Jake Tapper Explains How Nation's 'Reverence' for McCain Is Even Greater Because of His Contrast to Trump's Character

CNN host Jake Tapper said on Sunday that John McCain's memory is enjoying the 'reverence' of America for the contrast he provides to the character of President Donald Trump.

“I can’t help but think the reason why there’s so much reverence for him today is because of who’s in the White House right now,” he said. “Because they are polar opposites.”

Tapper also highlighted McCain's 2008 concession speech.

“[He] accepted defeat more graciously than I’ve seen some people accept victory,” Tapper said.

In his 2008, McCain discussed the historic election of Obama and praised the nation for electing an African-American to the presidency.

A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt's invitation of Booker T. Washington to visit — to dine at the White House — was taken as an outrage in many quarters. America today is a world away from the cruel and prideful bigotry of that time," McCain said. "There is no better evidence of this than the election of an African-American to the presidency of the United States. Let there be no reason now for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on Earth."

Watch Tapper's remarks below: