Newt Gingrich: McCain's Life 'Worth Studying and Praising'

Newt Gingrich praised the life of Sen. John McCain, writing that the late senator's patriotism should serve as an "inspiration to every American," the former Speaker wrote in a column for Fox News.

"John McCain’s death is an appropriate time to think about this extraordinary man and his life," Gingrich wrote.

McCain died Saturday night after a yearlong battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Gingrich saluted McCain, who "was always pushing the margins, looking for new ideas and trying to find better ways to do things."

"The Arizona senator was a maverick in the Republican Party, in his approach to being a senator, and in his relationship with presidents. This was good for America. We need a few more mavericks, not a few more conformists," Gingrich wrote.

"McCain’s independence was bipartisan. He was prepared to take on President Bush and he was prepared to take on President Obama. That is how our Constitution is supposed to work," Gingrich wrote.

"For 81 years John McCain loved his country, lived his life as a patriot, and accepted hardships that few Americans have had to endure.

"The depth and intensity of McCain’s patriotism, his love for America, and his deep commitment to our nation remaining a free country are an inspiration to every American," Gingrich wrote.

"His is a life worth studying and praising."

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