I started work on a book about Senator John McCain shortly after Trump started mocking him publicly. As I began my research, I already knew enough about McCain to realize these attacks were loathsome and undeserved. But as I dug deeper, I learned incredible details about McCain's life. I was particularly moved by his heroism as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.
When he could have gone home, he chose to stay and endure torture. Why? Because leaving would have meant accepting special treatment. It would have meant abandoning his fellow American prisoners.
McCain's politics didn't align with my own. But I have the greatest respect for him.