McCain Institute
@McCainInstitute
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Fighting for democracy, human dignity, and security
Washington, DC
Joined May 2012
48 years ago today, John McCain was released after 5 1/2 years of captivity as a POW in North Vietnam. We’re forever grateful for all those who have served a cause greater than themselves.
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Hate and violence in politics cannot continue to be tolerated. In 2008, John McCain showed us that you can maintain dignity and respect for your political opponents despite having disagreements. We should all take a moment to rewatch this video today.
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On this day in 2008, Sen. McCain put civility over politics—shutting down false claims about his opponent during a town hall-style campaign event and defending then-Senator Obama as “a decent family man citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with.”
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Today marks six years since the passing of Senator John McCain. His legacy remains one of country over party, civility, and service over self. May his exemplary leadership live on to influence the next generation of character-driven leaders.
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7 years ago, Sen. John McCain delivered a speech at the @MunSecConf warning world leaders about the dangers of isolationism & underscoring the strengths of America’s presence on the world stage. His message is all too relevant 7 years later & his presence is greatly missed.
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14 years ago John McCain gave a historic concession speech demonstrating his belief in country over party. Now more than ever, the acceptance of election results is imperative to the preservation of democracy. Sen. McCain’s words continue to unite, inspire, and honor America.
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The McCain Institute is proud to now bear the name of a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient as Senator John McCain will be posthumously awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor by his friend President Joe Biden.
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"The widespread and bipartisan mourning of McCain’s passing is itself a harbinger of a new era in American politics, when those who have already served their country in battle serve it again as civilians." - @nfergus on John McCain's leadership legacy.
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JUST ANNOUNCED: The McCain Institute is proud to welcome Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili as its 2025 Kissinger Fellow. Learn more: @Zourabichvili_S
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The McCain Institute supports the people of Hong Kong in their ongoing quest to secure their freedom, democracy and independence, and joins @SecPompeo who said, “The United States condemns the arrest of pro-democracy advocates in Hong Kong.” (1/5).
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@Kasparov63 @vali_nasr @USAmbHungary @EvelynNFarkas @Renew_Democracy @SAISHopkins “The moment the Putin regime collapses in Moscow, you will see many positive changes.” -@Kasparov63.
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55 years ago, John McCain’s A-4 Skyhawk was shot down over Trúc Bach Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam where he was then taken as a Vietnamese Prisoner of War for over five years.
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.@CindyMcCain: “He left us our instructions. stay busy, serve causes greater than ourselves, stay in the arena, pick fights with the bad guys, and keep faith with the little guys.”
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A devastating timeline of China’s blatant disregard for Hong Kong’s constitutional law via @washingtonpost. Pro-democracy advocates in Hong Kong need to know that the free world is on their side.
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"The U.S. must not stand aloof. Let us double down our efforts to expose Kremlin corruption and human rights abuses. Let us slam the door on laundering of money stolen from the Russian people." -Sens. Humphrey & Lieberman via @thehill
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“There can be no doubt anymore that Beijing is determined to dismantle what remains of Hong Kong’s freedoms… to ensure that Hong Kong is autonomous only in name.”
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We are thrilled to announce the board of trustees elected a new Chair of the Board, @cindymccain! Read more:
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A dozen #HongKong democracy activists were detained on Sunday by the Chinese government while they were on route to #Taiwan seeking to flee persecution. #StandWithHongKong .
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The world is now witnessing exactly what Sen. John McCain knew all along: Vladimir Putin will try to destroy the world’s democratic institutions with no remorse or regard for human life. Even years after, Sen. McCain’s words are more relevant than ever. #Ukraine #StandWithUkraine
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“Any effort to impose draconian national security legislation on Hong Kong would be inconsistent with Beijing’s promises, and would impact American interests there.”- @SecPompeo #StandWithHongKong
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The world is outraged by China’s authoritarian crackdown on Hong Kong, and sees it for the weak, fearful move it is. We #StandWithHongKong and the pro-democracy leaders refusing to give up the fight #FreedomofSpeech. Via @joshuawongcf @KwongGlacier
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One year ago today, America lost its most well-known Maverick. We are proud to remember and further his legacy of finding common ground, even when the odds are steep. To honor Sen. McCain, what #ActsOfCivility will you take to reach out to those you may disagree with?
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America has lost its most well-known Maverick. And it’s a position we need to fill. Today we begin a journey to rally all people to stand up and to serve a cause greater than themselves. Get in the arena. #MavericksNeeded.
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@Kasparov63 @vali_nasr @USAmbHungary @EvelynNFarkas @Renew_Democracy @SAISHopkins “Dictators always lie about what they have done, but they very often tell us exactly what they’re going to do.” -@Kasparov63.
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Rhetoric like this towards pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong should serve as a reminder that the Chinese Communist Party has zero plans to hold anything other than a show-trial later this month. #StandWithHongKong
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On this day in 1973, John McCain’s time as a Prisoner of War in Vietnam came to an end as he was released from the Hanoi Hilton after 5.5 years in captivity. The torture he endured during this time would drive him to fight for human rights throughout his political career & life.
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We are proud join our partners in the fight against #HumanTrafficking with a message to those spreading QAnon lies: You don’t score political points on the backs of survivors. You don’t lie about human trafficking to scare voters. #FreedomNeedsTruth
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.@cindymccain on what comes next: 'Get Into the Arena and Fight' . "It is now up to us — all of us — to get into the arena and fight. We can lead, we can support, we can contribute, we can donate — but we must do something.".
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We call for the immediate release of Alexei @Navalny. In December 2016, Senator John McCain stated from Tbilisi that “…Vladimir Putin - unless we stand up to him - will continue his aggression…”. America must lead against this political motivated violation of human rights.
While Alexei @navalny is held in Moscow's Matrosskaya Tishina prison, his colleagues release the list of Kremlin officials and oligarchs who he believes should be sanctioned by Western democracies. Eligible candidates indeed.
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50 years ago today, Sen. John McCain was released from Hoa Lo Prison after spending 5 ½ years as a POW. Sen. McCain was offered release a year after his capture but refused, sticking to the POW code that says troops must accept release in the order in which they are captured.
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(1/8) The McCain Institute supports the 14 #HongKong pro-#democracy leaders who were unjustly arrested last month and are scheduled to face trial on Monday, May 18. #StandWithHongKong.
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The search is on for people who serve causes greater than themselves. Join the movement: @cindymccain
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On this day in 2016, Senator John McCain spent his New Year's Eve with Ukrainian troops, declaring on Twitter, "We stand w/ them in their fight against #Putin's aggression."
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On July 25, 2017, Senator John McCain returned to the Senate after being diagnosed with Glioblastoma & gave a passionate speech on a return to decency & collaboration. Today, we remember his leadership & hope for a bright, bipartisan future. Full remarks:
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On this day in 1967, Sen. McCain’s plane was shot down over Hanoi, Vietnam, which led to his capture and imprisonment for over 5 years. While a POW, Sen. McCain stood for the rights of all prisoners—refusing freedom until all U.S. captives were released.
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Today we remember Senator John McCain’s lifetime of service to our country. Thank you, Senator McCain. May your exemplary leadership live on to influence the next generation of character-driven leaders. #ServiceOverSelf #LegacyOfLeadership #JohnMcCain
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Today marks 16 years since Russia’s 2008 invasion of Georgia. The McCain Institute continues to condemn Russia’s unjust actions and stands with the people of Georgia. As Sen. McCain said in a 2008 campaign speech, “Today, we are all Georgians.” Watch his remarks:
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54 years ago, John McCain’s A-4 was shot down over Hanoi, Vietnam. After being recovered by the Vietnamese, he became a Prisoner of War for over 5 years. The horrors he endured were the basis for the beliefs he would voice during his career, including the fight against torture.
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With a lifetime of memories to choose from when remembering his father, @McCainJack tells us about a hiking trip through the Grand Canyon in 2007 and Senator McCain’s deep appreciation for Arizona’s natural landscape. #McCainMemories
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Four years ago today, we lost a great Senator, friend, father, husband and Maverick. Please join us in remembering the incomparable life and legacy of Senator John McCain. #McCainMemories
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“One day, many years from now, when freedom has won its ultimate triumph over tyranny and darkness, historians of the future will remember George Shultz and one of the finest authors of that success.”- Sen. McCain
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In honor of Sen. McCain’s birthday month, we’re kicking off a month-long reflection on the life, legacy, & impact of Sen. John McCain. Join us as we celebrate his proud legacy of truth against falsehood, freedom against tyranny, right against injustice, & hope against despair.
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We recognize #WorldPressFreedomDay with the timely words of Sen. John McCain: “If you want to preserve democracy as we know it, you have to have a free & many times adversarial press. Without it, I am afraid that we would lose so much of our individual liberties over time.”
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On October 3, 1789, President George Washington issued a proclamation naming Thursday, November 26, 1789, a holiday of sincere and humble thanks. Today, we honor our forefathers and share our gratitude for what America represents: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
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Sen. McCain visited @yadvashem in #Israel in 2008 and stated its importance “of remembrance of man’s inhumanity to man, and a remembrance to the courage, bravery and sustainability of the human spirit.” @McCainInstitute Will Never Forget #HolocaustMemorialDay #WeRemember
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Today we pause to remember both the innocent lives lost 19 years ago and the character-driven leadership shown both that day and in the crucial days that followed.
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.@EvelynNFarkas at #MIGlobal: “We shouldn’t tie the Ukrainians’ hands & tell them where or how they should use the weaponry we’re giving them… I’m more willing to take risks b/c we want Ukraine to win. We are providing them with longer-range artillery—use it.” @MilkenInstitute
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On Wednesday, the United States imposed financial sanctions on 24 Chinese officials for undermining Hong Kong’s #democratic freedoms.
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Seven years ago, Sen. McCain received the Liberty Medal for his contribution to the fight for freedom. The medal was presented by his former Senate colleague Joe Biden. In his speech, Sen. McCain discussed their friendship & shared commitment to putting country over party.
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The Maduro regime is afraid of what a free and fair election in Venezuela would say about their failed leadership. Defenders of freedom & democracy everywhere should stand with Venezuela and against human rights abusers like Maduro and his cronies.
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Our shared values, which Senator McCain spent his life fighting for #InTheArena, will only be advanced by individuals who lead by example, and taking selfless action in favor of human rights, democracy, freedom, and service. Who inspires you to be #InTheArena?
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This #VeteransDay, we give thanks to those who have served our country, and we proudly continue Sen. McCain’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices and legacies of our brave servicemen and women. #VeteransDay2023
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The McCain Institute is excited to share that Arizona's @GovernorHobbs has signed a proclamation recognizing August 25–31 as John McCain Democracy Week. Read the full proclamation:
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.@jkirchick talks about @SenJohnMcCain's global impact with this @weeklystandard piece on Georgia and #democracy:
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In honor of Senator John McCain, we declare next week as #ActsOfCivility week! We encourage you to take part and share how you are bridging the divide between you and others in your everyday life. Let us know how you are acting civil!
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On this day in 2017, Sen. McCain returned to the Senate floor for the first time since receiving his cancer diagnosis. He urged his colleagues to put ego aside, trust each other more, & rise above partisan politics. His message is as impactful today as it was seven years ago.
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UK’s @theresa_may inaugural recipient of McCain Institute’s “In The Arena” award for her character and global leadership in seeking to eradicate modern slavery. @cindymccain #InTheArena
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The disintegration of Hong Kong’s core #democraticvalues has emboldened mainland-establishment lawmakers to propose the placement of video cameras in schools to monitor subversive language. READ MORE… .
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We’re proud to welcome @nathanlawkc, the youngest elected lawmaker in Hong Kong, to talk about standing up to the tyranny and oppression of Xi Jinping’s CCP. Join Nathan and David Kramer’s #SedonaForum21 panel at 10:45am ET
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"Recent events in London, Washington and Beijing show how human rights sanctions are likely to play an important role in shaping international relations in the coming years." . Read why 11 years later, Sergei Magnitsky still matters
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Today marks 51 years since John McCain was released from Vietnam after 5.5 years as a POW. His years in captivity helped form Sen. McCain’s future political role as an advocate for human rights & champion of legislation to end the practice of torture & “enhanced interrogation.”
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The release of @vkaramurza, Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, & others unjustly held is a victory for freedom & human dignity. We are relieved by the exchange yet remain concerned by Kremlin’s continued imprisonment of others. Read more:
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After being diagnosed with glioblastoma six days prior, Senator McCain returned to the Senate floor on July 25, 2017, and gave an inspiring speech about serving a cause greater than oneself. His words resonate just as strongly today.
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Final message from U.S. soldier killed in Afghanistan to his fellow Americans: Vote
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(8/8) We look forward to the day when Hong Kongers can live without fear of persecution from the Chinese government for expressing their desire for freedom and democracy.
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6 years ago today, Sen. John McCain warned world leaders at the 2017 Munich Security Conference about isolationism. In response to authoritarianism, McCain believed in the United States as a mantle for global leadership and freedom. In 2023, his words resonate more than ever.
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Sanctioning those responsible for a the authoritarian crackdown of Hong Kong’s freedoms is a good start. The world must continue to #StandWithHongKong
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@Kasparov63 @vali_nasr @USAmbHungary @EvelynNFarkas @Renew_Democracy @SAISHopkins “It’s not a war against Ukraine, it’s a war against the free world… Either Ukraine wins or we all lose.” -@Kasparov63.
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A former McCain staffer shared this photo from the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. The picture is from Sen. McCain supporting protestors in Maidan Square in 2013, which he said was one of the most extraordinary days of his life. We are proud to see this photo displayed in Kyiv today.
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Today, we honor the memory of opposition leader and friend of Senator McCain, Boris Nemtsov, who was murdered outside the Kremlin eight years ago. “Boris told the truth, and we must honor his memory by speaking these same truths fearlessly.”.
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On behalf of the McCain Institute for International Leadership, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Senator McCain. It is with great pride and responsibility that the Institute carries the McCain family name and continues his fight for human rights, security, and democracy.
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We call on Georgian authorities to promptly release former Georgian President Mikheil #Saakashvili and transfer him to a medical facility abroad to receive proper medical treatment. #SaveSaakashvili
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Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Secretary Colin Powell as we mourn his passing. Secretary Powell was an inspiring leader, trailblazer, and a soldier's soldier. He served our country with honor for over four decades. He will be missed.
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The murder of Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna in a Russian prison is shocking and saddening, but not surprising. Roshchyna is now the 13th journalist to die due to their work since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. The Kremlin’s attacks on free speech.
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Congratulations to the 2024 graduates of the U.S. @NavalAcademy. In his 1993 Naval Academy commencement address, Sen. McCain, a 1958 graduate of the Academy, shared that the people he admired the most “made their living at sea in defense of their country's cause.”
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POW/MIA Recognition Day honors those who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action. We continue to remember their sacrifice and we will always stand with the families.
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The @McCainInstitute, @TheBushCenter, & @freedomhouse call on the U.S. & European allies to immediately impose travel restrictions & sanctions against those responsible for undermining the Republic of Georgia’s democratic development in favor of authoritarianism. Read more:
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Today, on Ukraine’s Independence Day, we celebrate the strength, dignity, and resilience of the Ukrainian people. The McCain Institute remains firmly behind Ukraine as they fight for freedom, democracy, and human rights. #СлаваУкраїні 🇺🇦
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On Feb. 22, at 11 AM ET, join us for our next installment of #ConversationsWithSecretaryEsper featuring @MarkTEsper and Jaushieh Joseph Wu of @MOFA_Taiwan. Register now for this discussion on the Indo-Pacific region & the growing threat of #China:
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In these challenging times, we miss Sen. McCain’s voice and #CharacterDrivenLeadership more than ever. Our resolve and efforts are stronger than ever toward service above self, freedom and human dignity for all.
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“His point was that personal prestige, vanity and individual glory is fleeting; what really counts and is noticed and remembered are values and causes one stood for in life.”
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Amb. @cindymccain: “It’s a great honor for President Joe Biden to be here in Tempe, Arizona today to make the announcement of his Administration’s support for the establishment of the library.” Read more:
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Before Super Tuesday 2000, Senator McCain delivered this powerful message about the threat of political intolerance. #courage #character.
Tomorrow: 20th anniv McCain “agents of intolerance" speech:."Political tactics of division & slander are not our values. Corrupting influences on religion & politics. those who practice them in name of religion, Republican Party, name of America shame our faith, party, country."
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“The use of torture compromises that which most distinguishes us from our enemies, our belief that all people, even captured enemies, possess basic human rights.”- John McCain on the release of a senate report on the CIA’s former interrogation program.
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.@cindymccain with Lord Powell of Bayswater, Chairman of UK's Atlantic Partnership, and McCain Institute Exec Dir @kvolker. Mrs. McCain thanked members of the partnership for their friendship, and updated them on how the Institute is carrying the Senator's legacy forward.
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We are at our best when we see our commonalities before our differences. Senator McCain understood that the future we want for ourselves is no different from that of our neighbors. Who taught you what it means to be a character-driven leader #InTheArena?.
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How can we #DefendDemocracy and meet the challenge of Putin’s Russia head on? @SenatorMenendez, @v_milov and @RepKinzinger join @billbrowder at #SedonaForum21 to talk all things Russia:
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At 9:45am ET, the #SedonaForum21 will welcome President @jguaido of Venezuela to discuss how to solve the complex humanitarian emergencies abroad, and how accountability and transparency to create a more responsive government:
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Statement from the McCain Institute on recent reports of unaccompanied children in the United States
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On #WorldRefugeeDay, the McCain Institute recognizes the 69 million individuals who have become displaced from their native countries. No one decides to become a refugee, but the rest of us must decide how we can support those in need of asylum.
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May John McCain’s presidential concession speech 16 years ago be a reminder of what unites us as Americans and our shared goal of a free, prosperous, and safe nation. “I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in… offering our next president our good will and earnest
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38 years ago today, John McCain was elected to represent Arizona in the U.S. Senate. Throughout six terms in Congress, Senator McCain established himself as a bipartisan negotiator, champion for the people of Arizona, protector of democracy and diplomacy, and advocate for
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"Much has and will be written about McCain’s military courage, his patriotism, his famed bipartisanship and his unimpeachable personal decency. His long-standing position on Russia deserves a special tribute." - @vkaramurza, Russian democracy activist.
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Throughout this week of his birthday, we will celebrate the life and achievements of Sen. McCain and share memories of the Maverick as told by his colleagues, staff members, and peers. Join us in honoring the man that was, above all else, #UnwaveringAndUnequalled.
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What President Bush said then is just as true today. “that what made America great is respect for religious freedom and zero tolerance for hate crimes against innocent people.”
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John McCain was right about Vladimir Putin’s nefarious intentions and his revanchist disregard for Europe’s post-Soviet democracies. Senator McCain’s legacy guides our work, which includes supporting those on the frontlines of the fight for democracy like @vkaramurza.
Back in 2014, John McCain fully predicted Putin's next moves. "Not to provoke Putin is to show weakness, which will 100% provoke Putin"."A developing and democratic Ukraine is a threat to Putin's power"."He will try to cut more Ukraine and then Baltics"
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