If John McCain had as many supporters in 2008 as he has had since his death on Saturday, he would have easily saved the nation from having to go through eight years of Barack Obama.

Senator McCain (R-Arizona) served his country during the Vietnam conflict and spent years in a prisoner of war camp while many of his generation were hot-footing it to Canada. Donald Trump, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton were granted deferments, while Bernie Sanders was a conscientious objector. Clinton allegedly protested the war while on foreign soil. Bush served in the Air National Guard.

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McCain's service was honorable, and should be commended and respected. Period. But a decade of a man's life does not define the man. McCain spent many more years in the U.S. Senate than he did in the military. It is there that my disagreements with McCain arose.

McCain has often been referred to as a "maverick," which is defined by Merriam-Webster as "an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party." In other words, McCain voted often with the Democrats against party ideals. He infuriated many within his party by breaking ranks on some key issues.

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McCain selected Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be his vice presidential running mate in 2008, and then refused to defend her when the media and the left began to mercilessly tear her to shreds. They destroyed her and McCain didn't lift a finger to help her. That was wrong.

McCain was a "Never Trumper," and when made fun of during the 2016 campaigns by candidate Trump, he held a grudge and was the vote that defeated the repeal of Obamacare. McCain put his grudge ahead of the interest of the people of his own state, who experienced some of the worse suffering as a result of the failed government healthcare system.

McCain, though no longer healthy enough to travel, refused to resign his Senate seat, denying Arizona voters full representation in Congress and jeopardizing the vote to confirm U.S. Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh.

I was never much of a fan of John McCain's, though I do appreciate and honor his service to his country. Like many others of both parties, McCain stayed too long in Congress, and by doing so, prevented others from having a chance.

Rest in peace, Senator McCain, and thanks for your service to your country.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author. 

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