Cindy McCain, the widow of late Senator John McCain, announced her support of Joe Biden’s presidential campaign on Tuesday.
What We Know:
- McCain made her endorsement on Twitter. She also previously appeared in a video about Biden’s relationship with her husband, which was shown at the Democratic National Convention.
My husband John lived by a code: country first. We are Republicans, yes, but Americans foremost. There's only one candidate in this race who stands up for our values as a nation, and that is @JoeBiden.
— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) September 22, 2020
- Biden replied to McCain’s tweet, saying “Cindy – I’m deeply honored to have your support and your friendship. This election is bigger than any one political party. It requires all of us to come together as one America to restore the soul of the nation. Together, we’ll get it done.”
- Biden told donors at a virtual fundraiser on Tuesday that McCain’s decision to endorse him came after President Trump’s comments about injured veterans and fallen soldiers being “losers” and “suckers”. John McCain fought in the Vietnam War and was captured as a prisoner of war, leading to lifelong disabilities. Biden’s son, Beau, and three of McCain’s children also served in the military.
- Part of Biden’s strategy for the presidential election has been swaying moderate Republicans and independents. The Democratic Party believes that Trump’s controversial comments and track record as president may be enough to turn off some Republican voters. Cindy McCain’s endorsement may be key because John McCain served as the Senator for Arizona, which has emerged as a battleground state in this year’s race.
- John McCain was one of the few Senate Republicans who got into feuds with Trump. McCain refused to endorse Trump in the previous election and Trump made comments in 2015 saying that McCain was not a war hero and he preferred soldiers who were not captured. McCain passed away in 2018 and Trump was upset that he was not invited to the funeral, saying “I don’t care about this – I didn’t get a thank you.”
Cindy McCain called Biden a “good and honest man” and said that their families have been close friends for many years.
