As Washington prepares for John McCain’s funeral Saturday at the National Cathedral, those looking at the arrangements can’t help but read into the apparent politics behind the late senator’s choice of speakers and pallbearers.
Most obviously, two former presidents are slated to give eulogies while one sitting president will be noticeably absent. McCain’s choice—and it was a deliberate choice—to have George W. Bush and Barack Obama speak doesn’t appear stem from a deep, personal friendship with either man and clearly was intended to send a message.
Obama was asked in April via a call arranged by advisers; McCain and Obama were not close, Zeleny wrote, and spoke rarely. Around the same time, Bush also received a call. Aides told CNN that both former presidents were surprised by the request, but both immediately agreed.
Notably absent from the final tribute ceremonies for U.S. Senator John McCain, who died last Saturday, is President Donald Trump.
McCain and Trump disagreed on a number of issues, including U.S. relations with Russia. Some analysts view the feud as emblematic of the clash of values within the Republican Party. White House Correspondent Patsy Widakuswara has this report.
