A statesman, a soldier, a patriot, a father, a senator, and a true leader. John McCain was all of these things and many more.

He passed away Saturday night, more than a year after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer

and this morning he is being remembered for his leadership, his courage, and his

honesty. He had a special bond with the American press corps and that's something we want to explore today on reliable sources.

McCain cultivated a relationship with the reporters who covered his campaigns and covered his career in the Senate.

He knew our weaknesses, but he also knew the strengths of the American press and the importance

of a free press in society.

Today many journalists are sharing their reflections about his life and his legacy.

CNN's Dana Bash said it really well earlier today.

I want to say thank you, John McCain.

Thank you for teaching reporters like me who followed you around for a living

how to be serious without taking ourselves too seriously.

How to respect the political process as meaningful and not mean.

And how to walk really fast in the capital hallways, which was the only way to do it when I had to keep up with you.

It's a beautiful tribute and there have been so many like it today.

So many reporters who learned from McCain, even while challenging him and covering his campaigns

aggressively. There has been a profound sense of loss in the country in the wake of the news of McCain's death.

You're hearing it from Republicans and Democrats,

from lawmakers and from journalists.

And I want to show you something that Hillary Clinton said. from lawmakers and from journalists.

And I want to show you something that Hillary Clinton said,

just a few minutes ago on Meet the Press.

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