Joe Biden Reportedly Lobbied John McCain Ahead Of Crucial Obamacare Repeal Vote
Former Vice President Joe Biden personally lobbied Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) before the senator cast a crucial vote taking down a Republican attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act, according to The Washington Post.
The call between the two was emotional, according to the Post. McCain was recently diagnosed with the same kind of brain cancer that Biden’s son Beau died of in 2015. Joe Biden served in the Senate from 1972 until 2008, while McCain has been a senator since 1987.
While Biden lobbied McCain, former President Barack Obama remained quiet on the issue as the Senate was on the verge of dismantling a core piece of his legacy (An Obama spokesman did release a statement after the Republican effort failed on Friday.).
Former Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.), a close friend of McCain, also lobbied him to oppose the bill, according to the Post.
McCain joined Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) to kill a GOP effort to eliminate key provisions of the Affordable Care Act. Republicans had hoped that by passing the bill, they could begin conference negotiations with the House over the lower chamber’s legislation to get rid of the Affordable Care Act.
President Donald Trump used Twitter Saturday morning to urge Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to eliminate a 60-vote threshold to advance legislation. The health care bill, however, only needed a simple majority of 51 votes to pass, which Republicans couldn’t muster.
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Melania and I send our thoughts and prayers to Senator McCain, Cindy, and their entire family. pic.twitter.com/SO4XYgnyug
— President Trump (@POTUS) July 20, 2017
John McCain is an American hero & one of the bravest fighters I've ever known. Cancer doesn't know what it's up against. Give it hell, John.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 20, 2017
John and I have been friends for 40 years. He's gotten through so much difficulty with so much grace. He is strong - and he will beat this.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 20, 2017
John McCain is as tough as they come. Thinking of John, Cindy, their wonderful children, & their whole family tonight.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 20, 2017
.@SenJohnMcCain is a hero to our Conference and a hero to our country. pic.twitter.com/Ld2lQH1mMn
— Leader McConnell (@SenateMajLdr) July 20, 2017
.@SenJohnMcCain has always been a warrior. It's who he is. All of us, not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans, are behind him. pic.twitter.com/B6iDpPultM
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) July 20, 2017
.@SenJohnMcCain is a hero, a patriot and a fighter. I am privileged to call him a friend. Paul & I pray for his recovery and his family.
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) July 20, 2017
As he’s shown his entire life, don’t bet against John McCain. Best wishes to him for a swift recovery.
— Bill Clinton (@billclinton) July 20, 2017
Following is a statement by @GeorgeHWBush on @SenJohnMcCain. pic.twitter.com/x8kIStWz7p
— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) July 20, 2017
Hang in there @SenJohnMcCain. You're tough! You can beat this. Fight, fight, fight! I am proud to call you my friend.
— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) July 20, 2017
To say @SenJohnMcCain is a fighter is an understatement. Time and time again, he has shown all of us how to be courageous under fire.
— Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (@SenatorHeitkamp) July 20, 2017
Counting on the legendary John McCain strength to give cancer its toughest fight ever. Rooting for you, dear friend.
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) July 20, 2017
Hey John! We can't wait to welcome you to the club. You got this! ❤️@SenJohnMcCain #cancersurvivors
— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) July 20, 2017
I love @SenJohnMcCain. Unbeatable, unbreakable. He's Teddy Roosevelt's "man in the arena" even when we're on opposite sides. God bless. pic.twitter.com/0sBY4QynWp
— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) July 20, 2017
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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.