Trump tells McCain, 'a crusty voice in Washington,' to get well soon because Republicans 'need his vote'

(Image credit: Screenshot/ABC News)

published 17 July 2017

President Trump on Monday wished "crusty" Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) a speedy recovery from his recent surgery. "We hope John McCain gets better very soon because we miss him. He's a crusty voice in Washington. Plus, we need his vote," Trump said Monday during his speech at the Made In America Showcase, an event intended to highlight the Trump administration's focus on "America first" policies.

McCain's recent surgery to remove a blood clot above his left eye has put the fate of Senate Republicans' health-care bill in question. McCain's office said he could be back to work within days of the operation, but neurosurgery experts now say his recovery could take at least a week or two. Senate Republican leadership was aiming to vote as soon as this week on the plan to repeal and replace ObamaCare, but because two Republican senators — Susan Collins (Maine) and Rand Paul (Ky.) — have already come out against the bill, McCain's vote is absolutely necessary for the bill to pass.