3 must-read reflections on the life of John McCain

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) was widely memorialized Sunday following his death Saturday. Here are three must-read reflections on McCain's life from those who knew him.

From McCain's fellow Arizonan, Sen. Jeff Flake (R), at The Washington Post:

"I am grateful for John McCain"

We may never see his like again, but it is his reflection of America that we need now more than ever. He was far too self-deprecating to ever have thought of himself as just such a towering figure, so I will go ahead and say it. He showed us who we are and who we can be when we are at our best. [Jeff Flake via The Washington Post]

From former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.), McCain's partner in campaign finance reform, at The New York Times:

"John McCain was a committed leader. He was also really fun."

His fundamental respect for diverging viewpoints, his willingness to befriend people from different parties and philosophies, his intense desire not for political dominance but to get things done, and yes, his sense of humor, would have served our divided nation and fraught world well. John McCain, to paraphrase Teddy Roosevelt, had the heart to demand joy in life. [Russ Feingold via The New York Times]

And from John Lehman, who advised McCain's 2008 campaign, at The Wall Street Journal:

"A life of service, lived with good-natured irreverence"

[W]hen McCain was diagnosed with brain cancer and began the long ordeal of his treatment, his character was undiminished. He always bore a laconic smile and frequently offered wisecracks, invariably comforted his many visitors, and occasionally hurled verbal thunderbolts at his former adversaries. ... He showed not a tinge of apprehension about his next great adventure. [John Lehman via The Wall Street Journal]

Read other remembrances from McCain's family, friends, and erstwhile political foes here.