OPINION — The adjective “graceless” has been part of the language for more than six centuries. A word frequently deployed by Shakespeare — “What is she but a foul contending rebel, And graceless traitor to her loving lord?” — it has never had a more appropriate use than in describing Donald Trump’s graceless lack of respect for John McCain.

Nothing better symbolizes the cruel vulgarity of the Trump administration than the president’s refusal to offer a public comment for 48 hours on McCain’s death beyond a barebones tweet combined with the White House raising the flag to full staff after midnight on Monday.

Back in the “Mad Men” era, it was an advertising cliché to say, “Let’s run it up the flagpole and see who salutes.” Trump instead ran it up the flagpole to see who heckled. Only when veterans groups like the American Legion objected did Trump give McCain the honor due a war hero and revered senator.

Watch: McCain vs. Trump — Can the President Give Up the Spotlight?