Healing the political divide in our country -- it's a bold topic that Sen. John McCain is addressing head-on in his memoir, "The Restless Wave."
The 81-year-old lawmaker takes on politics in Washington, President Donald Trump, and offers advice to people frustrated with Congress.
The book won't be out until May 22, but Apple News on Monday released exclusive excerpts on its News App and there's a resounding recommendation McCain's offering to all Americans: Agree to disagree and respect opinions that are not your own.
He writes:
During my last Republican primary in 2016, my opponent accused me of being that lowest of characters in Washington. He's a champion of compromise she warned. Yikes!
There is no other way to govern an open society or more precisely, to govern it effectively. Principled compromises aren't unicorns.
When did politics become the principle or only attribute we use to judge people? Republicans and Democrats can be good neighbors, loving parents, loyal Americans, decent human beings. I don't remember another time in my life when so many Americans considered someone's partisan affiliation a test of whether that person was entitled to their respect.
We all, despite our disagreements, have shared interests and values.
This is my last term. If I hadn't admitted that to myself before this summer, a stage 4 cancer diagnosis acts as ungentle persuasion. I'm freer than colleagues who will face the voters again. I can speak my mind without facing the consequences much.
If you want politics to be more civil, if you want Congress to argue less and get more done, then show up. Represent. Play as big a role in the mundane activities of politics as the zealots do. It's important.
You can read even more excerpts through the Apple News App. "The Restless Wave" is available for pre-order now.
