Former US presidents swipe at Trump as they honour John McCain
Washington — Two ex-presidents from opposing parties united on Saturday to honour US senator John McCain, in a momentous funeral that championed his aspirations of political comity but also rebuked the tribalism and division of President Donald Trump. As millions tuned in to the nationally televised memorial attended by the breadth of Washington power brokers, Trump himself was notably absent — leaving the capital to head to his golf club in Virginia just when eulogies to McCain were being delivered. While Republican George W Bush and Democrat Barack Obama offered subtle swipes at the commander-in-chief, McCain’s daughter Meghan used the words of Trump’s campaign slogan to deliver a searing, unmistakable rebuke. "The America of John McCain has no need to be made great again because America was always great," she said, to extended applause. As Bush and Obama praised McCain for repeatedly placing country over party or self, the stunning contrast between the unifying ceremony under the...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.