=Josh|last=Meyer|author-link=Josh Meyer|access-date=August 29, 2018|date=August 28, 2018|archive-date=June 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606115648/https://www.politico.com/story/2018/08/28/john-mccain-pallbearer-russia-799061|url-status=live}}</ref>

Multiple foreign leaders attended McCain's service: [[Secretary General of NATO]] [[Jens Stoltenberg]], [[President of Ukraine]] [[Petro Poroshenko]], [[Speaker of Taiwan's Congress]] [[Su Jia-chyuan]], [[National Defense Minister of Canada]] [[Harjit Sajjan]], defense minister [[Jüri Luik]] and foreign minister [[Sven Mikser]] of Estonia, [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Latvia)|Foreign Minister of Latvia]] [[Edgars Rinkēvičs]], [[Foreign Minister of Lithuania]] [[Linas Antanas Linkevičius]], and [[Foreign Affairs Minister of Saudi Arabia]] [[Adel al-Jubeir]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/us-foreign-leaders-mccain-memorial-national-cathedral |title=Here's Who is Attending McCain Memorial at National Cathedral |work=[[Roll Call]] |date=September 1, 2018 |access-date=September 4, 2018 |archive-date=September 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904084652/https://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/us-foreign-leaders-mccain-memorial-national-cathedral |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2018/08/31/2003699510 |title=Speaker to attend McCain service on nation's behalf |work=[[Taipei Times]] |date=August 31, 2018 |archive-date=September 2, 2018 |access-date=September 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902183836/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2018/08/31/2003699510 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201809020005.aspx |title=Legislative Speaker Su attends John McCain's memorial service |work=[[Focus Taiwan]] |date=September 2, 2018 |archive-date=September 2, 2018 |access-date=September 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902183849/http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201809020005.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

Dignitaries who gave eulogies at the Memorial Service in Washington National Cathedral included [[Barack Obama]], [[George W. Bush]], [[Henry Kissinger]], Joe Lieberman, and his daughter Meghan McCain. ''[[The New Yorker]]'' described the service as the biggest meeting of anti-Trump figures during his presidency.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-trumps-washington/john-mccains-funeral-was-the-biggest-resistance-meeting-yet|title=John McCain's Funeral Was the Biggest Resistance Meeting Yet|first=Susan B.|last=Glasser|date=September 1, 2018|magazine=[[The New Yorker]]|access-date=March 8, 2019|archive-date=March 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190311233143/https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-trumps-washington/john-mccains-funeral-was-the-biggest-resistance-meeting-yet|url-status=live}}</ref>
Those who attended the funeral included former United States presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, [[Bill Clinton]]; First Ladies [[Michelle Obama]], [[Laura Bush]], [[Hillary Clinton]]; and former vice presidents Joe Biden, [[Dick Cheney]], [[Al Gore]], and [[Dan Quayle]]. Former president [[Jimmy Carter]] and former vice president [[Walter Mondale]] did not attend; former president [[George H. W. Bush]] was too ill to attend the service; and President Trump was not invited. Other attendees included [[Tom Brokaw]], [[Charlie Rose]], Bob Dole, [[Madeleine Albright]], John Kerry, Mitch McConnell, [[Paul Ryan]], [[Nancy Pelosi]], [[Chuck Schumer]], Mitt Romney, [[Lindsey Graham]], Warren Beatty, [[Elizabeth Warren]], [[Jay Leno]], and [[Kamala Harris]]. President Trump's daughter and son-in-law [[Ivanka Trump]] and [[Jared Kushner]] attended to the displeasure of Meghan McCain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2019/02/08/meghan-mccain-stephen-colbert-ivanka-trump-jared-kushner-funeral/2810509002/|title=Meghan McCain slams first family to Stephen Colbert: 'The Trumps are unwelcome around me'|website=USA Today|access-date=March 8, 2019|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204014635/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2019/02/08/meghan-mccain-stephen-colbert-ivanka-trump-jared-kushner-funeral/2810509002/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2018/09/01/john-mccain-funeral-jay-leno-warren-beatty-other-celebrities/1172456002/|title=John McCain funeral: Jay Leno, Renee Fleming and more celebrities who attended|website=USA Today|access-date=March 27, 2019|archive-date=March 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327021015/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2018/09/01/john-mccain-funeral-jay-leno-warren-beatty-other-celebrities/1172456002/|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Sen_ McCain grave.jpg|thumb|Grave of John McCain III next to his Naval Academy classmate [[Charles R. Larson]] at the [[United States Naval Academy Cemetery]]]]

On September 2, the funeral cortege traveled from Washington, D.C., through [[Annapolis, Maryland]], to the Naval Academy.<ref>{{cite news|author=Britto, Brittany|title=Hundreds line sidewalks as Sen. John McCain arrives in Annapolis for burial at Naval Academy|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/anne-arundel/annapolis/bs-md-mccain-burial-20180902-story.html|date=September 2, 2018|access-date=May 31, 2019|archive-date=June 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601020855/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/anne-arundel/annapolis/bs-md-mccain-burial-20180902-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> A private service was held at the [[Naval Academy Chapel]] and McCain was buried at the [[United States Naval Academy Cemetery]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2018/08/26/john-mccain-lie-in-state-capitol-797270|title=McCain to lie in state at Capitol|work=[[Politico]]|access-date=August 26, 2018|archive-date=August 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826204440/https://www.politico.com/story/2018/08/26/john-mccain-lie-in-state-capitol-797270|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Senate Minority Leader]] Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced that he would introduce a resolution to rename the [[Russell Senate Office Building]] after McCain.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chuck-schumer-proposes-renaming-russell-senate-office-building-after-john-mccain/|title=Schumer proposes renaming Russell Senate Office Building for John McCain|first=Emily|last=Tillett|work=[[CBS News]]|date=August 26, 2018|archive-date=August 27, 2018|access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827174029/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chuck-schumer-proposes-renaming-russell-senate-office-building-after-john-mccain/|url-status=live}}</ref> A [[Method ringing#"Performances"|quarter peal]] of [[Grandsire|Grandsire Caters]] in memory of McCain was rung by the bellringers of Washington National Cathedral the day following his death.<ref>Bb.ringingworld.co.uk. (2018). Ringing World BellBoard. [online] Available at: https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1243949 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831002407/https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1243949 |date=August 31, 2018 }} [Accessed August 30, 2018].</ref> Another memorial quarter peal was rung on September{{nbsp}}6 on the [[Bells of Congress]] at the [[Old Post Office (Washington, D.C.)|Old Post Office]] in Washington.<ref>Bb.ringingworld.co.uk. (2018). Ringing World BellBoard. [online] Available at: https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1245350 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908202538/https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1245350 |date=September 8, 2018 }} [Accessed September 8, 2018].</ref>

[[File:The American flag files at half-staff at the White House for Sen. John McCain.webm|thumb|The American flag flies at half-staff at the White House for Senator John McCain – video from [[Voice of America]].]]

President Trump reportedly rejected the White House's plans to release a statement praising McCain's life and initially said nothing about McCain himself in a tweet that extended condolences to McCain's family.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dawsey |first1=Josh |title=Trump rejected plans for a White House statement praising McCain |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-rejected-plans-for-a-white-house-statement-praising-mccain/2018/08/26/0d0478e4-a967-11e8-8f4b-aee063e14538_story.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=August 27, 2018 |archive-date=August 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826234429/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-rejected-plans-for-a-white-house-statement-praising-mccain/2018/08/26/0d0478e4-a967-11e8-8f4b-aee063e14538_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The flag at the White House, which had been lowered to [[Half-mast#United States|half-staff]] the day of McCain's death (August 25), was raised back to full-staff at 12:01&nbsp;a.m. on August 27.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/white-house-flag-longer-half-staff-john-mccains/story?id=57422250|title=Trump ignores questions about John McCain as White House flag returns to full-staff|last=Pak|first=Nataly|date=August 27, 2018|work=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]|access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827141207/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/white-house-flag-longer-half-staff-john-mccains/story?id=57422250|url-status=live}}</ref> Trump reportedly felt that media coverage of McCain's death was excessive given that McCain was never elected president.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Donald Trump believed John McCain coverage was 'over the top' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=12115466 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=August 28, 2018 |date=August 28, 2018 |archive-date=August 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829072218/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=12115466 |url-status=live }}</ref> Following public backlash from the [[American Legion]] and [[AMVETS]], Trump ordered the White House flag back to half-staff later on August 27. Trump issued a statement praising McCain's service to the country, and he signed a proclamation ordering flags to be flown at half-staff until McCain's interment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mediaite.com/online/american-legion-implores-trump-to-issue-proclamation-on-john-mccain/|title=American Legion Implores Trump to Issue Proclamation on John McCain, Lower Flags to Half-Staff|date=August 27, 2018|work=[[Mediaite]]|access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827191109/https://www.mediaite.com/online/american-legion-implores-trump-to-issue-proclamation-on-john-mccain/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mediaite.com/online/trump-issues-statement-on-mccain-after-backlash-to-silence-i-respect-his-service/|title=Trump Issues Statement on McCain After Silence Met With Criticism: 'I Respect' His Service|date=August 27, 2018|work=[[Mediaite]]|access-date=August 27, 2018|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828035709/https://www.mediaite.com/online/trump-issues-statement-on-mccain-after-backlash-to-silence-i-respect-his-service/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Political positions ==
{{Main|Political positions of John McCain}}
{{See also|Comparison of the 2008 United States presidential candidates}}
[[File:McCain-ACU-ADA-scores.svg|upright=1.5|thumb|right|alt=Chart, with jagged orange and blue lines|McCain's congressional voting scores, from the [[American Conservative Union]] (orange line; 100 is most conservative) and [[Americans for Democratic Action]] (blue line; 100 is most liberal)<ref name="acu-ada-chart">Chart is built from ratings for 1983 to 2017 found at the ratings sections of the websites of the [[American Conservative Union]] and [[Americans for Democratic Action]].</ref>]]

Various [[advocacy group]]s have given McCain scores or grades as to how well his votes align with the positions of each group.<ref>Mayer, William. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/2004/03/28/kerrys-record-rings-a-bell/d989604a-b135-452f-9c5d-34531585908a/ "Kerry's Record Rings a Bell"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916081720/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/2004/03/28/kerrys-record-rings-a-bell/d989604a-b135-452f-9c5d-34531585908a/ |date=September 16, 2016 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (March 28, 2004). Retrieved May 12, 2008: "The question of how to measure a senator's or representative's ideology is one that political scientists regularly need to answer. For more than 30 years, the standard method for gauging ideology has been to use the annual ratings of lawmakers' votes by various interest groups, such as the Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) and the American Conservative Union (ACU)."</ref> CrowdPac, which rates politicians based on donations made and received, gave Senator McCain a score of 4.3C with 10C being the most conservative and 10L being the most liberal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crowdpac.com/candidates/625/john-mccain |title=John McCain {{!}} US Senate in Arizona (AZ) |publisher=[[Crowdpac]] |access-date=December 20, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119012744/https://www.crowdpac.com/candidates/625/john-mccain |archive-date=November 19, 2016 }}</ref>

The non-partisan ''[[National Journal]]'' rates a Senator's votes by what percentage of the Senate voted more liberally than them, and what percentage more conservatively, in three policy areas: economic, social, and foreign. For 2005–2006 (as reported in the 2008 ''[[Almanac of American Politics]]''), McCain's average ratings were as follows: economic policy: 59&nbsp;percent conservative and 41&nbsp;percent liberal; social policy: 54&nbsp;percent conservative and 38&nbsp;percent liberal; and foreign policy: 56&nbsp;percent conservative and 43&nbsp;percent liberal.<ref name="aap-08">[[Michael Barone (pundit)|Barone, Michael]] and [[Richard E. Cohen|Cohen, Richard]]. ''[[The Almanac of American Politics]], 2008'', 95 (Washington, D.C.: National Journal group, 2008, {{ISBN|0-89234-117-3}}). (''National Journal''{{'s}} methodology and criteria are explained in the "Guide to Usage" on pages 15–16.) In 2005, the economic ratings were 52&nbsp;percent conservative and 47&nbsp;percent liberal, the social ratings 64 percent conservative and 23 percent liberal, and the foreign ratings 54 / 45. In 2006, the economic ratings were 64&nbsp;/ 35, the social 46&nbsp;/ 53, and the foreign 58&nbsp;/ 40.</ref> In 2012, the ''National Journal'' gave McCain a composite score of 73 percent conservative and 27 percent liberal,<ref>{{Cite book|title=Almanac of American politics 2014|last=Michael|first=Barone|date=January 1, 2013|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=978-0-226-10558-1|oclc=855896170}}</ref> while in 2013 he received a composite score of 60 percent conservative and 40 percent liberal.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The almanac of American politics 2016 : members of Congress and governors: their profiles and election results, their states and districts|last1=Barnes|first1=James A.|last2=Keating|first2=Holland|last3=Charlie|first3=Cook|last4=Michael|first4=Barone|last5=Louis|first5=Jacobson|last6=Louis|first6=Peck|isbn=978-1-938518-31-7|oclc=927103599}}</ref>

Columnists such as Robert Robb and [[Matthew Continetti]] used a formulation devised by [[William F. Buckley Jr.]] to describe McCain as "conservative" but not "a conservative", meaning that while McCain usually tended towards conservative positions, he was not "anchored by the philosophical tenets of modern American conservatism".<ref name="Robb">Robb, Robert.
[http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/02/is_john_mccain_a_conservative.html "Is McCain a conservative?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080204144558/http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/02/is_john_mccain_a_conservative.html |date=February 4, 2008 }}, [[RealClearPolitics]] (February 1, 2008). Retrieved June 18, 2008.</ref><ref>Continetti, Matthew.
[https://www.latimes.com/la-op-antle-continetti6mar06,0,2263942.story "Not your dad's Republicans"], ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' (March 6, 2008). Retrieved July 19, 2012.</ref> Following his 2008 presidential election loss, McCain began adopting more orthodox conservative views; the magazine ''National Journal'' rated McCain along with seven of his colleagues as the "most conservative" Senators for 2010<ref>Condon, Stephanie.
[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/john-mccain-ranked-most-conservative-senator-in-2010/ "John McCain ranked most conservative senator in 2010"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205043609/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/john-mccain-ranked-most-conservative-senator-in-2010/ |date=December 5, 2020 }} CBS News (February 24, 2011). Retrieved February 26, 2011.</ref> and he achieved a 100 percent rating from the American Conservative Union for that year.<ref name="acu-ada-chart" /> During Barack Obama's presidency, McCain was one of the top five Republicans most likely to vote with Obama's position on significant votes; McCain voted with Obama's position on such votes more than half the time in 2013 and was "censured by the Arizona Republican party for a so-called 'liberal' voting record".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rollcall.com/news/collins-murkowski-most-likely-republicans-to-back-obama|title=Collins, Murkowski Most Likely Republicans to Back Obama|last1=Lesniewski|first1=Niels|date=February 4, 2014|work=[[Roll Call]]|access-date=March 24, 2018|last2=Lesniewski|first2=Niels|archive-date=March 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324162433/https://www.rollcall.com/news/collins-murkowski-most-likely-republicans-to-back-obama|url-status=live}}</ref>

From the late 1990s until 2008, McCain was a board member of [[Project Vote Smart]] which was set up by Richard Kimball, his 1986 Senate opponent.<ref>Kimball, Richard. [http://www.votesmart.org/program_history.php "Program History"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512121936/http://www.votesmart.org/program_history.php |date=May 12, 2008 }}, [[Project Vote Smart]]. Retrieved May 20, 2008. Also see Nintzel, Jim. [http://www.tucsonweekly.com/gbase/Currents/Content?oid=oid%3A109591 "Test Study: Why are politicians like John McCain suddenly so afraid of Project Vote Smart?"], ''[[Tucson Weekly]]'' (April 17, 2008). Retrieved May 21, 2008. Also see Stein, Jonathan. [https://www.motherjones.com/washington_dispatch/2008/04/mccain-project-vote-smart.html "Senator Straight Talk Won't Go on the Record with Project Vote Smart"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207172556/http://www.motherjones.com/washington_dispatch/2008/04/mccain-project-vote-smart.html |date=December 7, 2008 }}, ''[[Mother Jones (magazine)|Mother Jones]]'' (April 7, 2008). Retrieved May 21, 2008.</ref> The project provides non-partisan information about the political positions of McCain<ref>[http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=53270 "Senator John Sidney McCain III (AZ)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512121840/http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=53270 |date=May 12, 2008 }}, [[Project Vote Smart]]. Retrieved May 20, 2008. Non-partisan information about McCain's issue positions is also provided online by other sources. See, e.g., [http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm "John McCain on the Issues"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515232511/http://www.ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm |date=May 15, 2008 }}, [[On the Issues|OnTheIssues]]. Retrieved May 18, 2008.</ref> and other candidates for political office. Additionally, McCain used his Senate website to describe his political positions.<ref>[https://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Issues.Home "Issues"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115145054/https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Issues.Home |date=November 15, 2017 }}, McCain's official U.S. Senate website. Retrieved May 21, 2008.</ref>

In his 2008 speech to the [[Conservative Political Action Conference|CPAC]] McCain stated that he believed in "small government; fiscal discipline; low taxes; a strong defense, judges who enforce, and not make, our laws; the social values that are the true source of our strength; and, generally, the steadfast defense of our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."<ref>{{Cite web |title=McCain adresses conservative conference |url=https://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/27/mccain.cpac/index.html |access-date=August 28, 2023 |publisher=[[CNN]] |archive-date=August 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828005301/https://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/27/mccain.cpac/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In his 2018 memoir ''[[The Restless Wave (book)|The Restless Wave]]'' he described himself as "a proponent of lower taxes, less government, free markets, free trade, defense readiness, and democratic internationalism."

== Cultural and political image ==
{{Main|Public image of John McCain}}
[[File:McCain2008MemorialDay.jpg|thumb|alt=White-haired man standing at podium and speaking and gesturing with outstretched arm and an outdoor venue|McCain speaks in [[Albuquerque, New Mexico]], on [[Memorial Day]], 2008, while wearing his [[Purple Heart]].]]
[[File:US Navy 110128-N-3303D-001 Sen. John McCain and his wife, Cindy, watch as their son, Jimmy McCain, pins aviator's wings on his brother, Ensign John.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Four people in a room|McCain and his wife Cindy watch in 2011 as their son Jimmy pins aviator wings on their son Ensign John Sidney McCain IV.]]McCain's personal character was a dominant feature of his public image.<ref name="nyt-brooks">[[David Brooks (journalist)|Brooks, David]]. [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/13/opinion/13brooks.html "The Character Factor"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415032240/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/13/opinion/13brooks.html |date=April 15, 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (November 13, 2007). Retrieved December 19, 2007.</ref> This image includes the military service of both himself and his family,<ref>Mitchell, Josh. [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/baltsun/access/1424505821.html?dids=1424505821:1424505821&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Feb+5%2C+2008&author=Josh+Mitchell&pub=The+Sun&desc=ELECTION+2008 "Military Veterans step up for John McCain"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604224055/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/baltsun/access/1424505821.html?dids=1424505821:1424505821&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Feb+5%2C+2008&author=Josh+Mitchell&pub=The+Sun&desc=ELECTION+2008 |date=June 4, 2013 }}, ''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'' (February 5, 2008). Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref> the circumstances and tensions surrounding the end of his first marriage and beginning of his second,<ref name="nyt122707" /> his maverick political persona,<ref name="az-maverick" /> his temper,<ref name="Keller" /> his admitted problem of occasional ill-considered remarks,<ref name="az-senate" /> and his close ties to his children from both his marriages.<ref name="nyt122707" />  Perhaps the most egregious of McCain's "occasional ill-considered remarks" was his widely condemned 2000 comment that, "I hate the [[gook]]s. I will hate them as long as I live." Although McCain claimed he was referring only to his captors and guards, his comments were poorly received by the Asian-American community. His use of a racial slur was also seen as a continuation of a [[Racism in the United States#Asian Americans|long history of anti-Asian sentiment in America]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=May 21, 2008 |title=John McCain: "I Hate The Gooks" |url=https://hyphenmagazine.com/blog/2008/05/john-mccain-i-hate-gooks |access-date=December 7, 2022 |magazine=Hyphen Magazine |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207203519/https://hyphenmagazine.com/blog/2008/05/john-mccain-i-hate-gooks |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=April 9, 2020 |title=The long history of racism against Asian Americans in the U.S. |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/the-long-history-of-racism-against-asian-americans-in-the-u-s |access-date=December 7, 2022 |work=[[PBS News Hour]] |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207203507/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/the-long-history-of-racism-against-asian-americans-in-the-u-s |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Jennifer |date=May 18, 2022 |title=Confronting the invisibility of anti-Asian racism |url=https://www.brookings.edu/blog/how-we-rise/2022/05/18/confronting-the-invisibility-of-anti-asian-racism/ |access-date=December 7, 2022 |publisher=[[Brookings Institution]] |archive-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518172056/https://www.brookings.edu/blog/how-we-rise/2022/05/18/confronting-the-invisibility-of-anti-asian-racism/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In his years as a Senator, McCain took more than 20 trips to Vietnam, repeatedly visiting the place of his captivity.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Ivan |last2=Watson |first2=Jo |last3=Shelley |first3=Mark |date=August 29, 2018 |title=John McCain remembered in Vietnam as a friend, not an enemy |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/29/asia/john-mccain-remembered-in-vietnam-intl/index.html |access-date=March 27, 2023 |publisher=[[CNN]] |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327001836/https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/29/asia/john-mccain-remembered-in-vietnam-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After his death, former Vietnamese ambassador to the United States {{Interlanguage link|Phạm Quang Vinh|lt=Phạm Quang Vinh|vi|Phạm Quang Vinh (đại sứ)}} described him as "a great friend to Vietnam."<ref name=":0" />{{Image frame |caption= Public opinion of John McCain<ref>{{cite web |title=Favorability: People in the News |url=https://news.gallup.com/poll/1618/Favorability-People-News.aspx |date=October 12, 2007 |publisher=Gallup, Inc. |access-date=August 27, 2018 |archive-date=August 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827220326/https://news.gallup.com/poll/1618/Favorability-People-News.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>|content=
{{#chart:Public opinion of John McCain.chart}}
'''[[:c:Data:Public opinion of John McCain.tab|Raw data]]'''
}}

McCain's political appeal was more nonpartisan and less ideological compared to many other national politicians.<ref>[[Gary Jacobson|Jacobson, Gary]]. "Partisan Differences in Job Approval Ratings of George W. Bush and U.S. Senators in the States: An Exploration", Paper presented at annual meeting of the [[American Political Science Association]], August 2006.</ref> His stature and reputation stemmed partly from his service in the Vietnam War.<ref name="hunt-hero">[[Al Hunt|Hunt, Albert]]. "John McCain and Russell Feingold" in ''Profiles in Courage for Our Time'', 256 ([[Caroline Kennedy|Kennedy, Caroline]] ed., [[Hyperion (publisher)|Hyperion]] 2003): "The hero is indispensable to the McCain persona." {{ISBN|0-7868-8678-1}}.</ref> He also carried physical vestiges of his war wounds, as well as his melanoma surgery.<ref>[[Todd S. Purdum|Purdum, Todd]]. [http://www.vanityfair.com./politics/features/2007/02/mccain200702 "Prisoner of Conscience"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080116144918/http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2007/02/mccain200702 |date=January 16, 2008 }}, ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]'', February 2007. Retrieved January 19, 2008. The surgery took place in 2000.</ref> When campaigning, he quipped: "I am older than dirt and have more scars than Frankenstein."<ref>Simon, Roger. [https://www.politico.com/story/2007/01/mccains-health-and-age-present-campaign-challenge-002467 "McCain's Health and Age Present Campaign Challenge"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404010104/https://www.politico.com/story/2007/01/mccains-health-and-age-present-campaign-challenge-002467 |date=April 4, 2025 }}, ''[[Politico]]'' (January 27, 2007). Retrieved November 23, 2007.</ref>

Writers often extolled McCain for his courage not just in war but in politics, and wrote sympathetically about him.<ref name="vf0207" /><ref name="nyt-brooks" /><ref name="hunt-hero" /><ref>[[Michael Lewis (author)|Lewis, Michael]], [https://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/21/magazine/i-liked-a-pol.html "I Liked a Pol"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811030455/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/21/magazine/i-liked-a-pol.html |date=August 11, 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times Magazine]]'' (November 21, 1999) Retrieved July 2, 2008.</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |author=[[David Foster Wallace]] |date=April 13, 2000 |title=The Weasel, Twelve Monkeys and The Shrub |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/18420304/the_weasel_twelve_monkeys_and_the_shrub/1 |access-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-date=May 19, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519105330/http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/18420304/the_weasel_twelve_monkeys_and_the_shrub/1 |url-status=dead }}</ref> McCain's shift of political stances and attitudes during and especially after the 2008 presidential campaign, including his self-repudiation of the maverick label, left many writers expressing sadness and wondering what had happened to the McCain they thought they had known.<ref>[[David Margolick|Margolick, David]], [http://www.newsweek.com/2010/04/02/the-mccain-mutiny.html "The McCain Mutiny"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110305012142/http://www.newsweek.com/2010/04/02/the-mccain-mutiny.html |date=March 5, 2011 }}, ''[[Newsweek]]'' (April 2, 2010). Retrieved September 12, 2010.</ref><ref name="fallows-myst">[[James Fallows|Fallows, James]], [https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2010/12/the-mystery-of-john-mccain/67428/ "The Mystery of John McCain"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104000105/http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2010/12/the-mystery-of-john-mccain/67428/ |date=January 4, 2017 }}, ''[[The Atlantic]]'' (December 3, 2010). Retrieved May 21, 2011.</ref><ref>[[Niall O'Dowd|O'Dowd, Niall]], [http://www.irishcentral.com/story/news/periscope/john-mccain-a-sad-figure-as-he-loses-all-that-made-him-great-and-an-american-original-112139639.html "John McCain a sad figure as he loses all that made him great and an American original"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101053328/http://www.irishcentral.com/story/news/periscope/john-mccain-a-sad-figure-as-he-loses-all-that-made-him-great-and-an-american-original-112139639.html |date=January 1, 2011 }}, Irish Central (December 18, 2010). Retrieved May 21, 2011.</ref><ref name="vf1110">[[Todd S. Purdum|Purdum, Todd S.]], [https://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2010/11/mccain-201011?printable=true "The Man Who Never Was"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221194916/http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2010/11/mccain-201011?printable=true |date=December 21, 2014 }}, ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]'' (November 2010). Retrieved May 21, 2011.</ref> By 2013, some aspects of the older McCain had returned, and his image became that of a kaleidoscope of contradictory tendencies, including as a [[Republican in Name Only]] or a "traitor" to his party<ref>{{cite web |title=John McCain: Traitor to the conservative cause |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jul/28/john-mccain-traitor-conservative-cause/ |website=The Washington Times |access-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328084930/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jul/28/john-mccain-traitor-conservative-cause/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and, as one writer listed, "the maverick, the former maverick, the curmudgeon, the bridge builder, the war hero bent on transcending the call of self-interest to serve a cause greater than himself, the sore loser, old bull, last lion, loose cannon, happy warrior, elder statesman, lion in winter."<ref name="nytm-ml2013">[[Mark Leibovich|Leibovich, Mark]]. [https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/22/magazine/john-mccain.html "How John McCain Turned His Clichés Into Meaning"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724020038/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/22/magazine/john-mccain.html |date=July 24, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times Magazine]]'' (December 18, 2013). Retrieved December 24, 2013.</ref>

In his own estimation, McCain was straightforward and direct, but impatient.<ref>McCain, ''Worth the Fighting For'', xvii: "God has given me heart enough for my ambitions, but too little forbearance to pursue them by routes other than a straight line."</ref> His other traits included a penchant for lucky charms,<ref>Milbank, Dana. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPcap/2000-02/19/067r-021900-idx.html "A Candidate's Lucky Charms"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516023105/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPcap/2000-02/19/067r-021900-idx.html |date=May 16, 2017 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (February 19, 2000). Retrieved April 8, 2006.</ref> and a sense of humor that sometimes backfired spectacularly, as when he made a joke in 1998 about the Clintons that was widely deemed not fit to print in newspapers: "Do you know why [[Chelsea Clinton]] is so ugly?&nbsp;– Because [[Janet Reno]] is her father."<ref name="salon-joke">Corn, David. [https://web.archive.org/web/20080307083914/http://www.salon.com/news/1998/06/25newsb.html "A joke too bad to print?"], ''[[Salon (website)|Salon]]'' (June 25, 1998). Retrieved August 16, 2006. [[Chelsea Clinton]] is the daughter of [[Bill Clinton]] and [[Hillary Clinton]]. In 1998, [[Janet Reno]] was the [[Attorney General of the United States]].</ref><ref name=gua-ep>Pilkington, Ed. [https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2008/sep/02/women.johnmccain "The joke that should have sunk McCain"], ''The Guardian'' (September 2, 2008). Retrieved September 3, 2008.</ref> McCain subsequently apologized profusely,<ref>Timberg, ''American Odyssey'', 194.</ref> and the Clinton White House accepted his apology.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/30267267.html?dids=30267267:30267267&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT|title=The Reliable Source|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|author1=Gerhart, Ann|author2=Groer, Annie|date=June 16, 1998|access-date=May 24, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511120126/https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/30267267.html?dids=30267267:30267267&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT|archive-date=May 11, 2011}}</ref> McCain did not shy away from addressing his shortcomings, and he apologized for them.<ref name="az-senate" /><ref>[[Maureen Dowd|Dowd, Maureen]]. [https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/21/opinion/liberties-the-joke-s-on-him.html "The Joke's On Him"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817144508/http://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/21/opinion/liberties-the-joke-s-on-him.html |date=August 17, 2016 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (June 21, 1998). Retrieved April 2, 2008.</ref> He was known for sometimes being prickly<ref>Drew, ''Citizen McCain'', 23.</ref> and hot-tempered<ref>[http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/mediapolitics/1666.html "Best and Worst of Congress"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061110170209/http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/mediapolitics/1666.html |date=November 10, 2006 }}, ''[[Washingtonian (magazine)|Washingtonian]]'', September 2006. Retrieved January 19, 2008.</ref> with Senate colleagues, but his relations with his own Senate staff were more cordial, and inspired loyalty towards him.<ref>Drew, ''Citizen McCain'', pp. 21–22.</ref><ref>Zengerle, Jason. [https://web.archive.org/web/20090626114313/http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=f555f3f5-dc82-4193-a381-1b97a47d7a09 "Papa John"], ''[[The New Republic]]'' (April 23, 2008). Retrieved April 11, 2008.</ref> He formed a strong bond with two senators, Joe Lieberman and Lindsey Graham, over hawkish foreign policy and overseas travel, and they became dubbed the "Three Amigos".<ref name="amigos">Steinhauer, Jennifer. [https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/27/us/politics/liebermans-retirement-is-end-of-three-amigos.html "Foreign Policy's Bipartisan Trio Becomes Republican Duo"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117025547/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/27/us/politics/liebermans-retirement-is-end-of-three-amigos.html |date=November 17, 2020 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (November 26, 2012). Retrieved December 20, 2014.</ref>

McCain acknowledged having said intemperate things in years past,<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.newsweek.com:80/id/129661/output/print| url-status=dead| archive-date=June 25, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090625230617/http://www.newsweek.com/id/129661/output/print |title=A Conversation About What's Worth the Fight |work=[[Newsweek]] |date=March 29, 2008 |quote=I have&nbsp;– although certainly not in recent years&nbsp;– lost my temper and said intemperate things{{nbsp}}... I feel passionately about issues, and the day that passion goes away is the day I will go down to the old soldiers' home and find my rocking chair.| access-date= May 10, 2008}}</ref> though he also said that many stories have been exaggerated.<ref>[http://www.nysun.com/national/on-the-hustings-2008-04-21/75005/ "On The Hustings – April 21, 2008"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919033516/http://www.nysun.com/national/on-the-hustings-2008-04-21/75005/ |date=September 19, 2008 }}, ''[[The New York Sun]]'' (April 21, 2008): "I am very happy to be a passionate man{{nbsp}}... many times I deal passionately when I find things that are not in the best interests of the American people. And so, look, 20, 25 years ago, 15 years ago, that's fine, and those stories here are either totally untrue or grossly exaggerated." Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref> One [[psychoanalysis|psychoanalytic]] comparison suggested that McCain was not the first presidential candidate to have a temper,<ref>Renshon, Stanley. "The Comparative Psychoanalytic Study of Political Leaders: John McCain and the Limits of Trait Psychology" in ''Profiling Political Leaders: Cross-cultural Studies of Personality and Behavior'', 245 (Feldman and Valenty eds., Greenwood Publishing 2001): "McCain was not the only candidate or leader to have a temper." {{ISBN|0-275-97036-1}}.</ref> and cultural critic [[Julia Keller]] argued that voters want leaders who are passionate, engaged, fiery, and feisty.<ref name="Keller">[[Julia Keller|Keller, Julia]]. [https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/05/01/me-a-bad-temper/ "Me? A bad temper? Why, I oughta{{nbsp}}..."], ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' (May 1, 2008): "Anecdotes about McCain's short fuse&nbsp;– dashing off nasty letters, manhandling colleagues when they oppose him&nbsp;– have popped up in recent profiles. Conversely, though, we also want people in public life to be passionate and engaged. We want them to be fiery and feisty. We like them to care enough to blow their stacks every once in a while. Otherwise, we question the sincerity of their convictions." Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref> McCain employed both profanity<ref>Coleman, Michael. [http://www.abqjournal.com/cgi-bin/decision.pl?attempted=www.abqjournal.com/news/washington/1coleman04-27-08.htm "Domenici Knows McCain Temper"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131204808/http://www.abqjournal.com/cgi-bin/decision.pl?attempted=www.abqjournal.com/news/washington/1coleman04-27-08.htm |date=January 31, 2010 }}, ''[[Albuquerque Journal]]'', (April 27, 2008). Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref> and shouting on occasion, although such incidents became less frequent over the years.<ref name="Kranish">[[Michael Kranish|Kranish, Michael]]. [https://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/01/27/famed_mccain_temper_is_tamed/ "Famed McCain temper is tamed"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303205445/http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/01/27/famed_mccain_temper_is_tamed/ |date=March 3, 2016 }}, ''[[The Boston Globe]]'' (January 27, 2008). Retrieved April 28, 2008.</ref><ref>Kane, Paul. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/03/AR2008020303242_pf.html "GOP Senators Reassess Views About McCain"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612233442/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/03/AR2008020303242_pf.html |date=June 12, 2017 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (February 4, 2008): "the past few years have seen fewer McCain outbursts, prompting some senators and aides to suggest privately that he is working to control his temper." Retrieved May 10, 2008.</ref> Lieberman made this observation: "It is not the kind of anger that is a loss of control. He is a very controlled person."<ref name="Kranish" /> Senator [[Thad Cochran]], who knew McCain for decades and had battled him over [[Earmark (politics)|earmarks]],<ref>[[Robert Novak|Novak, Robert]]. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/06/AR2008020603721_pf.html "A Pork Baron Strikes Back"], ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (February 7, 2008). Retrieved May 4, 2008.</ref><ref>[[Michael Leahy (author)|Leahy, Michael]]. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/19/AR2008041902224.html "McCain: A Question of Temperament"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820042600/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/19/AR2008041902224.html |date=August 20, 2017 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (April 20, 2008). ("Cornyn is now a McCain supporter, as is Republican Sen. Thad Cochran of Mississippi, himself a past target of McCain's sharp tongue, especially over what McCain regarded as Cochran's hunger for pork-barrel projects in his state. Cochran landed in newspapers early during the campaign after declaring that the thought of McCain in the Oval Office 'sends a cold chill down my spine.'") Retrieved April 28, 2008. McCain aide [[Mark Salter]] challenged the accuracy of some other elements of Leahy's article; see [https://web.archive.org/web/20090126033525/http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=OWFmYTNmYTQ5OTcyY2QyN2ZmZDg1YzNlZWU3ODk3MjI%3D "McCain's Temper, Ctd."], ''[[National Review]]'' (April 20, 2008). Retrieved May 4, 2008.</ref> expressed concern about a McCain presidency: "He is erratic. He is hotheaded. He loses his temper and he worries me."<ref name="Kranish" /> Yet Cochran supported McCain for president when it was clear he would win the nomination.<ref>Raju, Manu. [http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/mccain-reaches-out-to-gop-senators-with-weekly-meetings-2008-04-30.html "McCain reaches out to GOP senators with weekly meetings"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080908005920/http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/mccain-reaches-out-to-gop-senators-with-weekly-meetings-2008-04-30.html |date=September 8, 2008 }}, ''[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]'' (April 30, 2008). Retrieved May 4, 2008</ref> The ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' editorial board called McCain a patriot, who although sometimes wrong was fearless, and that he deserves to be thought of among the few US senators in history, whose names are more recognizable than some presidents.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-mccainobit-20171215-story.html |title=John McCain, American patriot |date=August 25, 2018 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |access-date=August 27, 2018 |archive-date=August 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826213450/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-edit-mccainobit-20171215-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

All McCain's family members were on good terms with him,<ref name="nyt122707" /> and he defended them against some of the negative consequences of his high-profile political lifestyle.<ref>Timberg, ''American Odyssey'', pp. 144–45.</ref><ref>[[Elisabeth Bumiller|Bumiller, Elisabeth]]. [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/24/us/politics/24mccain.html "Two McCain Moments, Rarely Mentioned"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202042723/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/24/us/politics/24mccain.html |date=February 2, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (March 24, 2008). Retrieved March 24, 2008.</ref> His family's military tradition extends to the latest generation: son John Sidney IV ("Jack") graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2009, becoming the fourth generation John S. McCain to do so, and is a helicopter pilot; son James served two tours with the [[United States Marine Corps|Marines]] in the [[Iraq War]]; and son Doug flew jets in the navy.<ref name="nyt122707" /><ref>Tilghman, Andrew. [http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/03/marine_mccainskids_030808/ "McCain win might stop sons from deploying"], ''[[Navy Times]]'' (March 10, 2008). Retrieved March 28, 2008.</ref><ref>Stolberg, Sheryl Gay. [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/23/us/politics/23obama.html "Obama Is Embraced at Annapolis"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026054424/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/23/us/politics/23obama.html |date=October 26, 2017 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'' (May 23, 2009). Retrieved May 25, 2009.</ref> His daughter Meghan became a blogging and Twittering presence in the debate about the future of the Republican Party following the 2008 elections, and showed some of his maverick tendencies.<ref>[[Kathleen Parker|Parker, Kathleen]]. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/24/AR2009032402465_2.html "Another McCain Throws Down a Challenge"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706215125/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/24/AR2009032402465_2.html |date=July 6, 2018 }}, ''[[The Washington Post]]'' (March 25, 2009). Retrieved May 25, 2009.</ref><ref>Tobin, Frances. [http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/02/10/is-meghan-mccain-miss-maverick-undermining-her-daddy/ "Is Meghan McCain, Miss Maverick, Undermining Her Daddy?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213075926/http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/02/10/is-meghan-mccain-miss-maverick-undermining-her-daddy/ |date=February 13, 2010 }}, ''[[Politics Daily]]'' (February 10, 2010). Retrieved February 27, 2010.</ref> In 2017 Meghan joined the cast of the popular ABC talk show ''[[The View (talk show)|The View]]'' as a co-host.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abc.go.com/shows/the-view/cast/meghan-mccain|title=Meghan McCain|website=ABC The View|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=September 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925215924/https://abc.go.com/shows/the-view/cast/meghan-mccain|url-status=live}}</ref> Senator McCain himself also appeared as a guest on the program.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abc.go.com/shows/the-view/video/pl5554876/VDKA4127300|title=Senator John McCain on 'The View': Clarifies Draft Dodging Comment and Laughs at Trump's Threats|website=ABC The View|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=September 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926205803/https://abc.go.com/shows/the-view/video/pl5554876/VDKA4127300|url-status=live}}</ref>

McCain appeared in several television shows and films while he was a sitting senator. He made [[cameo appearance]]s in ''[[Wedding Crashers]]'' and two episodes of ''[[Parks and Recreation]]''. He also made an uncredited appearance in ''[[24 (TV series)|24]].'' McCain also hosted ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' in 2002 and appeared in two episodes in 2008.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Schaffstall |first=Katherine |date=August 25, 2018 |title=5 Memorable John McCain Cameos in TV Shows and Movies |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/john-mccain-dead-5-memorable-cameos-tv-shows-movies-1137309/parks-and-recreation-2012-2015/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |magazine=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |archive-date=May 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250522165053/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/john-mccain-dead-5-memorable-cameos-tv-shows-movies-1137309/parks-and-recreation-2012-2015/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Awards and honors ==
{{See also|Early life and military career of John McCain#Military awards}}
[[File:Senator McCain Visits Batumi 2010.jpg|right|thumb|President [[Mikheil Saakashvili]] of Georgia awards a [[National Hero of Georgia]] order to McCain in [[Batumi]], January 2010.]]

In addition to [[Early life and military career of John McCain#Military awards|his military honors and decorations]], McCain was granted a number of civilian awards and honors. During 1997, ''Time'' magazine named McCain as one of the "25 Most Influential People in America".<ref name="fox-time25" /> In 1999, McCain shared the Profile in Courage Award with Senator Russ Feingold for their work towards campaign finance reform.<ref name="jfk-award" /> The following year, the same pair shared the Paul H. Douglas Award for Ethics in Government.<ref>[https://igpa.uillinois.edu/ethics "Paul H. Douglas Award for Ethics in Government"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725073414/https://igpa.uillinois.edu/ethics |date=July 25, 2015 }}, Institute of Government and Public Affairs, [[University of Illinois]]. Retrieved July 24, 2015.</ref> In 2005, [[The Eisenhower Institute]] awarded McCain the Eisenhower Leadership Prize.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070217030053/http://www.eisenhowerinstitute.org/presscenter/release76-05.htm "Senator John S. McCain to Receive 2005 Eisenhower Leadership Prize"], [[The Eisenhower Institute]] (August 24, 2005). Retrieved November 14, 2007.</ref> The prize recognizes individuals whose lifetime accomplishments reflect [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]]'s legacy of integrity and leadership. In 2006, the Bruce F. Vento Public Service Award was bestowed upon McCain by the National Park Trust.<ref>[http://www.parktrust.org/news/press-release-and-media/312-national-park-trust-awards-senator-john-mccain-highest-honor "National Park Trust Awards Senator John McCain Highest Honor"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725065548/http://www.parktrust.org/news/press-release-and-media/312-national-park-trust-awards-senator-john-mccain-highest-honor |date=July 25, 2015}}, National Park Trust (June 8, 2006). Retrieved June 18, 2015.</ref> The same year, McCain was awarded the Henry M. Jackson Distinguished Service Award by the [[Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs]], in honor of Senator [[Henry M. Jackson|Henry M. "Scoop" Jackson]].<ref>[http://www.jinsa.org/articles/articles.html/function/view/categoryid/1366/documentid/3692/history/3,2359,2166,1366,3692 "JINSA Bestows Distinguished Service Award Upon Senator John McCain"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214153646/http://www.jinsa.org/articles/articles.html/function/view/categoryid/1366/documentid/3692/history/3%2C2359%2C2166%2C1366%2C3692 |date=December 14, 2007}}, [[Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs]] (December 5, 2006). Retrieved December 27, 2007.</ref> In 2007, the [[World Leadership Forum]] presented McCain with the Policymaker of the Year Award; it is given internationally to someone who has "created, inspired or strongly influenced important policy or legislation".<ref>Turner, Malcolm. [https://web.archive.org/web/20080118212557/http://www.leadermagazine.org/article.vc?article_id=23 "Senator John McCain receives Policy Maker of the Year Award"], ''[[World Leadership Forum]]'' (February 20, 2007). Retrieved August 5, 2015.</ref> In 2010, President [[Mikheil Saakashvili]] of Georgia awarded McCain the [[Order of National Hero (Georgia)|Order of National Hero]], an award never previously given to a non-[[Georgians|Georgian]].<ref>[http://georgia.usembassy.gov/programs-and-events/embassy-news-2010/senator-mccain-visits-batumi-january-10-11.html "Senator McCain Visits Batumi (January 10–11)"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023010905/http://georgia.usembassy.gov/programs-and-events/embassy-news-2010/senator-mccain-visits-batumi-january-10-11.html |date=October 23, 2015}}, U.S. Embassy to Georgia. Retrieved March 28, 2010.</ref> In 2015, the [[Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate|Kyiv Patriarchate]] awarded McCain its own version of the [[Order of St. Vladimir]].<ref>[http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=11814 "Leader of Ukrainian schismatics awards anti-Russian senator McCain"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725063651/http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=11814 |date=July 25, 2015 }}, [[Interfax-Ukraine]] (February 5, 2015). Retrieved June 18, 2015.</ref> In 2016, [[Allegheny College]] awarded McCain, along with Vice President Joe Biden, its Prize for Civility in Public Life.<ref>Mauriello, Tracie. [http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2016/06/08/Allegheny-College-awards-civility-prize-to-Joe-Biden-and-John-McCain/stories/201606080111 "Allegheny College awards civility prize to Joe Biden and John McCain"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621221006/http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2016/06/08/Allegheny-College-awards-civility-prize-to-Joe-Biden-and-John-McCain/stories/201606080111 |date=June 21, 2016 }}, ''[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]'' (June 8, 2016). Retrieved June 23, 2016.</ref> In August 2016, Petro Poroshenko, the President of Ukraine, awarded McCain with the highest award for foreigners, the [[Order of Liberty (Ukraine)|Order of Liberty]].<ref>[http://www.president.gov.ua/documents/3402016-20387 "УКАЗ ПРЕЗИДЕНТА УКРАЇНИ №340/2016"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823172126/http://www.president.gov.ua/documents/3402016-20387 |date=August 23, 2016 }}, Office of the President of Ukraine (August 22, 2016). Retrieved August 22, 2016.</ref> In 2017, [[Hashim Thaçi]], the [[President of Kosovo]], awarded McCain the "Urdhër i Lirisë" (Order of Freedom) medal for his contribution to the freedom and independence of Kosovo, and its partnership with the U.S.<ref>[http://indeksonline.net/lajmet/thaci-dekoron-mc-cain-me-cmimin-urdheri-i-lirise-foto-78037/ "Thaçi dekoron Mc Cain me çmimin 'Urdhëri i lirisë'"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415103940/http://indeksonline.net/lajmet/thaci-dekoron-mc-cain-me-cmimin-urdheri-i-lirise-foto-78037/ |date=April 15, 2017}}. Retrieved August 14, 2017.</ref> McCain also received the [[Liberty Medal]] from the [[National Constitution Center]] in 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mccain-condemns-isolationist-politics-calls-it-unpatriotic|title=McCain condemns isolationist politics, calls it 'unpatriotic'|date=October 17, 2017|publisher=[[Fox News]]|access-date=October 18, 2017|archive-date=August 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812023605/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mccain-condemns-isolationist-politics-calls-it-unpatriotic|url-status=live}}</ref> In the spring of 2018 McCain was decorated with the [[Order of the Rising Sun#1st Class, Grand Cordon|Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun]] from the Japanese Emperor for 'strengthening bilateral relations and promoting friendship between Japan and the United States'.<ref>{{cite web |title=2018 Spring Conferment of Decoration on Foreign Nationals |url=https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000358977.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113074716/https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000358977.pdf |archive-date=November 13, 2018 |url-status=live |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan |access-date=September 22, 2018}}</ref>  In 2022, President Biden posthumously awarded McCain the [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.npr.org/2022/07/01/1109355442/medal-of-freedom-simone-biles-john-mccain-gabby-giffords|title= Biden will award the Medal of Freedom to Biles, McCain, Giffords and others|publisher= [[NPR]]|date= July 1, 2022|accessdate= July 1, 2022|archive-date= July 1, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220701172258/https://www.npr.org/2022/07/01/1109355442/medal-of-freedom-simone-biles-john-mccain-gabby-giffords|url-status= live}}</ref>

McCain received several honorary degrees, including from [[Colgate University]] ([[LL.D]]; 2000),<ref>[http://www4.colgate.edu/scene/july2000/honorary.html "Honorary degree recipients"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304035145/http://www4.colgate.edu/scene/july2000/honorary.html |date=March 4, 2016 }}, Colgate University (July 2000). Retrieved June 18, 2015.</ref> [[The Citadel]] ([[Doctor of Public Administration|DPA]]; 2002),<ref>[http://www.citadel.edu/root/news-archives-sy01-02-grad_awards "Citadel announces graduation awards"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618121021/http://www.citadel.edu/root/news-archives-sy01-02-grad_awards |date=June 18, 2015 }}, The Citadel (May 11, 2002). Retrieved June 18, 2015.</ref> [[Wake Forest University]] (LL.D; May 20, 2002),<ref>[http://commencement.news.wfu.edu/c2002/ "Commencement News"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522032158/http://commencement.news.wfu.edu/c2002/ |date=May 22, 2012 }}, Wake Forest University (June 2002). Retrieved June 18, 2015.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wfu.edu/wfunews/2002/050802.html |title=Senator John McCain will deliver address, receive honorary degree at WFU commencement|access-date=May 9, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218001653/http://www.wfu.edu/wfunews/2002/050802.html |archive-date=December 18, 2015}}</ref> the [[University of Southern California]] ([[Doctor of Humane Letters|DHL]]; May 2004),<ref>[http://honorarydegrees.usc.edu/past-recipients/ "Past Recipients"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428112709/http://honorarydegrees.usc.edu/past-recipients/ |date=April 28, 2015 }}, University of Southern California. Retrieved June 18, 2015.</ref> [[Northwestern University]] (LL.D; June 17, 2005),<ref>[http://www.northwestern.edu/newscenter/stories/2005/06/mccain.html "McCain to Speak at Commencement, Eight to Receive Honorary Degrees"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618122447/http://www.northwestern.edu/newscenter/stories/2005/06/mccain.html |date=June 18, 2015 }}, [[Northwestern University]] (June 7, 2005). Retrieved August 5, 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.northwestern.edu/provost/committees/honorary-degrees/honorary-degree-recipients.html "Office of the Provost: Honorary Degree Recipients"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411192353/http://www.northwestern.edu/provost/committees/honorary-degrees/honorary-degree-recipients.html |date=April 11, 2015}}, [[Northwestern University]]. Retrieved August 5, 2015.</ref> [[Liberty University]] (2006),<ref>Vrazilek, Jessica. [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/john-mccain-for-liberty-at-liberty/ "John McCain: For Liberty at Liberty"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116123410/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/john-mccain-for-liberty-at-liberty/ |date=January 16, 2021 }}, [[National Review Online]]. [[CBS News]] (May 15, 2006).</ref> [[The New School]] (2006),<ref>[http://www.newschool.edu/commencement/candidates-honorary-degrees/ "Commencement: Past Recipients"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502110711/http://www.newschool.edu/commencement/candidates-honorary-degrees/ |date=May 2, 2015 }}, [[The New School]]. Retrieved August 5, 2015.</ref> and the [[Royal Military College of Canada]] ([[Military science|D.MSc]] June 27, 2013).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rmcc-cmrc.ca/en/royal-military-college-canada-honorary-degree-recipients |title=Royal Military College of Canada Honorary Degree Recipients |publisher=Royal Military College of Canada |date=May 30, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804170009/http://www.rmcc-cmrc.ca/en/royal-military-college-canada-honorary-degree-recipients |archive-date=August 4, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mackay-gives-honorary-degree-to-john-mccain-in-washington-1.1375228 "MacKay gives honorary degree to John McCain in Washington"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704025840/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mackay-gives-honorary-degree-to-john-mccain-in-washington-1.1375228 |date=July 4, 2015 }}, [[CBC News]] (June 18, 2013).</ref><ref>Goodman, Lee-Anne. [https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/peter-mackay-in-us-meeting-with-chuck-hagel-john-mccain/ "Peter MacKay in U.S. meeting with Chuck Hagel, John McCain"], [[CTV News]] (June 18, 2013).</ref> He was also made an Honorary Patron of the [[University Philosophical Society]] at [[Trinity College Dublin]] in 2005.<ref>[http://tcdphil.com/?testimonial=john-mccain "John McCain"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910045543/http://tcdphil.com/?testimonial=john-mccain |date=September 10, 2015}}, University Philosophical Society, Trinity College Dublin. Retrieved September 21, 2013.</ref>

On July 11, 2018, {{USS|John S. McCain|DDG-56|6}}, originally named in honor of the Senator's father and grandfather, was rededicated in the Senator's name also.<ref>{{cite web|first=Caitlin|last=Doornbos|url=https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/mccain-joins-father-and-grandfather-on-ship-s-list-of-namesakes-1.537209|title=McCain joins father and grandfather on ship's list of namesakes|work=Stars and Stripes|date=July 12, 2018|access-date=July 12, 2018|archive-date=July 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712182910/https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/mccain-joins-father-and-grandfather-on-ship-s-list-of-namesakes-1.537209|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="LAT 2019-06-02">{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-pol-trump-pentagon-mccain-military-navy-ship-20190602-story.html|title=Pentagon tells White House to stop politicizing military after McCain ship request|agency=[[Associated Press]]|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=June 3, 2019|archive-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604015829/https://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-pol-trump-pentagon-mccain-military-navy-ship-20190602-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On November 29, 2017, the [[Phoenix City Council]] unanimously voted to name Terminal 3 at [[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport]] in Honor of the Senator which opened on January 7, 2019, after his death in August 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/phoenix-city-council-approves-naming-sky-harbor-airport/story?id=51479374|title=Phoenix city council approves naming Sky Harbor airport terminal after John McCain|website=ABC News|access-date=January 23, 2020|archive-date=April 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411073908/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/phoenix-city-council-approves-naming-sky-harbor-airport/story?id=51479374|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Commemoration ==
On April 4, 2019, the [[Kyiv City Council]] renamed a street that had previously been named after the [[NKVD]] agent Ivan Kudria to "John McCain Street".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Про перейменування вулиці у Печерському районі міста Києва|url=http://kmr.ligazakon.ua/SITE2/l_docki2.nsf/alldocWWW/A862DA1775EFFAE4C22583DE0036FF15?OpenDocument|access-date=August 18, 2020|website=kmr.ligazakon.ua|archive-date=February 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203234018/http://kmr.ligazakon.ua/SITE2/l_docki2.nsf/alldocWWW/A862DA1775EFFAE4C22583DE0036FF15?OpenDocument|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Маккейн замість Кудрі: хто справжній український герой?|date=August 18, 2020|url=https://www.holosameryky.com/a/vulyzia-makkeina/5547166.html|access-date=August 18, 2020|publisher=Voice of America|archive-date=April 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420010636/https://www.holosameryky.com/a/vulyzia-makkeina/5547166.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=April 4, 2019|title=Kyiv City Council renames street to honor John McCain|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/lifestyle/about-kyiv/kyiv-city-council-renames-street-to-honor-john-mccain.html|access-date=November 8, 2020|website=KyivPost – Ukraine's Global Voice|archive-date=December 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207235055/https://www.kyivpost.com/lifestyle/about-kyiv/kyiv-city-council-renames-street-to-honor-john-mccain.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

There is also John McCain Street in the city of [[Kryvyi Rih]]. The cities of [[Vinnytsia]] and [[Sumy]] have Senator McCain Street.{{citation needed|date=October 2025}}

A John McCain memorial was built in Hanoi, now a symbol of McCain's relationship with Vietnam, and the relationship of the U.S. to Vietnam.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Late Senator McCain envisioned Vietnam-US friendship: diplomat - VnExpress International |url=https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/late-senator-mccain-envisioned-vietnam-us-friendship-diplomat-4652074.html |access-date=May 22, 2024 |website=VnExpress International |archive-date=September 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910163955/https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/late-senator-mccain-envisioned-vietnam-us-friendship-diplomat-4652074.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The clean and improved monument of John McCain in Hanoi |url=https://tedosius.com/the-clean-and-improved-monument-of-john-mccain-in-hanoi-29 |access-date=May 22, 2024 |website=tedosius.com |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522150738/https://tedosius.com/the-clean-and-improved-monument-of-john-mccain-in-hanoi-29 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bahan |first=Laney |date=April 28, 2024 |title=Strategic Remembering in Vietnam-US Relations: How a Monument of War Turns Into a Marker of Peace |url=https://apjjf.org/2024/4/gammon-phan |access-date=May 22, 2024 |website=The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus}}</ref>

== Electoral history ==
{{main|Electoral history of John McCain}}

==Works==

=== Books ===
* ''[[Faith of My Fathers]]'' by John McCain, [[Mark Salter]] (Random House, 1999) {{ISBN|0-375-50191-6}} (later made into the 2005 television film ''[[Faith of My Fathers (film)|Faith of My Fathers]]'')
* ''[[Worth the Fighting For]]'' by John McCain, Mark Salter (Random House, September 2002) {{ISBN|0-375-50542-3}}
* ''[[Why Courage Matters]]: The Way to a Braver Life'' by John McCain, Mark Salter (Random House, 2004) {{ISBN|1-4000-6030-3}}
* ''[[Character Is Destiny]]: Inspiring Stories Every Young Person Should Know and Every Adult Should Remember'' by John McCain, Mark Salter (Random House, 2005) {{ISBN|1-4000-6412-0}}
* ''[[Hard Call]]: Great Decisions and the Extraordinary People Who Made Them'' by John McCain, Mark Salter (Hachette, 2007) {{ISBN|0-446-58040-6}}
* ''[[Thirteen Soldiers]]: A Personal History of Americans at War'' by John McCain, Mark Salter (Simon & Schuster, 2014) {{ISBN|1-4767-5965-0}}
* ''[[The Restless Wave (book)|The Restless Wave]]: Good Times, Just Causes, Great Fights, and Other Appreciations'' by John McCain, Mark Salter (Simon & Schuster, 2018) {{ISBN|978-1501178009}}

=== Articles and forewords ===
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081013133940/http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/world/2008/01/28/john-mccain-prisoner-of-war-a-first-person-account.html "How the POW's Fought Back", by John S. McCain III, Lieut. Commander, U.S. Navy], ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]'', May 14, 1973 (reprinted for web under different title in 2008). Reprinted in ''Reporting Vietnam, Part Two: American Journalism 1969–1975'' ([[The Library of America]], 1998) {{ISBN|1-883011-59-0}}
* "[[The Code of Conduct and the Vietnam Prisoners of War]]", by John S. McCain, Commander USN, [[National War College]], April 8, 1974 ([http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/politics/20080615/McCain.pdf actual paper] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624184649/http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/politics/20080615/McCain.pdf |date=June 24, 2008 }})
* Foreword by John McCain to ''A Code to Keep: The True Story of America's Longest-Held Civilian POW in Vietnam'' by [[Ernest C. Brace]] (St. Martin's Press, 1988) {{ISBN|0-7090-3560-8}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20030219/http://mccain.senate.gov/speechesyr.htm Speeches] of John McCain, 1988–2000
* Foreword by John McCain to ''Glory Denied: The Saga of Jim Thompson, America's Longest-held Prisoner'' by Tom Philpott (W. W. Norton, 2001) {{ISBN|0-393-02012-6}}
* Foreword by John McCain to ''[[The Best and the Brightest]]'' by [[David Halberstam]] (Random House, 2001 edition) {{ISBN|1-58836-098-9}}
* Foreword by John S. McCain to ''Unfinished Business: Afghanistan, the Middle East and Beyond&nbsp;– Defusing the Dangers That Threaten America's Security'' by [[Harlan Ullman]] (Citadel Press, 2002) {{ISBN|0-8065-2431-6}}
* Foreword by John McCain and [[Max Cleland]] to ''Odysseus in America: Combat Trauma and the Trials of Homecoming'' by Jonathan Shay (Scribner, 2002) {{ISBN|0-7432-1156-1}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080529155057/http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military_law/3491861.html?page=3 Foreword] by John McCain to ''Debunking 9/11 Myths: Why Conspiracy Theories Can't Stand Up to the Facts'' by the Editors of ''[[Popular Mechanics]]'' (Hearst, 2006) {{ISBN|1-58816-635-X}}
* Introduction by John McCain to ''Pearl Harbor, the Day of Infamy, an Illustrated History'' by [[Dan van der Vat]] (Black Walnut Books, 2007) {{ISBN|1-897330-28-6}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080821034132/http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20071101faessay86602/john-mccain/an-enduring-peace-built-on-freedom.html "An Enduring Peace Built on Freedom: Securing America's Future" by John McCain], ''[[Foreign Affairs]]'', November/December 2007

== See also ==
* {{slink|List of members of the United States Congress who died in office (2000–present)|2010s}}
* [[List of United States senators born outside the United States]]
* {{slink|Natural-born-citizen clause (United States)|John McCain}}

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|25em}}

===Bibliography===

{{refbegin}}
* Alexander, Paul. ''Man of the People: The Life of John McCain'' ([[John Wiley & Sons]], Hoboken, New Jersey 2002). {{ISBN|0-471-22829-X}}.
* [[David Brock|Brock, David]] and Waldman, Paul. ''Free Ride: John McCain and the Media'' ([[Anchor Books]], New York 2008). {{ISBN|0-307-27940-5}}.
* [[Elizabeth Drew|Drew, Elizabeth]]. ''Citizen McCain'' ([[Simon & Schuster]], New York 2002). {{ISBN|0-641-57240-9}}.
* Feinberg, Barbara Silberdick. ''John McCain: Serving His Country'' ([[Millbrook Press]], Brookfield, Connecticut 2000). {{ISBN|0-7613-1974-3}}.
* Hubbell, John G. ''P.O.W.: A Definitive History of the American Prisoner-Of-War Experience in Vietnam, 1964–1973'' ([[Reader's Digest Press]], New York 1976). {{ISBN|0-88349-091-9}}.
* Karaagac, John. ''John McCain: An Essay in Military and Political History'' ([[Lexington Books]], Lanham, Maryland 2000). {{ISBN|0-7391-0171-4}}.
* McCain, John and [[Mark Salter|Salter, Mark]], ''[[Faith of My Fathers]]'' ([[Random House]], New York 1999). {{ISBN|0-375-50191-6}}.
* McCain, John and Salter, Mark. ''[[Worth the Fighting For]]'' ([[Random House]], New York 2002). {{ISBN|0-375-50542-3}}.
* [[Stuart Rochester|Rochester, Stuart I.]] and Kiley, Frederick. ''Honor Bound: American Prisoners of War in Southeast Asia, 1961–1973'' ([[Naval Institute Press]], Annapolis, Maryland 1999). {{ISBN|1-55750-694-9}}.
* Schecter, Cliff. ''The Real McCain: Why Conservatives Don't Trust Him and Why Independents Shouldn't'' ([[PoliPoint Press]], Sausalito, California 2008). {{ISBN|0-9794822-9-1}}.
* [[Robert Timberg|Timberg, Robert]]. ''John McCain: An American Odyssey'' ([[Touchstone Books]], New York 1999). {{ISBN|0-684-86794-X}}. [https://www.amazon.com/dp/product-description/0684826739 Chapter 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315015804/https://www.amazon.com/dp/product-description/0684826739 |date=March 15, 2021 }} available online.
* Timberg, Robert. ''[[The Nightingale's Song]]'' ([[Simon & Schuster]], New York 1996). {{ISBN|0-684-80301-1}}. [https://www.nytimes.com/books/first/t/timberg-mccain.html Chapter 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119222932/http://www.nytimes.com/books/first/t/timberg-mccain.html |date=January 19, 2018 }} available online.
* Welch, Matt. ''McCain: The Myth of a Maverick'' ([[Palgrave Macmillan]], New York 2007). {{ISBN|0-230-60396-3}}.
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Sister project auto}}

* [http://www.johnmccain.com/ John McCain for Senate] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081104045848/http://www.johnmccain.com/ |date=November 4, 2008 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/19990508184631/http://mccain.senate.gov/ Official Senate website] (archived 1999) 
* {{C-SPAN}}
* {{CongLinks | congbio=m000303 | votesmart=53270 | fec=S6AZ00019 | congress=john-mccain/754}}
* [https://www.pbs.org/weta/finding-your-roots/blog/john-mccains-interactive-family-tree/ Gates, H.L. John McCain's Interactive Family Tree. PBS. February 11, 2016. Accessed February 17, 2017] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218143905/http://www.pbs.org/weta/finding-your-roots/blog/john-mccains-interactive-family-tree/ |date=February 18, 2017 }}
* {{cite episode|title=McCain|series=Frontline|series-link=Frontline (American TV program)|network=[[PBS]]|station=[[WGBH-TV|WGBH]]|date=April 17, 2018|season=36|number=13|url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/documentary/mccain/|access-date=November 28, 2024}}

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{{U.S. Senator box
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{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the [[United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation|Senate Commerce Committee]]|years=2001}}
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{{s-ttl|title=Ranking Member of the [[United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation|Senate Commerce Committee]]|years=2001–2003}}
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{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the [[United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation|Senate Commerce Committee]]|years=2003–2005}}
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{{s-end}}
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