Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will not attend John McCain’s funeral on Saturday for a very simple reason — she was not invited.
Sources familiar with the decision say that it certainly came from the family — probably trying not to put the spotlight on one of the most controversial moves in the American hero’s career.
An insider told PEOPLE magazine: “My guess is, it came from Cindy. She is very protective of John’s memory and legacy. She’s also a grieving widow. I think she wants to get through this as best she can.”
It is a somewhat surprising development because McCain and Palin shared the Republican ticket for the presidency in 2008 against then-Senators Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
When the senator from Arizona chose the conservative firebrand as his running mate ten years ago, he had a lot of hopes. She was young and charismatic — the conservative answer to Obama.
However, after a beautiful launch and a small bump in the polls, the McCain campaign quickly realized that she was not ready for prime time or she was solely focused on developing her brand.
The relationship soured although publicly they maintained a form of civility. Years later, the war hero eventually admitted that it was a mistake to put someone like Palin so close to the presidency.
Palin with her tough approach to politics might have directly contributed to Donald Trump’s ascension. She made way for the union of reality television and politics. The Trump era completed the merger between the two worlds.
When news of McCain’s passing hit the media, Palin took to Twitter to pay tribute.
She wrote: “Today we lost an American original. Sen. John McCain was a maverick and a fighter, never afraid to stand for his beliefs. John never took the easy path in life — and through sacrifice and suffering he inspired others to serve something greater than self.”
The TV personality went on to add: “John McCain was my friend. I will remember the good times. My family and I send prayers for Cindy and the McCain family.”
After years of feuding, Trump was also not invited to the funeral. Former Presidents Obama and George W. Bush will deliver eulogies.
Both men competed against McCain at the highest level and were surprised that he wanted them to play such a big part at his funeral.
Some say it is probably a way to take a shot at Mr. Trump one last time.
