What is everyone's view on john McCain? Could someone explain to me further what he did that made so many dislike him?

PVT Leighton Bader — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 08:19:00 -0400

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 30 at 2018 8:22 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 08:22:56 -0400

It's rather complicated.

Response by Maj John Bell made Aug 30 at 2018 8:50 AM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 08:50:05 -0400

Unfortunately, in today's political climate, it seems that party affiliation and party line votes mean more than actually representing one's constituents. I don't know much about Senator McCain's voting record, other than his vote on the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (AKA ObamaCare). My Brother is from Arizona and tells me that Senator McCain represented his constituents on the ACA and other issues as well.

I disagreed with Senator McCain's position on the ACA repeal, but I'll take a principled dissenter over a party-line Gumby any day of the week.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Aug 30 at 2018 8:58 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 08:58:35 -0400

He didn't really do much, other than a) not being conservative enough (in the eyes of some voters) and b) not being sufficiently subservient to Pres. Trump.

I liked him, and thought he was a great person. The only thing he ever did that I really didn't like was selecting Sarah Palin as his running mate. I'm glad her 15 minutes are over.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2018 9:35 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 09:35:40 -0400

He has an interesting history PVT Leighton Bader. That is why history is important to the future. Although some would call him a murderer and traitor. What I saw of his military service was a bunch of fly boys messing around to make the biggest boom! And well MccCain did just that. Unfortunately it cost the lives of over 160 sailors and a lot of Govt equipment damage.
But if you look further into history right before that incident, it was very common for these young men to one up there fellow soldier. But it was frowned upon because his father was the Admeral and it looked like McCain had gotten away with murder.
As for his senatorial position, like most running candidates they all start off with a positive attitude and patriotism to do the right thing. But anyone out in a position of power can dongood and bad things.
The problem is you can’t please everyone, so some will love you and some will hate you.

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/john-mccain-fire-uss-forrestal/

FACT CHECK: Did John McCain Cause a Fire Aboard the USS Forrestal that Killed 134 People?

A fabricated story blames the fluke 1967 aircraft carrier fire on the negligence of then-Navy bomber pilot and future United States Senator John McCain.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Aug 30 at 2018 9:39 AM

Sgt John Steinmeier — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 09:39:16 -0400

The only real gripe that I have with him is that he has been dying of brain cancer over the last year. He should have thrown in the towel on his political career when he could no longer give his constituents 100%. A quick search on his Senate votes for this year makes it look like he hasn't voted on anything.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Aug 30 at 2018 9:57 AM

MSG Stan Hutchison — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 09:57:43 -0400

He was the hero of the GOP in 2008 but he made a drastic mistake. He placed America above partisan politics and the hard right has never forgiven him for that.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 30 at 2018 11:12 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 11:12:39 -0400

Is any of this based on what Trump said about McCain?

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made Aug 30 at 2018 11:26 AM

PO1 Don Gulizia — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 11:26:12 -0400

Depends on your point of view. For me, I lost a lot of respect for him (politically) after the 2000 election. Prior to that he was the "maverick" or as they are called now, RINO. He was the moderate arm of the Republican party. After he lost to GW Bush (in the primaries), he seemed to embrace the establishment arm of the Repubs and looked more conservative. Finally, his hate for Pres. Trump pushed him to side with the solid Left over the last year and half. I never lost respect for his service to our country, but I sure miss the "just right of center" moderate Republican that he was prior to 2000.

Response by Jeremy Berglund made Aug 30 at 2018 11:49 AM

Jeremy Berglund — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 11:49:03 -0400

This is what has been on my mind: Senator John McCain admitted that he was a 'war criminal' and was pardoned by President Nixon for his crimes

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Aug 30 at 2018 3:16 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 15:16:46 -0400

My view on John McCain is rather one sided and most people would say biased ,we both served in the Vietnam ,therefore he is a Brother,his political career can be debated but not by me,his conduct as a POW would seem to have upheld all that is expected as a Naval Officer, not so some others who entered the Political field after their Service (see more “Horse Face” John gag Kerry) my take ,for what’s it’s worth .

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 30 at 2018 5:47 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 17:47:04 -0400

I fully understand the intent of the question, but don't think there is a good place to ask it (it IS a good question). "Good" and "Bad" are subjective terms, this is a political situation, and folks are more opt to believe stories that are clearly false and debunked.

In the end, it comes down to your personal opinion.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Aug 30 at 2018 8:13 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:13:04 -0400

He didn't always vote with his party. that made him untrustworthy in the eyes of some very heavy handed politicians.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 31 at 2018 2:12 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 14:12:58 -0400

John MCain is far more reveered than despised. He is a true American hero. Those that do not appreciate his politics generally don’t because he tends to go a little farther left the the average Rep. to like or dislike anyone for their politics is exactly why I stay away from the topic. Thank you and him for your service.

Response by Susan Foster made Dec 13 at 2018 10:11 AM

Susan Foster — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 10:11:44 -0500

I disagreed with him at times, and at times I agreed, like any other leader. However, McCain was an American hero, and he served his country honorably, and I really believe he always voted his conscience and what he thought best for America. He was one of the truly ethical leaders who grew in the job. Those I knew who did not like him had no reason other than he was an R (some of the Dems) and was an R who didn't like DT, who called him on his unethical behavior (the R's), which I think is a pretty poor reason for deciding you don't like someone. Just realized this is an older post, but I think the Senate is poorer without him.