McCain returns to Senate floor (full speech)

Senator John McCain (R-AZ) made a poignant return to the Senate, less than a week after learning he has an aggressive form of brain cancer.

[@daltonthegreat4740]

As a staunchest democrat I say it was an honor to have such a man of valor serving as a Senator..RIP senator Mccain you fought a good fight!

[@leiapeison]

There will never be another John McCain. Never. :(

[@silverkitty2503]

yes there will ....it's america ...there will be ...but he also will be his own man so you might not see him as john mc cain he will be an og

[@AdrielGreene]

I don't like McCain's policies usually... but this was a damn fine speech. He is spot on. I just gained some respect for the guy.

[@kleevorpos1838]

some of them were traitors who didnt want to come back, and someof them were war criminals who dont deserve to come back, youre like that pathetic lohn oneill, who is still bitter decades later cause john kerry mopped the floor with him on national tv... so we get it, youre bitter, probably impotent, and in the closet

[@bpg5591]

How could you dislike this video? What he stood for was greatness. No ifs, ands, or buts.

[@probrickgamer]

Anyone that says "let's change incrementally " is not great. Why incrementally do the right things. Just do th right things

[@bpg5591]

@@probrickgamer because change has to be incremental, slow, and purposeful.

[@Silvreina]

@@bpg5591 Yeah because that's how civil rights were achieved; slow and incremental.. We cannot put a time-table on allowing black people to have the same rights as white people, I'm sorry but that is fucked up 💀

[@memestagram4028]

John McCain's last vote in the Senate was cast to prevent the passing of a bill that would have led to millions of Americans losing their health insurance. The last thing he did in his great life was saving many others. R.I.P. John McCain.

[@balerjohnson3099]

John saved countless lives including my own ..John McCain's entire life is about bettering our country and saving lives both on the battle field and in the senate ..My God we we wont see his likes again . May God rest his soul ..I know that he does

[@austinhenning6271]

Even though he campaigned against it. Fake politician. An opportunist. Just like Trump, just like Biden.

[@mgretche]

Clueless to the very end………..

[@probrickgamer]

It was essentially erasing g obamacare to replace e It with obamacare but with a few improvements. It is unlikely people would lose their insurance

[@michael-johnmartin6426]

To paraphrase Joe Biden, I’m a Democrat and I absolutely loved John McCain

[@frederickmartinez3280]

Rest In Peace John McCain

[@jreseburg]

I had to come back and watch this after watching Mr. McCain's funeral. I'm a liberal. I didn't always agree with McCain's policies or decisions. But damn. The man had a brain tumor. Back from surgery. 80 year old. And he served it up with dignity and this was exactly how you lead. He will be missed. I can only hope that our government will reevaluate the current state of our administration and open the doors to bipartisanship in the near future.

[@9344180]

Senator McCain. You are my hero. Plain and simple. I have always followed your story and no matter what you ever did in life, regardless of what any person chooses to judge you; I again say you will forever be my hero. You don't know me and you never will. My husband served in the Army as a Military flight surgeon. My best friend, Rhonda was taken as a POW in the first Irag War. My daughter was born in the Ft. Rucker Hospital as we were obviously a strong military family. My father was a POW in World War II. I was always jus the "dependent"; wherever we were stationed. However, I have even stronger admiration for you as a cancer survivor. As, I too have fought 5 different cancers. You will go down in history as an American Hero. I saw you today and you still give me strength and hope., whether it be in our country where we know our enemies or our bodies that are so covert we will never know where they are. All I have to say is that JOHN MCCAIN, you are the epitome of what a true HERO is. Thank you...for all the generations to come. We love you and may God Bless YOU!

[@emiliov3260]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@gonzo529]

Thank you John McCain, finally a voice of reason, enough with the partisan bs from both sides. Time to compromise and get things done. No political party has a monopoly on being absolutely right, both parties have great ideas, time to put our heads together and come up with some real answers that we can all live with, they may not be what we entirely wanted but some is better than none. Once again thank you John McCain.

[@muffinman8744]

I am not a republican but all my God John McCain is looking sexy to me right now. this short speech is one of the most honest things I heard ever out of Congress

[@S.Roth94]

You don't have to be part of a party to recognize a true statesman. McCain was one. John Lewis was another. God rest both their souls.

[@jahnaroth669]

We are NOT the president's subordinates we ARE their EQUAL. I won't ever forget Senator Macain, my inspiration for seeking truth in Democracy and it's structure as a teacher and defender of our Constitution God Bless John Macain.

[@1012films]

As a liberal, I have to say, this is how you Senator. Well done Mr. McCain. Welcome back and be well.

[@jonmarc11]

"This is how you Senator?" What does that even mean? Are you a liberal? The liberal thing to promote would be healthcare for all; however, John McCain just voted to strip healthcare from millions. How can you support that, "as a liberal?"

[@S4RGE007]

jonmarc11 well said.

[@Delta169]

jonmarc11 he voted to open it up for debate. Big difference.

[@jonathanedson554]

Jonmarc11 - did you even watch the man speak? He could not have been more clear that his vote yes for the open debate was only that, and that he would absolutely vote No on the bills proposed so far as they stand..... so yea as a "liberal" or simply just "not a republican" I too admire his courage to be staring down his final days, and reflect on the pettiness that has overtaken the senate on both sides, admit his actions that played a part as well, and resolve to do what he can with the time he has to change the culture or our congressional politics. If you don't think that is something this country needs than your either a fool or simply uneducated enough to understand American politics. With the respect his colleagues on both sides of the isle have for him and what he's going through, he might just be the only senator with the ability to make an impactful effect on a much needed adjustment to what the politicians in this country vote for : special interests/lobbyist campaign donations, or for the safety and prosperity of the American citizens that elect them

[@0xHashi]

Well done for what? He said he wouldn't vote yes without a plan yet goes on and votes yes. The man's a hypocrite.

[@thomasl486]

Heard the speech live, and i must admit that John McCain have given a speech that may go into history. So despite my difference in policy i salute and respect John McCain for being a real American who respect government and democracy ! Thank you John McCain !

[@TheJwoodson]

Nunya Dambidniss STFU

[@Katykarter]

Thomas L well said!

[@Ethan-cp4rh]

Well said, no matter what views in policy or difference in opinion we can all agree that this man is an American hero. His military service and civil service is no simple feat. He spent years being tortured and never gave up on America. i don't agree with him on most things but we must all acknowledge this man is a freaking American hero.

[@crimsonking8942]

*BUT HE VOTED FOR THE BILL!?*

[@VanWelij]

He voted for debate. He realizes that one side shouldn't want everything their way without giving some to the other side. He is saying we need compromise, debate, and to listen to each other. He would not vote for the bill as it stands today.

[@TheRetorzida]

He voted NO! THANK YOU SIR! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🎉🎉🎉 he just saved 24 million people from losing health insurance!

[@Abogadoarizona]

An American Statesman and legend. Proud to be his friend. You are missed my brother.

[@dln7527]

Isnt it refreshing seeing a politician being honest? John McCain just days removed from a death sentence diagnosis gives one of the most passionate speeches in memory. Chastising both parties for senatorial tricks and partisan bickering, especially from the majority party, ironically his own party. This country needs more honesty from its elected officials who continually lie to the American people. They can take a page from John McCain, a true American patriot. *Written by a staunch liberal progressive * Written by someone who voted for Obama in 2008

[@May-vu4qw]

At the end of the day he's an American and we should all be on the same team, supporting him. His days are numbered and he's done a great service for our country.

[@pedrogonzalez4028]

Mad love for this dude...

[@Aladayle]

You know, I was surprised that McCain went back to work so fast after having that surgery and then I remembered that he's a vet and was a POW for 5 years. It's tough to kill one of the vets, and good on him for his strength to come back like this.

[@Temporary99999]

This is a fantastic man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A note: he survived as a POW in Viet Nam for seven years!!!!!!!!! I am a Progressive.

[@ZiggyStardust85]

"Stop listening to the bombastic loudmouths on the radio and the television and the Internet. To hell with them. They don't want anything done for the public good -- our incapacity is their livelihood. Let's trust each other. Let's return to regular order." He should have said that to Trump. ;-)

[@suzieqtruth6377]

One of the Great Speeches of our political era by a Good man. I have not agreed with him or voted for him but I respect him.

[@dlbstl]

that was a great speech. He admitted his mistakes and hoped to inspire people in the Senate to work with each other in order to make the health-care bill a better Bill in its final form. I think it was genuine and I applaud him for it. it's too bad this sentiment couldn't have been expressed long ago. Better late than never.

[@vsop209]

He is the only good Republican left. The rest are money hungry con artist

[@r448191]

Say what you want, but this speech makes me want to shout "McCain for President!!!". I may not agree with him on many topics, but when I think of the POTUS while watching this, I can't help but feel a deep respect for the man. Though probably POTUS has lowered the standard by which I judge politicians.

[@jerrypaul930]

I'm fighting cancer and he giving up on all cancer patience. very selfless John McCain.

[@TUBULETD46]

After 17 or so, years, we have no ability to know a "rebel" from...ISIS, in the m. east. SAME for John McCain...but, truly, a GREAT speech, today.

[@anitafoster6192]

I'm so glad to hear John McCain say that he will not vote for this healthcare bill. It is something both sides of the aisle have to negotiate on. I thank him for reminding the republicans that the president is not their boss, he is their equal. Success will come when congress unites again without caring what the president wants. This bill needs work and it can be done. It's a hard problem to solve. I hope his message was received by every member of congress! Don't do it to win, do it because your job is to help American citizens who need help,

[@pdias8469]

Mr. McCain thank you for this great speech. You spoke what I’ve been praying for. God bless you eternally.

[@yourfabuloushappymann5154]

This is the most inspiring speech I have heard in a long time... This is a good man....Remember when President Trump said he was a loser because he got captured by the enemy? Sen. McCain is a good man and this is some truth he is talking here....the Congress is NOT subordinate to the Presideng....

[@ronaldzent4845]

I don't care for either party, but John McCain, seemed so straight forward and honest, "stop listening to the bombastic idiots on the TV and the internet", wow!, He was really trying to say, "stop dragging your damn feet"!

[@Sentimentalgal05]

Today August 25th at 4: 28 P. M. Arizona time, We Lost Senator Captain John Sidney McCain III. Now I may have never voted Republican and I may not always agreed with Senator McCain's policies. But I loved and respected this man, I just wish you all knew how much. I know that he's in God's loving arms, no longer in pain and now it peace. God bless Godspeed sweet sweet John 👼😇 Now my worries go to the McCain Clan and what they must face from now not having the "Maverick" Patriarch at the head of their family. But I know he raised his children well and Cindy is one heck of an awesome wife. please keep this family in your hearts prayers and thoughts tonight.... I'm sad to say under the three sentences of a tweet that the Man in the White House wrote his condolences. Many of those trumper's are saying the most horrendous things about this HERO. There was no apology for what the Man in the White House said about this HERO. It shows the character of them and him it does not tarnish the character in the HERO Senator John Sidney McCain III. And I sure hope that there is nobody that will come to this page and write anything wrong, nasty or mean-spirited about this Gentle Giant. Yes, he may have bucked establishment, voted the opposite of party, he may have voted across party lines..... But he believed in the fundamentals of this Country 🇺🇸. He fought very hard for this Country 🇺🇸. Please do not allow anyone to say hurtful things regarding the passing of Senator John McCain III. If it does happen please report them and their comment will be removed. God bless Senator John McCain III God bless his family and God bless America 🇺🇸 ✝ 🗽 💞 ✌

[@sp500educationalchart3]

Great Speech ...R.I.P

[@diskman3001]

He's not my favorite , but I respect him for doing this in his condition

[@pdias8469]

I feel you are watching over America. Your speech is effecting all over the world. Thank you and blessings eternally.

[@bentbehind]

It matters less to me a person's political label. What matters most if that person is willing to listen to others and is willing to find common ground. That's a true WIN.

[@antoniopadilla6343]

Thank you

[@CarlosMCruz-es9tm]

United We Stand, no one man can divide us. Thank you Senator.

[@CaliMtsnake]

It is good to see McCain make such a strong speech, after just coming from a serious surgery. McCain is right about working together in bipartisanship. Different parties working together is normal. Under Trump there have been attempts to create divisions amongst parties. McCain is a valued member of the senate, whether or not we always agree. Most will agree McCain is a survivor, a fighter, he has strong values. McCain is a stand up man, and has earned respect from various parties.

[@ruochenlin7994]

A decent and heart-felt speech. Sen. McCain is one of the few honest politicians left on the capitol hill. Too bad he chose Palin as his running mate in '08, though.

[@devina8812]

Damnit don’t cry. Don’t cry.

[@sircull4047]

This is what we hope our elected officials would act like.

[@humanonearth1]

Look, a man with guts and dignity who is still a Republican - it's like a unicorn. He doesn't want to go down with the disgraced GOP ship.

[@silverkitty2503]

He did what he damned well pleased and he tried to be the best American he could be.

[@stellacorolla4619]

I saw this man at the airport in Phoenix, and I was surprised how everyone looked at him with contempt.

[@jayatissa6028]

RIP John McCain

[@sierralvx]

John is so resilient, it's like nothing can take him down! He'll have one hell of a legacy, hope I can meet him soon!

[@leibstandartejager8582]

These Men are disappearing fast. Young ,listen, learn from these Men before it’s too late 🇩🇪

[@TheJwoodson]

Senator McCain deserves Americas respect. He did his time in Vietnam & was tortured in Vietnam camps for almost 6 years. Despite just having brain surgery he's on the senate floor. God bless him.

[@brilliantmagnus7262]

What a wonderful!!!!! U.S.A should be proud of yourself!! Because, You guys have a wonderful politician!! McCain!!!

[@sourdieselallday]

Didnt really like McCain till i heard this speech. Thats a leader.

[@oracleoracle2655]

Although I'm not generally a McCain fan I will have to say I agree with what he said about how far congress has gone off the rails. The House and Senate have both gotten away from legislating and pounding away until they come up with workable solutions. Instead the trend now, and for many years, has been to become much more partisan and hold secret meetings among each parties true believers in the interest of their careers and party platform. That is true on both sides of the isle. Yeah, McCain is now talking about times when he only served himself, probably because of the seriousness of his illness. Still, he did bring it up & own up to his participation in this nonsense. Get your asses to work, Senators, and remember what McCain said about the role of the Senate is absolutely right!

[@vincentparrella3424]

Whatever your Political views are,weather you agree or disagree with Mr McCain,He is one strong individual, Having Brain cancer and yet has the strength to get up and give a public address and sound extremely intelligent .

[@basvanderborg4524]

When I read in my newspaper McCain returned from Arizona to give this speech I wanted to hear this speech entirely. Luckily CNN has put it on KZbin. Following from Europe the American Politics I am very concerned about the division between Democrats and Republicans all the time. The continuing obstruction between the two parties. This senator underlines the importance of cooperation in legislation. America can be a great country and the speech of this senator prooves this.

[@BS-ni8ww]

RIP Senator. This country needs more like you or at least needs to listen to your advice.

[@lmo1389]

Praying for you!!

[@netcityradio]

Thank you Senator John McCain. -Will & Aly

[@pyroromancer]

The Senate can fix a lot of these problems if they didn't have the party assigned seating order. If the person sitting next to you has different or even opposing views your own view evolves towards unity. Act one, random seating assignments in the Senate please.

[@tsquipnottsquip5128]

If the "president" has you forgetting what it is to be a Man, take a moment and watch this speech. This is a fine example of what it is to be a Man.

[@lillianmatos1076]

Thank you, Senator John McCain R.I.P.

[@phoenixnoah8384]

An honorable man a Patriot a distinct politician whose sense of value triumphs in a senate of division. History will be kind to him .His sacrifices to the state will not be forgotten above all he accepted his flaws and that makes him a unique leader. May your family have the strength to face a world without you presence and may America always cherish your legacy.R.I.P John

[@balerjohnson3099]

The person in office feels that NFL players kneeling is unpatriotic . I feel kicking millions of people off of healthcare is far more offensive and unpatriotic .

[@edwardkirkhope9072]

I disagree profoundly with his politics but have great respect for him. Today there is too much shouting and snarling and not enough discussion and debate. When we disagree we should try to persuade and cajole. That is the art of politics. We may disagree on everything but let me try and persuade you and you me. Like him or loathe him listen to his words of wisdom. A dying man can speak much sense.

[@yellowking3307]

Truly a good man and a good statesman -- too bad the special interests got to him or he could've gotten much more accomplished. Still, he's one of the few politicians that still has a shred of integrity, so I wish him the best.

[@mackienzykahl]

John McCain's saying the right things at the right time. Good man, and has eatned my respect.

[@msetester3434]

commenting to a comment

[@dtc1091]

Rest In Peace to a true American hero! I fear that with your death , it’s also the death of compromise and bipartisanship. I pray it’s not

[@cairene]

I do not agree with most of his political positions but there was something about this man, his manner of speech which i find calming. Rest In Peace.

[@roprop3895]

he gave death a handshake its all *good*

[@Mrpolite5018]

so glad Senator McCain is doing better. Bless him a true model patriot

[@opfipip3711]

Wow! What a wise and real man he was! Humble and brave. Able to address his own shortcomings and failures. He was everything Donald Trump never was and unfortunately never will be. God bless America and help this country to end the presidency of Trump soon and heal the deep wounds he inflicted on this country.

[@AndrewDelisleTioenterprises]

Great message Senator!

[@Clarifier1]

Applaud the Senator for this speech and action that followed.

[@Gogetta80]

Always amazed to see how many people post comments without even watching the speech. He is not voting to take away people's health care, he wants the bill to be more transparent, wants open debate and to work with both parties.

[@jonathandaubin4968]

This was the voice of a patriot and true statesman emblematic of all ethical people.

[@alexandrostheodorou8387]

I always wondered what Ciceros speechs in the roman senate would look like. I guess this is it. I think future historians will look at this moment as the end the Republic and the beginning of authoritarianism.

[@kennejebessa2205]

we pray for you for long live !!!

[@monabear7287]

I miss this man. He chose Palin, he made mistskes, yes. He was human. BUT he believed in doing what was right and defending democracy.

[@enprise7335]

So what did you do make this great speech and then go vote yes with your buddies! I'm so impressed!

[@burp9067]

BRAVE, only way to describe him in a group of cowards.

[@henryriep4453]

it's not hard to find humility when faced with life or death

[@stevenmoens8047]

Like so many others, i preferred Barack Obama. But John McCain, if he’d been given the chance, would have been a zillion times better at being a President than He Who Shall Not Be Named.

[@anthonychaboude1548]

He would’ve been like Bush, a war hawk. He wanted total war. He would’ve, as Obama put it, continued bush’s wars and kill more innocent people

[@aviationandmore1]

Rest In Peace 😢

[@djvelocity]

I’ve seen documentaries about McCain and read books about the Republican Party despite the fact that I am a liberal, or as the Americans refer to it, a “democrat”, as I feel it is important to learn about subjects outside of our own field of view, lest we become trapped in a negative feedback loop of self aggrandizing propaganda which is sustained and nourished by those who we concur with. Despite what I have come to learn about the other side, I have not swayed from my position and although I am frequently in conflict in respect to my views with conservatives, this one particular conservative, Senator John McCain is one politician, no... one human being, whom I have the utmost respect for. This senator gave so much to his country and asked nothing in return. He is one of the greatest free and critical thinkers in the US senate and his presence should be appreciated whilst we still have an opportunity to witness and experience it. There will come a day of mourning for the US, it’s allies like Canada (where I am) and even its enemies when this great man passes, as McCain is and always has been a person who stood up for the rights and respectful treatment of all people, despite the differences those people may share with McCain and his vantage point of the political world. McCain experienced severe torture during his tour of Vietnam, so greatly in fact that post release as a prisoner of war, he never was able to raise his arms above his head, due to those limbs being broken again and again by his captors. McCain forgave these men and did not carry with him a hatred for the Vietnamese people, culture, or the country itself. This is a man who truly believes in his country, its ideologies and values, and in the good of humanity as a whole, to live and be inspired by each others successes, not by their failures. I cannot think of another politician of who I have more respect for than this man. A magnificent politician, but an even better person

[@markshevock8514]

Favorite John Mccain quote " Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly? Because Janet Reno is her father"

[@alonalkalai9505]

As a soldier, his actions are a lesson to future generations who wish to serve this country in the armed services. As a politician...I'm a bit conflicted. I mean he did do a lot of good stuff like bringing up that immigration bill, but he also did a few questionable things, like meeting with Syrian rebels(one of whom was Abu Bakr Al-baghdadi, the future leader of ISIS), and then betraying his constituents from an ad he had stating he was leading the charge to repeal and replace the ACA because "f*ck Donald Trump". Any thoughts are appreciated.

[@Ri5004]

Rest In Peace

[@JamesOfKS]

1:05 close captioning "was profoundly rewaterboarding" when speaking about his military service... how ironic.

[@lavernecoleman654]

Thank u McCain!

[@HCSR2]

"President McCain"... A short glimpse of what it could have been.

[@MorbidFable]

Regardless of your opinions on his policy, lets hope this man the best. He's an american legend. A model of a pure american.

[@paulosieck1907]

Did you remember to listen to his invaluable speech. He's voting NO and urging BIPARTISAN legislation. With gratitude, P.O.

[@Damion1204]

god bless you john macain for your service and grattitude for our country

[@stettan1754]

If it wasn't for Palin, he would had been president.

[@pspicer777]

I thought this was an excellent speech. He nailed the problems and has a perspective suitable for the problems of the current Senate. Maybe the brush with cancer has caused him to take a broader view of things.... either way a really good speech.

[@liquidsworrds3818]

A voice of reason for once. Papa bless

[@lavenderorange]

Jah Guide McCain ! Big Huge Peace

[@onnebschepp6170]

Great speech...but nothing changed

[@tommswiift1361]

People should get the same health care like what the congress, senators and POTUS get! this should solve all the problem

[@namigabbasov8190]

RIP