The Atlantic

George W. Bush’s Eulogy for John McCain

During a memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral, the former president delivered a tribute to the late Arizona senator, whose bid for the presidency he blocked in 2000.
Source: Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP

On Saturday morning, former President George W. Bush delivered a tribute to his erstwhile campaign rival John McCain. The two men ran against each other in the Republican presidential primary in 2000, though McCain ultimately lost to Bush. Earlier this year, McCain asked Bush and former President Barack Obama, who ended McCain's second bid for the presidency, to deliver eulogies at his memorial service.

Below, the full text of Bush’s remarks as delivered.

Cindy and the McCain family, I am honored to be with you, to offer my sympathies, and to celebrate a great life. The nation joins your extraordinary family in grief and gratitude for

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