Steve Schmidt, one of John McCain‘s top aides during the 2008 campaign, praised the memorial for the late senator today and the messages sent by the speakers.

Schmidt––who had reportedly been “snubbed” from this week’s proceedings––had kind words for Meghan McCain‘s eulogy, saying, “She will be an author of a next chapter of greatness in the McCain family’s name and the life of our country.”

McCain not only spoke of her father today, but of his legacy and his belief in America. And, rather pointedly, she said, “The America of John McCain has no need to be made great again because America was always great.”

“The things that he stood for, those essential virtues––valor, courage, heroism, kindness, love, decency, all of it––are necessary,” Schmidt said. “And all of those virtues are in regression and are under attack in this moment in time.”

He continued:

“And so what we saw today from two former presidents––a Republican and a Democrat who were fierce rivals of each other––was a rebuke to this vile and low moment in the history of this country. And make no mistake about it, the rebukes were intentional, they were purposeful, and they were designed by John McCain himself.”

Watch above, via MSNBC.

[image via screengrab]

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