History of John McCain

John McCain, an enduring figure in American politics, was known for his service, conviction, and maverick persona. Born on August 29, 1936, in the Panama Canal Zone, his early life was steeped in military heritage, with ancestors who served in significant wars and a father and grandfather who were four-star admirals in the U.S. Navy. This lineage set the stage for his path, which began in earnest with his own enrollment in the United States Naval Academy.

McCain’s political life was deeply influenced by his military service. After graduating from the academy in 1958, he flew attack aircraft from carriers. His life took a dramatic turn during the Vietnam War when he was shot down over Hanoi in 1967, leading to over five years of captivity as a prisoner of war. Enduring torture and solitary confinement, McCain's resilience became a defining characteristic, earning him commendations and setting a foundation of respect that would follow him into politics.

Post his military career, McCain relocated to Arizona where he married Cindy Hensley and endeavored into politics, running for a seat in the United States House of Representatives. In 1982, McCain won his first election and moved to Washington, D.C. Subsequently, when longtime Arizona senator Barry Goldwater retired in 1986, McCain successfully ran for the U.S. Senate. His early Senate career was characterized by addressing issues pertinent to his state, such as Indian affairs and military reform, but soon he would gain notoriety for his willingness to break from party lines.

The Iran-Contra affair in the late 1980s saw McCain take a stand that showcased his inclination towards bipartisanship and integrity. Although a staunch Republican whose views often aligned with the party, he was not shy in criticizing the Reagan administration's dealings in the scandal, emphasizing accountability and transparency.

In the 1990s, McCain's political standing grew robustly. Yet, it wasn’t without challenges. The Keating Five scandal tarnished his initial years in the Senate, implicating him and four other legislators in a corruption investigation. Though McCain was cleared of legal wrongdoing, he admitted poor judgment and spent significant effort rebuilding his reputation, leading to a renewed focus on campaign finance reform.

The turn of the millennium marked McCain's significant national influence. In 1999, he announced his candidacy for the presidency, opposing the perceived inevitability of George W. Bush's nomination. His campaign, bolstered by his popularity and straight-talking approach, especially during the South Carolina primary, was notable although he did not clinch the nomination. Returning to the Senate, however, he intensified efforts on reform, notably the McCain-Feingold Act, a 2002 bill designed to regulate the financing of political campaigns, marking a substantial achievement in his legislative career.

McCain's inclination towards a bipartisan approach was visible when he supported initiatives such as environmental regulation and immigration reform, occasionally putting him at odds with the Republican Party’s more conservative front. This maverick persona enhanced with his opposition to certain Republican-led policies, including the Bush administration's tax cuts.

In 2008, McCain secured the Republican presidential nomination, selecting Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate. His campaign was set against Democratic powerhouse Barack Obama. McCain emphasized his extensive experience and foreign policy acumen, but it was a tough contest with the appeal of Obama's message of change. Despite his defeat, the campaign solidified McCain's status as a venerable figure dedicated to duty over partisanship.

Returning to the Senate, McCain's focus shifted towards legislative and foreign policy initiatives, maintaining influence over military and veterans’ issues, a nod to his service roots. His leadership in committees such as the Senate Armed Services Committee was pivotal as he scrutinized military strategies and operations, particularly during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

One of the most dramatic moments in McCain's later career came in July 2017. After a short absence, having been diagnosed with brain cancer, McCain returned to the Senate floor to cast a deciding vote against a Republican proposal to repeal parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. This vote was emblematic of his career-long stance to transcend partisan divides for what he viewed as the nation's betterment.

McCain passed away on August 25, 2018, just days before his 82nd birthday. His death prompted widespread tributes commemorating his service, dedication, and contribution to American politics. Known for his candor, his ability to reach across the aisle, and a commitment to core values of service and integrity, John McCain's legacy endures as a testament to principled leadership and the enduring power of resilience and bipartisan discourse in American politics.