NY, U.S. pols react to the death of Sen. John McCain

Politicians from New York and throughout the United States react to the death of Sen. John McCain on Saturday.

"My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!"

— President Donald Trump

"Few of us have been tested the way John once was, or required to show the kind of courage that he did. But all of us can aspire to the courage to put the greater good above our own. At John’s best, he showed us what that means. And for that, we are all in his debt. Michelle and I send our most heartfelt condolences to Cindy and their family."

— Former President Barack Obama

"John McCain was many things — a proud graduate of the Naval Academy, a Senate colleague, a political opponent. But, to me, more than anything, John was a friend. He will be missed dearly."

— Former Vice President Joe Biden

"John McCain gave his life in service to this nation, exemplifying all that we admire in a hero. He was a warrior and a statesman, in the old-fashioned sense. In his own way, he spoke truth to power. He criticized Republicans and Democrats alike. John McCain criticized all of us. Because in his mind, those of us who are privileged to hold public office can never work hard enough for the people of this country. He was right." 

— Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo

"As you go through life, you meet few truly great people. John McCain was one of them. His dedication to his country and the military were unsurpassed, and maybe most of all, he was a truth teller — never afraid to speak truth to power in an era where that has become all too rare.

The Senate, the United States, and the world are lesser places without John McCain. Nothing will overcome the loss of Senator McCain, but so that generations remember him I will be introducing a resolution to rename the Russell building after him."

— Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)

"We will never forget the unparalleled courage, heart and service of John McCain. My thoughts are with his family as they mourn this great loss, but also as they celebrate his incredible life. It was a privilege to serve beside John in the Senate, and he will be so greatly missed."

— Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.)

"John McCain. American hero. True patriot. Man of total integrity. RIP"

— Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford)

"John McCain is a great American hero. He devoted his life to our country and put his country before his party and before himself. Rest In Peace good and faithful servant."

— Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-Glen Cove)

"Senator McCain is a true patriot and public servant. His strength, independence and unwavering sense of duty should inspire us all. I'm praying for him and the entire McCain family."

— Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-Garden City)

“Senator John McCain was a true American hero who when held as a POW during the Vietnam War was given the option to leave captivity, but he refused to leave his men. His love of country, our military, and nation’s veterans, combined with his own lifelong dedicated service to our nation, sets him apart as an American patriot. My deepest condolences are with his family and all who had the honor of knowing this exceptional American as I have.”

— Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley)

"Very sad to learn of the passing of a true American hero. Thank you for your devotion to our nation, your selfless public service, and remembering that fighting for a better country and its ideals is more important than partisanship. A great model of what leadership is all about."

— State Sen. Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach)

"Senator John McCain was a warrior for peace. He will be deeply missed by people all around the world."

— Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.)

"Words cannot express the sorrow I feel at John McCain’s passing. The world has lost a hero and a statesman. Cindy and the McCain family have lost a loving husband and father. I have lost a wonderful friend."

— Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.)

"Integrity, duty, courage and character combined in John McCain: a great and heroic man of honor who stood tallest in the United States Senate. I will miss a good friend; America will miss a giant among men."

— Mitt Romney, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate from Utah

"@SenJohnMcCain lived a life of service to his country, from his heroism in the Navy to 35 years in Congress. He was a tough politician, a trusted colleague, and there will simply never be another like him. My thoughts and prayers are with Cindy and his entire family."

—Hillary Clinton, former U.S. secretary of state

"Senator McCain was a great patriot and a man of integrity and honor. We need more leaders like him."

— Mike Bloomberg, former mayor of New York City