CAPC Awards Senator John McCain for His Courage and Leadership

On Tuesday, December 4, 2001, the Center for American Politics and Citizenship was pleased to welcome U.S. Senator John McCain to the University of Maryland. McCain received the inaugural Millard E. Tydings Award for Courage and Leadership in American Politics and conducted a town hall meeting.

The Chapel played host to a capacity crowd of over 1,000 students, faculty, and members of the community. McCain has always been an outspoken politician, most notably for his stand on campaign finance reform. He brought his trademark "straight talk express" to the University to encourage more volunteerism among America's youth and to answer questions from the students.

McCain was introduced by former U.S. Senator Joseph Tydings, chairman of the executive board of the Center and son of the late U.S. Senator Millard E. Tydings, as a "genuine American hero" for his reform efforts and military career.

It is fitting that McCain received the Award for Courage and Leadership in American Politics. Both McCain and the late Tydings have challenged Congress in ways that few others would dare. Tydings stood up to U.S. Senator Joe McCarthy when McCarthy accused members of the State Department of being Communists. McCain has battled with special interests in efforts to reform the campaign finance system.

The Center for American Politics and Citizenship plans to continue honoring politicians for their strength and conviction. Center director Paul S. Herrnson stated "people like Millard E. Tydings and John McCain are the kind of lawmakers America needs." He added "their work, though sometimes unpopular with their colleagues, is vital to the improvement of American politics and society."

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