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There is no evidence that McCain shared the Steele dossier before the election. In 2018, ABC News reported that McCain hand-delivered a copy of the dossier to then-FBI Director James Comey in December of 2016, after the presidential election. McCain confirmed this and explained why he decided to share the document in his book \"The Restless Wave.\"

Isakson told the Bulwark: \"America deserves better, the people deserve better, and nobody — regardless of their position — is above common decency and respect for people that risk their life for your life. When the president is saying that that he doesn’t respect John McCain and he’s never going to respect John McCain and all these kids are out there listening to the president of the United States talk that way about the most decorated senator in history who is dead it just sets the worst tone possible.\"

Most Republicans who served in the Senate with McCain have largely remained silent on Trump's attacks.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell did come to McCain's defense in a tweet, but did not specifically call out Trump by name.

Today and every day I miss my good friend John McCain. It was a blessing to serve alongside a rare patriot and genuine American hero in the Senate. His memory continues to remind me every day that our nation is sustained by the sacrifices of heroes.

— Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) March 20, 2019

McCain's best friend in the Senate - GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham - spoke out Wednesday to condemn the president.

\"I think the president's comments about Senator McCain hurt him more than they hurt the legacy of Senator McCain,\" Graham said at an event Wednesday in Seneca, South Carolina.

But, Graham added: \"I'm going to try to continue to help the president.\"

Graham has grown noticeably chummier to Trump in recent months and is now considered his close confidant on Capitol Hill -- beginning with golf outings to now taking frequent calls from the president.

\"I've gotten to know the president, we have a good working relationship, I like him, I don't like it when he says things about my friend John McCain,\" he said.

\"I love John McCain, I traveled the world with him, I learned a lot from him, he's an American hero and nothing will ever diminish that,\" Graham said.

Graham received heat earlier in the week for tweeting about McCain without calling out Trump by name.

Nothing about his service will ever be changed or diminished. (2/2)

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) March 17, 2019

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer tweeted that he would introduce legislation to rename the Russell Senate Office building in honor of McCain.

I look forward to soon re-introducing my legislation re-naming the Senate Russell Building after American hero, Senator John McCain.

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) March 20, 2019

Schumer originally introduced the legislation shortly after McCain's death last summer but faced skepticism and in some cases, outright opposition, from other GOP senators.

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