Reactions to Donald Trump’s comments on John McCain’s war record

Early Saturday at an event in Iowa, Donald Trump made inflammatory comments about Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) and his time as a prisoner of war during Vietnam.

“He’s a war hero because he was captured,” Trump said. “I like people who weren’t captured.”

Politicians and news-makers around the nation had a lot to say about the statement.

Former Texas governor Rick Perry to the New York Times:

“His comments have reached a new low in American politics. His attack on veterans make him unfit to be commander in chief of the U.S. Armed Forces, and he should immediately withdraw from the race for president.”

A senior Republican National Committee official also repudiated Mr. Trump’s remarks.

Sean Spicer, Republican National Committee’s chief strategist.

“Senator McCain is an American hero because he served his country and sacrificed more than most can imagine. Period. There is no place in our party or our country for comments that disparage those who have served honorably.”

Meghan McCain, the long-time senator’s daughter said the following on Twitter:

I can't believe what I am reading this morning. Horrified. Disgusted. There are no words.

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) July 18, 2015

I have a brother that just returned from Afghanistan a month ago, glad he can come home to this being said about his father and his service.

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) July 18, 2015

Other presidential candidates weighed in on Twitter, all siding with McCain.

.@SenJohnMcCain is an American hero, period.

— Rick Santorum (@RickSantorum) July 18, 2015

If there was ever any doubt that @realDonaldTrump should not be our commander in chief, this stupid statement should end all doubt.

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 18, 2015

Just told a crowd in Sioux City: @SenJohnMcCain is an American hero

— Scott Walker (@ScottWalker) July 18, 2015

Enough with the slanderous attacks. @SenJohnMcCain and all our veterans – particularly POWs have earned our respect and admiration.

— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) July 18, 2015

After Donald Trump spends six years in a POW camp, he can weigh in on John McCain's service

— Gov. Bobby Jindal (@BobbyJindal) July 18, 2015

Former Michigan congressman John Dingell summed up the situation with this.

If you told me in 08 that I'd be defending McCain from Trump on Twitter, I'd call you crazy. I'd also ask what Twitter was. But here we are.

— John Dingell (@JohnDingell) July 18, 2015