CNN "The Situation Room" - Transcript: Interview With Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen

Interview

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

BLITZER: Breaking tonight, after refusing to offer any praise of Senator John McCain, President Trump is now bowing to enormous pressure and backtracking, at least slightly.

In a new statement, he says he respects the former prisoner of war's service to his country, despite their political differences. That's about as far as he's apparently willing to go, other than formally ordering flags to be flown at half-staff in Senator McCain's honor.

Joining us now, one of Senator McCain's Democratic colleagues, Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland.

Senator, thanks so much for joining us.

What does it say to you about Senator McCain that so many of his former colleagues would like to preserve -- preserve his memory in the form of a McCain Senate Office Building?

SEN. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN (D), MARYLAND: Well, Wolf, it's a testament to the fact that he touched the lives of everybody in the Senate, more importantly, lives of people around the country, and, indeed, around the world, as a voice for human rights and democracy and freedom.

And naming a Senate building in his honor is one way we can remember the example that he has set.

BLITZER: You think this resolution will pass?

VAN HOLLEN: I do. I'm very hopeful that we will be able to come together and pass it quickly.

And the sooner the better, because nobody should have to think very long about this particular resolution and honoring Senator McCain in this way.

BLITZER: How powerful was his example of bipartisanship?

VAN HOLLEN: It is a model for all of us. I'm a relatively new member of the Senate. I came here.

And, of course, Senator McCain had a reputation of being gruff from time to time. I did not experience that. He gave me a very warm welcome. And I listened very carefully whenever John McCain spoke on the Senate floor. And he obviously played a pivotal role in the health care debate.

I worked with them on the issue of trying to stop Russia from interfering in our elections. But he was always someone who called the shots as he saw them, a straight talker. And that model -- that model of bipartisanship is one that we really do need to get back to solve the problems of this country.

BLITZER: You say that Senator McCain's moral compass was unfailing, your words.

What lessons do you think you and your Senate colleagues can take from Senator McCain?

VAN HOLLEN: Well, it is that determination, that understanding that we have that North Star. And certainly when it comes to America's role in the world, he was unflinching.

He understood that we played an indispensable role in the fight for freedom and human rights around the world. And it kind of came from our sort of special origins, the fact that we are based on the idea, the idea of human rights for all, and that we have a special responsibility.

And he was unfailing in standing up for democracy and freedom around the world. And I hope we will do that, because, as you know, that whole idea is coming under attack in so many quarters today.

BLITZER: It certainly is.

What does the president's handling of all of this tell you about the president's character?

VAN HOLLEN: Well, Wolf, you're right. We're talking about John McCain, who was a model of integrity, someone who always had a hard fight when it came to politics, but treated his adversaries with honor and respect.

And the fact that the president is so grudging in his praise for this great American hero really is a reflection the president. John McCain used to say that what gave life meaning and purpose was being involved in causes greater that himself, greater than ourselves.

And, unfortunately, when it comes to President Trump, it seems to be all about himself. I think he believes the greatest cause is himself. And that's a very cramped view of what the presidency should be all about.

It should be about standing up for America and American values. That's what John McCain did. And that's why he's so beloved across the country.

BLITZER: Senator Van Hollen, thanks so much for joining us.

VAN HOLLEN: Thank you.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source