Grief, support pours in after McCain's brain cancer diagnosis

Many take to social media to show their support

WASHINGTON (CNN) – News that Arizona Sen. John McCain had been diagnosed with an aggressive type of brain tumor was met with shock and grief, with many taking to social media to express support for the Arizona Republican.

In a statement late Wednesday, doctors revealed that McCain has glioblastoma. The 80-year-old senator and his family are reviewing further treatment, including a combination of chemotherapy and radiation.

McCain has personal connections to Jacksonville, including time served in the Navy. He also has friends, who spoke to News4Jax on Thursday.

"It was tough news. You know, Johnnie Mac's a tough guy," said Lanny Wiles, who worked on campaigns for McCain. "I can't say enough good things about John McCain. And I consider him a friend." 

Local political experts said McCain returning soon is crucial to the U.S. Senate. 

"I wish Sen. McCain a speed recovery and a full recovery. We need him in the Senate, particularly now," said Nancy Soderberg, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. "His voice of reason, and principle is very much needed today."

McCain has been in the Senate since 1987. He was elected to Congress in 1982, and earned a "maverick" reputation -- something that will be missed during a crucial time of policy making in Washington. 

"Early on in his career, he's a former Democrat. He's not a dyed in the wool Republican from birth. His maverick streak, his straight talk express -- that voice is going to be missed in the Senate for as long as he isn't present," said Michael Binder, associated professor and faculty director of the Public Opinion Research Lab at the University of North Florida.

Several experts have pointed out McCain's tumor is the same as Sen. Ted Kennedy battled in 2009. Kennedy survived 15 months after his diagnosis. 

"Sen. John McCain has always been a fighter," President Donald Trump said in a statement. "Melania and I send our thoughts and prayers to Senator McCain, Cindy, and their entire family. Get well soon."

Vice President Mike Pence said "Cancer picked on the wrong guy" in a tweet, adding that he and his wife, Karen, are praying for him. "McCain is a fighter & he'll win this fight too. God bless!"

Former President Barack Obama, McCain's 2008 presidential campaign opponent, tweeted his support.

"Cancer doesn't know what it's up against. Give it hell, John," the 44th president wrote.

Other ex-presidents offered warm thoughts as well.

Bill Clinton wrote on Twitter, "As he's shown his entire life, don't bet against John McCain. Best wishes to him for a swift recovery."

George H.W. Bush also shared support: "The Hanoi Hilton couldn't break John McCain's spirit many years ago, so Barbara and I know -- with confidence -- he and his family will meet this latest battle in his singular life of service with courage and determination," he said in a statement.

Former Vice President Joe Biden, who has been friends with McCain for 40 years and whose son died with the same strain of brain cancer, said on Twitter, "He's gotten through so much difficulty with so much grace. He is strong -- and he will beat this."

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called McCain "a hero to our conference and a hero to our country."

"He has never shied from a fight and I know that he will face this challenge with the same extraordinary courage that has characterized his life," McConnell said in a statement. "We all look forward to seeing this American hero again soon."

Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican who is one of McCain's closest friends on the Hill, said the Arizona senator told him he "wants to get back and get to work."

"This disease has never had a more worthy opponent," Graham said.

House Speaker Paul Ryan called McCain a "warrior."

"I know John is going to fight this with the same sheer force of will that has earned him the admiration of the nation. And all of us, not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans, are behind him," he said in a statement.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said she is "privileged to call him a friend."

".@SenJohnMcCain is a hero, a patriot and a fighter. I am privileged to call him a friend. Paul & I pray for his recovery and his family."

Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise, who is recovering from surgeries to treat the gunshot wound he recently sustained at a congressional baseball practice, said on Twitter he is "Praying for my friend @SenJohnMcCain, one of the toughest people I know."

Arizona's other senator, Jeff Flake, wrote in a tweet, "Just spoke to @SenJohnMcCain. Tough diagnosis, but even tougher man."

McCain's 2008 running mate, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, shared a photo to Facebook of the two at a campaign event, adding "he'll face this diagnosis with courage and strength."

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey echoed others in calling McCain, who spent more than five years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, "undoubtedly the toughest man in the US Senate."

"He is an American hero and has served our country like few ever will," Ducey said on Twitter. "He has set an example for all Americans in the toughest of fights, in difficult circumstances. I have no doubt he'll do it again."

Florida lawmakers also sent well wishes to McCain on Twitter. 

Florida U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted, ".@SenJohnMcCain is an American hero. I pray for him and his family. I look forward to seeing him soon." Florida's other senator, Bill Nelson, also tweeted, "John is one tough hombre, and is my friend. I'm praying for you, John." 

Florida Gov. Rick Scott said in a tweet, ".@SenJohnMcCain is a fighter and a hero. Tonight, my family's thoughts and prayers are with him and his loved ones."

U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, of Florida, sent a statement, which reads,"Senator McCain is a Navy hero who is a tough as nails. He is a fighter and I know he will battle this illness with tenacity. I wish him a swift recovery and hope to see him back on Capitol Hill soon."

Former Florida Gov. and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham told News4Jax that McCain has strong ties to the Northeast Florida area.

"I believe he thinks of Florida as his second home. After he was released from that terrible prison in North Vietnam, he came back to Jacksonville, where he had lived prior to his service in Vietnam. And he still has strong family and friends following in Jacksonville," Graham said. "He truly is a patriot and a role model for America."

Hillary Clinton expressed her support for the McCain family.

"John McCain is as tough as they come," she said in a tweet. "Thinking of John, Cindy, their wonderful children, & their whole family tonight."

McCain's daughter, Meghan McCain, responded to the news in a statement.

"The news of my father's illness has affected every one of us in the McCain family. My grandmother, mother, brothers, sisters and I have all endured the shock of the news, and now we live with the anxiety about what comes next," she said. "It won't surprise you to learn that in all this, the one of us who is most confident and calm is my father. He is the toughest person I know."

This isn't McCain's first experience with cancer. He had malignant melanomas removed in 1993, 2000 and 2002. Doctors said McCain will need follow-up treatment. The average survival rate for this cancer is about 14 months, but some have lived longer than five years.

McCain is being treated at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, which Jacksonville oncologist Scot Ackerman said is one of the best places he could be.

"Most studies show that only 10 percent of patients are alive within 10 years. Sen McCain does have a few things going for him -- things that are favorable to him" Ackerman said. "Certain aspects of him and his cancer suggest that he may be able to beat it. One is that they removed it completely.another thing is that he's completely and neurologically intact, meaning it doesn't seem like he's had any neurological damage from the tumor or surgery. He's talking and he's communicating. He's in generally good health."


About the Authors:

Kent Justice co-anchors News4Jax's 5 p.m., 10 and 11 p.m. newscasts weeknights and reports on government and politics. He also hosts "This Week in Jacksonville," Channel 4's hot topics and politics public affairs show each Sunday morning at 9 a.m.