John McCain’s Son Backs Kamala Harris Over Donald Trump: Here’s Why

Jim McCain, the son of the late U.S. Senator John McCain, has announced his support for Vice President Kamala Harris, explicitly backing her over former President Donald Trump. This endorsement, coming from a member of the notable McCain family, carries significant weight due to his father’s long-standing reputation and influence in Arizona politics.

The announcement follows a controversial incident involving the Trump campaign at Arlington National Cemetery, where a staffer attempted to halt what was deemed inappropriate campaign activities during a wreath-laying service honoring one of the 13 U.S. soldiers who lost their lives during the withdrawal from Afghanistan. McCain described the act as disrespectful and an affront to all those interred at the cemetery.

In an interview with The Arizona Republic, McCain expressed his outrage, stating, “The part that drives me the most insane is that those men and women at that cemetery don’t get an opinion. They have passed away. They don’t get a political opinion. There are three generations of McCains buried there.” He emphasized the sanctity of Arlington, saying, “It’s a very sacred place, not only to myself but to every veteran. The point of Arlington is to honor and remember the brothers and sisters who have given their lives in service to their country — the ultimate sacrifice. Whether or not Trump was invited, it is a place of memorialization, and there are rules against having a campaign stop.”

Until recently, Jim McCain identified as an independent voter but officially registered as a Democrat after returning from a nine-month deployment with the Arizona National Guard. He clarified that his political stance is his own and not reflective of his entire family; however, his mother, Cindy McCain, also voiced her concern regarding the Arlington incident.

The Trump campaign did not reply to requests for comment, but a spokesperson characterized the staffer’s behavior as “a disgrace,” attributing it to a “mental health episode.” Meanwhile, Jim’s sister, Meghan McCain, reaffirmed her Republican identity, stating that politics does not hinder familial ties. “I greatly respect the wide variety of political opinions of all my family members and love them all very much,” she wrote on social media. “However, I remain a proud member of the Republican Party and hope for brighter days ahead. (Not voting for Harris or Trump, hope that clears things up).”

Jim McCain’s endorsement of Harris does not come as a total surprise. His mother, Cindy, had previously endorsed President Joe Biden in the 2020 election, which reflected a growing rift between the McCains and Trump, particularly given Trump’s longstanding hostility towards John McCain that persisted even after his death in 2018.

While Jim McCain acknowledged the personal hurt stemming from Trump’s attacks against his father, he voiced optimism in Harris’s ability to unite the country. He emphasized that his support is rooted in a desire for a collaborative approach to governance. “What Kamala Harris is trying to do is unite this country, and that’s what I believe she can do with [Minnesota Governor] Tim Walz,” he stated. “What I tell people is it’s country first.” This sentiment echoes the campaign theme of his father’s 2008 presidential bid.

Jim believes that fostering unity is essential for the nation’s continued greatness, saying, “We’re the greatest country in the world. Let’s keep that going, but we can’t do it divided. It’s a new breath of life into politics. It’s what I feel like a lot of people were waiting for.”

Cindy McCain’s endorsement of Biden in 2020 proved significant for his narrow win in Arizona, and Jim McCain indicated that he may campaign for Harris, hoping to achieve a similar impact. “I’ve put a ton of thought into this,” he said. “I’ve really looked inside and what I feel is best for the country. Impact or not, at this moment, what I’m really thinking about is perhaps my opinion could help someone else who is considering this way.”

As for his motivations, Jim McCain noted, “It begins with the treatment of my father, but it’s not just all that. This isn’t the words of a resentful man who’s angry about some bad words said about his father. It’s from then on; his actions.”

McCain generally seeks to maintain a low profile, often avoiding the public attention associated with his family’s political history. However, he has occasionally stepped into the spotlight, notably in 2022 when he publicly criticized Republican candidate Kari Lake for disparaging his father during her gubernatorial campaign, despite their previous friendship.

He has so far refrained from declaring support for U.S. Representative Ruben Gallego, who is challenging Lake for the Senate seat held by retiring Senator Kyrsten Sinema.

Source: Arizona Republic