White House owes McCain family apology

Senator’s service is worthy of respect, not distasteful comment

The White House needs to take a firmer stand against inappropriate comments and behavior from its staff members.

The most recent example is perhaps also the toughest for Arizonans.

White House official Kelly Sadler was discussing Ariz. Sen. John McCain’s opposition to President Trump’s pick for CIA director during a closed-door communications staff meeting. Sadler allegedly commented that McCain’s perspective “doesn’t matter” because “he’s dying anyway.”

According to the Associated Press, “The White House did not dispute the remark. In a statement, they said, ‘We respect Senator McCain’s service to our nation and he and his family are in our prayers during this difficult time.’”

McCain has been a vocal opponent of the Trump administration, and it is fair to either agree or disagree with the political perspectives of both men. However, McCain has also dedicated his life to serving his country. A Navy pilot, he was held as a prisoner of war between 1967 and 1973, tortured and beaten by the North Vietnamese.

He has spent three decades in the U.S. Senate, and was the 2008 Republican presidential nominee.

Instead of staying strictly within party lines, McCain has used his time in office to make the votes he feels best serve our nation as a whole — essentially, voting country over party, a testament to his bravery and dedication to this country.

Now, he’s fighting for his life against glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Sadler’s comments are indicative of a White House where respect for others seems to be lacking.

McCain and President Trump have long disagreed, but comments such as this one cross a line that should not be broached. The White House should take responsibility for its staff members, especially in situations such as these.

Ultimately, the comment — and the lack of apology — speaks volumes to a lack of decency, class and compassion, both on the part of the staffer and the White House.

Sen. John McCain, and our nation as a whole, deserves better.