McCain praises Bush for ‘reminding us’ of American values

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) praised former President George W. Bush on Thursday for “reminding us of the values that have made America a beacon of hope for all” in his speech earlier in the day.

Bush’s earlier Thursday speech focused on democracy and freedom. He also said the U.S. needs to accept globalization and reject white supremacy.

“Important speech by my friend, President George W. Bush today, reminding us of the values that have made America a beacon of hope for all,” McCain tweeted.

Important speech by my friend, President George W. Bush today, reminding us of the values that have made America a beacon of hope for all.

— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) October 19, 2017

{mosads}In his remarks at a security forum in New York City sponsored by the George W. Bush Institute, Bush said “bigotry seems emboldened” in today’s political landscape.

While some critics of President Trump heard Bush’s speech as thinly-veiled criticism of the Trump administration, the former president did not mention Trump by name and a spokesman denied the connection.

McCain on Monday blasted emerging “half-baked, spurious nationalism” in the U.S.

Following the GOP senator’s remarks, the president warned McCain that he would “fight back, and it won’t be pretty.” McCain and Trump have been at political odds for months.