He was a senator, a war hero, and a potential U.S. President, a man known for his “raw ambition, the conservative instincts of a shrewd military man, a rebelliousness evident since childhood and a temper that sometimes bordered on explosiveness.”  On Saturday he passed away at the age of 81.  John McCain, a feisty #15 FCIL, will long be remembered as a man who did what he decided to do, sticking to his guns both literally and metaphorically.

Shot down over Hanoi, McCain suffered two broken arms and a shattered leg, afterwards being placed in solitary confinement for two years and frequently beaten.  “Often he was suspended by ropes lashing his arms behind him. He attempted suicide twice. His weight fell to 105 pounds. He rejected early release to keep his honor and to avoid an enemy propaganda coup or risk demoralizing his fellow prisoners.”  After continued torture, McCain finally gave in, signing a “confession.”  Though understandable to anyone, he felt he had betrayed his country.  Yes, the #15 is not an easy Brain Type to break, and McCain was certainly no exception.

Lastly, McCain ran for the Presidency in 2008 alongside fellow #15 Sarah Palin, only to fall short to the younger, more affable Barack Obama (#13 FCIR).  McCain, throughout his political career, made friends and enemies on both sides of the political aisle, sometimes veering left and sometimes veering right based on each, individual issue.  He was always want to say, “Country First”.  And, in an appropriate, Type-related quote, McCain once stated, “I don’t mind a good fight. For reasons known only to God, I’ve had quite a few tough ones in my life. But I learned an important lesson along the way: In the end, it matters less that you can fight. What you fight for is the real test.” 

Written by: Staff
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