John McCain Was a Legend Even Before He Was a War Hero. His Legacy Is Vital in Today’s World

As a Midshipman at U.S. Naval Academy in the 1970s, I had my first close-up look at John McCain. I was part of a small group of Midshipmen who was privileged to meet with him when he visited Annapolis. He was a total legend in the Brigade of Midshipmen, but not for his war record. We knew about the Hanoi Hilton, of course — but truth be told, we were much more impressed by everything he got away with at the Academy.