The Atlantic

What John McCain Would Say About Putin and Ukraine

The late senator would have rallied the West to embrace its obligation to advance the cause of freedom and justice in the world.
Source: Andrew Harrer / Bloomberg / Getty; Alexei Nikolsky / TASS / Getty; The Atlantic

Usually I’m reluctant to put words in the mouth of my late employer, Senator John McCain, other than those he instructed me to write at some point during our long association. Yet since his death I have so missed not only his company, but his voice in our national affairs, that I have at times been tempted to conjure it from my knowledge of the values and views that animated his distinctive appeals to Americans and the world.

I wanted to hear him during President Donald Trump’s two impeachment trials. I wanted to hear him react to the travesty of January 6. I wanted to hear him when the United States abruptly withdrew its forces from Afghanistan. And I want to hear him summon Americans and.

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