Campaign manager reads McCain’s final message to the American people

Sen. John McCain’s former campaign manager Rick Davis on Monday read the late Arizona Republican’s final statement to the American people Monday.

“These are John’s final words and the family’s asked that we present these to you today,” Davis said before he read McCain’s letter to America aloud. McCain died Saturday night of brain cancer.

McCain extolled the virtues of the United States in his final words, thanking the country.

{mosads}“To be connected to America’s causes: liberty, equal justice, respect for the dignity of all people, brings happiness more sublime than life’s fleeting pleasures,” McCain wrote. “Fellow Americans, that association has meant more to me than any other. I lived and died a proud American.”

“We are citizens of the world’s greatest republic, a nation of ideals, not blood and soil. We are blessed and are a blessing to humanity when we uphold and advance those ideals at home and in the world,” the 2008 GOP presidential nominee added.

Without mentioning President Trump by name, the late senator also went after errors he saw in American politics.

“We weaken our greatness when we confuse our patriotism with tribal rivalries that have sown resentment and hatred and violence in all the corners of the globe,” McCain wrote. “We weaken it when we hide behind walls rather than tear them down. When we doubt the power of our ideals, rather than trust them to be the great force for change they have always been.”

Ultimately, McCain urged Americans to persevere in the pursuit of their ideals.

He wrote, “Do not despair of our present difficulties but believe always in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here.”

“Americans never quit, we never surrender, we never hide from history. We make history. Farewell fellow Americans. God bless you and God bless America,” McCain wrote.