*By Conor White and Kate Gill*
After Senator John McCain died from cancer this past weekend, many in Washington are at a loss, said Washington Examiner columnist Phil Wegmann.
"Senators are looking around and thinking, 'This is a huge void we have to fill,'" Wegmann said Monday in an interview on Cheddar.
Since the Republican Senator's death, support for his principled, bipartisan approach has been near-universal. And Wegmann doesn't think McCain's passing will stop him from shaping policy, if only symbolically.
"One thing that I think he will be remembered for is the way he pushed back on the current route of the Republican party," Wegmann said.
"That continues today even in his death, as you see Donald Trump in the White House refusing to lower the flags at the presidential residence to half-mast, and I think that is very emblematic of the back and forth between these two men."
Trump also incited backlash for reportedly refusing to call McCain a hero in his official statement about the Senator's death ー though a release drafted by his team included that sentiment. McCain was held captive during the Vietnam War while serving in the U.S. Navy, and during the presidential campaign in 2015, Trump infamously dismissed the incident, saying, "He’s not a war hero. He’s a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured." Trump finally reversed his stance in a new statement Monday evening, writing, “Despite our differences on policy and politics, I respect Senator John McCain’s service to our country.”
Now the question of the Arizona Senator's seat remains. It's unclear, Wegmann said, if the state's Governor Anthony Ducey will stay the McCain course of bipartisanship or appoint a staunch conservative.
"Should Ducey appoint someone who is more in the pro-President Trump mold, someone who is going to be a loyal foot soldier?" Wegmann asked. "Or is he going to try and find someone with the same sort of 'Maverick' sensibilities that McCain was famous for?"
McCain was among few Republicans willing to criticize Trump. His absence may mean less opposition for Trump in the Senate, Wegmann said.
"Think about all the conservative all-stars of the past ー guys like Ted Cruz, Mike Lee ー even they're hesitant to call out the president, so I think there's going to be a lot less criticism of the president from his right flank coming out of the Senate."
For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/examining-john-mccains-legacy).
Alex Silverman, senior reporter covering the business of sports at Morning Consult, joins Cheddar News to discuss why the number of those betting on sports doubled in 2021 and what's next for the industry in 2022.
Alec Baldwin is facing a lawsuit from the family of a fallen marine, Rylee McCollum, for defamation of Rylee's sister Roice. The lawsuit claims Baldwin, who had donated to a fund for the family of Rylee, called Roice an insurrectionist for being present during the January 6 Capitol riots.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is marking the 58th anniversary of its first print issue with the announcement of a new advertising mandate called Pay With Change. The magazine's annual print will now only feature brands who are helping drive gender equality forward, creating a sweeping call to action for the publishing industry. MJ Day, editor-in-chief of SI Swimsuit, joined Cheddar to discuss the goals of the new initiative.
Cost of living in the U.S. is getting higher and higher, as inflation pushes up the prices of everything from food to gas. According to a recent Ipsos poll, more than two thirds of people around the world are feeling the squeeze, and low income households are feeling it the most. Garrett Boorojian, Managing Partner at WaveCapital Partners, breaks down some of the factors driving cost of living and how to adjust your budget accordingly.
Sonia Thompson, inclusive marketing strategist and consultant, breaks down the need to retool the hiring process and how organizations can make for a better workplace environment.
Each year plenty of people decide to kick off their new year's resolutions by participating in what is known as "Dry January." Basically one month without alcohol. The practice has gained popularity as a way for social drinkers to take a break from booze for a bit. However, some people are making the decision to take it beyond January. CMO at Heineken USA Jonnie Cahill, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
On this episode of Cheddar Innovates: Vrai CEO discusses the process of creating lab grown diamonds, Entrupy CEO breaks down how the app uses artificial intelligence to analyze authenticity for luxury goods and sneakers; A look at Curiosity Stream's 'Red Elvis.'
Mona Akhavi, CEO of Vrai, joins Cheddar Innovates to discuss the process of creating lab grown diamonds, why this industry is growing, and the latest trends in the jewelry and engagement ring space.
