“Arizona Sen. John McCain, a former prisoner of war in Vietnam who became one of the nation’s most prominent defense policy voices, passed away Saturday at the age of 81. The onetime Navy pilot and longtime lawmaker was among the best known veterans in America, and has arguably been the most influential and consistent military advocate for the Republican Party over the last three decades. His death not only leaves open a Republican seat in an already contentious Senate but also leaves an enormous hole in American political debate over the roles, responsibilities and challenges of the armed forces.”
Source: John McCain — war hero, political giant — dies at 81
