Both leaders praised McCain for making them “better” and embodying the virtue of placing country over party, the stunning contrast between the unifying ceremony and an outcast Trump only highlighted the astonishing state of US politics.
President Donald Trump himself was notably absent — fleeing the capital to head to one of his golf courses in Virginia just as eulogies to McCain were being delivered.
Millions of Americans, friends and well-wishers tuned in to the nationally televised memorial attended by almost all of Washington’s past and present powerbrokers.
The casket of the late US Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona, is carried out after the National Memorial Service at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, September 1, 2018.
SAUL LOEB / AFP
Former US President Barack Obama speaks during a memorial service for US Senator John McCain at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, on September 1, 2018.
SAUL LOEB / AFP
Former US President George W. Bush speaks during a memorial service for US Senator John McCain at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, on September 1, 2018.
SAUL LOEB / AFP 2
Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry exits following the funeral service for the late Senator John McCain at the Washington National Cathedral, September 1, 2018 in Washington, DC. Former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush are set to deliver eulogies for McCain in front of the 2,500 invited guests. McCain will be buried on Sunday at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery. Drew Angerer/Getty Images/AFP 1
Meghan McCain, daughter of US Senator John McCain, speaks during a memorial service for her father at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, on September 1, 2018.
SAUL LOEB / AFP
With Cindy McCain in the center, family members of the late Senator John McCain look on as his casket arrives at the Washington National Cathedral for the funeral service for McCain, September 1, 2018 in Washington, DC. Former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush are set to deliver
Honor Guards carry the casket of Senator John McCain out of the Washington National Cathedral for the funeral service for the late Senator John McCain, September 1, 2018 in Washington, DC. Former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush delivered eulogies for McCain in front of the 2,500 invited guests. McCain will be buried on Sunday at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery. Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images/AFP