CINDY MCCAIN

The far-right forces that former Sen. John McCain successfully marginalized within the Arizona Republican Party are back and in full control, with profound implications for one of the nation’s most closely matched battlegrounds.

The Arizona Republican Party has censured state House Speaker Rusty Bowers after his gripping public testimony before the Jan. 6 House committee about Donald Trump’s relentless pressure to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

To date, only four of Biden’s choices to be a U.S. ambassador to a foreign government have been approved by the Senate — three of them just on Tuesday. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz is blocking many of them.

The U.S. Supreme Court will take up procedural challenges to Texas' controversial abortion law on November 1. The conservative majority has decided to allow the law, banning most abortions after about six weeks, to remain in place while legal proceedings are underway. CBS News political reporter Melissa Quinn joins CBSN's Elaine Quijano with details.

Congress Confirmations FILE - In this Jan. 13, 2020, file photo Cindy McCain, wife of former Arizona Sen. John McCain, waves to the crowd after being acknowledged by Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey during his State of the State address in Phoenix. The Senate confirmed two prominent anti-Trump Republicans to serve in the Biden administration on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, with former Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona approved to serve as the ambassador to Turkey and Cindy McCain, the wife of the late Sen. John McCain, approved to serve as the ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture. The Senate also voted to confirm former Democratic Sen. Tom Udall of New Mexico to serve as ambassador to New Zealand and Victoria Reggie Kennedy of Massachusetts, the widow of former Sen. Ted Kennedy, to serve as ambassador to Austria. Flake was a rare critic of former President Donald Trump among Senate Republicans.

The Senate has confirmed two prominent anti-Trump Republicans to serve in the Biden administration.

The Senate confirmed two prominent anti-Trump Republicans to serve in the Biden administration on Tuesday with former Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona approved to serve as the ambassador to Turkey and Cindy McCain, the wife of the late Sen. John McCain, approved to serve as the ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture. The Senate also voted to confirm former Democratic Sen. Tom Udall of New Mexico to serve as ambassador to New Zealand and Victoria Reggie Kennedy of Massachusetts, the widow of former Sen. Ted Kennedy, to serve as ambassador to Austria. The nominations were approved through voice vote, a process taking only minutes that can be used so long as no senators object.

The Senate also confirmed Victoria Reggie Kennedy, widow of Sen. Ted Kennedy, and former Sen. Tom Udall as ambassadors.

Here's what happened during Meghan McCain's final episode of 'The View,' featuring guest Cindy McCain, who helped bid farewell to her daughter.

Few things Meghan McCain has done on “The View” can be classified as low-key, until her exit on Friday.

Senate Kelly Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., is joined by Cindy McCain, right, the widow of the late Senator John McCain of Arizona, as Kelly arrives to deliver his maiden speech to the Senate, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. Scott Applewhite) (J. Scott Applewhite)PHOENIX — (AP) — Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona used his first speech in Congress on Wednesday to pay tribute to John McCain, the late Republican U.S. senator whose seat Kelly now holds. McCain's widow, Cindy McCain, watched from the gallery as Kelly's guest. McCain was elected six times to the U.S. Senate from Arizona and was the 2008 Republican nominee for president. In his maiden speech, Kelly also touted the bipartisan infrastructure deal, which he said will deliver wildfire and drought resiliency in Arizona.

Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly has used his first speech in Congress to pay tribute to John McCain, the late Republican senator whose seat Kelly now holds.

In the battleground state of Pennsylvania, where former President Donald Trump lost by 80,000 votes eight months ago, his false claims of a stolen election are finding new signs of life.

Jill Biden is encouraging Arizona residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19, aiming to counter skepticism by declaring the vaccines are safe and have been vigorously tested.

Jill Biden on Wednesday appealed to Arizona residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19, aiming to counter skepticism by declaring that the vaccines are safe and have been vigorously tested. “I’m here to ask all the viewers on these TV stations to please make the choice to get vaccinated because it’s safe,” she said in a speech before an invited audience and TV cameras after touring a vaccine clinic at Isaac Middle School in Phoenix. Biden was accompanied by Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Cindy, the widow of the late Sen. John McCain and an Arizona businesswoman, broke with the GOP to endorse Biden during the 2020 campaign.

The U.N. Agencies for Food and Agriculture post would take McCain from her home in north-central Phoenix to Rome to help combat global hunger.

President Joe Biden is nominating Cindy McCain to be the U.S. representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture.

President Joe Biden is giving serious consideration to nominating Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of President John F.

President Joe Biden is facing a fresh challenge to his oft-repeated commitment to diversity in his administration: assembling a diplomatic corps that gives a nod to key political allies and donors while staying true to a campaign pledge to appoint ambassadors who look like America.

The widow of Sen. John McCain says Biden won the 2020 election, as the recount of 2M ballots in Maricopa County goes on.

Guests on Sunday Talk Shows, May 2 : 'Face the Nation' on CBS; 'Meet the Press' on NBC; 'This Week' on ABC; 'Fox News Sunday' on Fox and Fox News; 'State of the Union' on CNN; '60 Minutes' on CBS

FILE - In this Jan. 13, 2020, file photo Cindy McCain, widow of Sen. John McCain, waves to the crowd at the opening day of the legislative session at the Capitol in Phoenix. Forum, a Penguin Random House imprint, announced Tuesday that McCains Stronger: Courage, Hope, and Humor In My Life With John McCain will be released April 27. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)NEW YORK – Cindy McCain, widow of Sen. John McCain, will have a memoir out this spring. Forum, a Penguin Random House imprint, announced Tuesday that McCain's “Stronger: Courage, Hope, and Humor In My Life With John McCain” will be released April 27. “Being married to John for 38 years was an adventure,” Cindy McCain said in a statement.

Cindy McCain looks at the future of the Republican Party Former President Trump's impeachment trial may be over, but the work of repairing the Republican Party is just beginning. Lee Cowan sat down with Cindy McCain — wife of the late Republican Senator John McCain — to talk about what lies ahead and how she's using her voice to help bridge the divide.

Former Scott County Republican Party chairman Dave Millage at his home, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, in Bettendorf, Iowa. In swing states and GOP bastions, state and local Republican committees are stocked with Trump supporters who remain loyal. The Arizona state party Saturday reelected its controversial Trump loyalist chairwoman, Kelli Ward and censured Trump critics Cindy McCain, former Sen. Jeff Flake and even Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican Trump supporter who offended the party leadership by certifying Trump's loss in the state. In Pennsylvania, another state Trump lost, nearly 10,000 voters registered as Republicans had dropped their GOP affiliation as of Monday, according to state data.

But as the Senate prepares for an impeachment trial for Trump's incitement of the riot, few seem willing to hold the former president accountable. “The political winds within the Republican Party have blown in the opposite direction,” said Ralph Reed, chair of the Faith and Freedom Coalition and a Trump ally. After Michigan Rep. Peter Meijer backed impeachment, Republican Tom Norton announced a primary challenge. “We’re getting ready for an impeachment trial — that’s really the focus,” said Trump adviser Jason Miller. And that his political activism or whatever role he would play going forward would be with the Republican Party, not as a third party,” Cramer said.

Arizona Republicans voted Saturday to censure Cindy McCain and two prominent GOP members who have found themselves crosswise with former President Donald Trump. Ward said she's a "Trump Republican" who will "always put America first, who believes in faith, family and freedom." The way forward for the GOP, she said, is keeping Mr. Trump's 74 million voters engaged. Flake was one of the few congressional Republicans who was openly critical of Mr. Trump for failing to adhere to conservative values. The self-described maverick, known best for his willingness to buck his party, had strained relations with the state party for much of his career but was consistently reelected by wide margins.

Arizona Republicans voted Saturday to censure Cindy McCain and two prominent GOP members who have found themselves crosswise with former President Donald Trump. Ward said she's a "Trump Republican" who will "always put America first, who believes in faith, family and freedom." The way forward for the GOP, she said, is keeping Mr. Trump's 74 million voters engaged. Flake was one of the few congressional Republicans who was openly critical of Mr. Trump for failing to adhere to conservative values. The self-described maverick, known best for his willingness to buck his party, had strained relations with the state party for much of his career but was consistently reelected by wide margins.

FILE - In this Jan. 13, 2020, file photo Cindy McCain, wife of former Arizona Sen. John McCain, waves to the crowd after being acknowledged by Arizona Republican Gov. Arizona Republicans voted Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021 to censure Cindy McCain and two prominent GOP officials who have found themselves crosswise with former President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)PHOENIX – Arizona Republicans voted Saturday to censure Cindy McCain and two prominent GOP members who have found themselves crosswise with former President Donald Trump. John McCain was censured by the state GOP in 2014 and went on to comfortably win a Republican primary over Ward and a general election. The self-described maverick, known best for his willingness to buck his party, had strained relations with the state party for much of his career but was consistently reelected by wide margins.

Cindy McCain was introduced to her husband, the late Senator John McCain, by now first lady Jill Biden. McCain said she hopes her endorsement helped Mr. Biden win the White House. Delaware NAACP president Richard "Mouse" Smith first met Mr. Biden years ago at the pool that now bears his name in Wilmington, Delaware. Fred Sears, a close college friend of the president from the University of Delaware, said Mr. Biden "always understood people." Smith added: "Joe Biden's been ready to be president since he was 29 years old."

Cindy McCain touts Biden as "ready" for presidency The widow of the late Senator John McCain endorsed Joe Biden during the campaign. She tells Norah O'Donnell that Mr. Biden is "the perfect person" to be president during this tumultuous time.

"Arizona should not be up for grabs," said 60 Minutes correspondent John Dickerson, who reported from the state for 60 Minutes. Instead, the changes are also playing out within Arizona's Republican Party itself. THE HISTORY OF ARIZONA'S REPUBLICAN PARTY"This is not just any old Republican Party," Dickerson said. "The Republican Party of Arizona has, in the history of the Republican Party, played a signature role." BettmannMcCain succeeded Goldwater, both in the Senate and in stature within Arizona's Republican Party.

FILE - In this Oct. 16, 2008, file photo Roberta McCain, stands on stage during a rally in Downingtown, Pa. The mother of Arizona Sen. John McCain, Roberta McCain, has died. A spokesperson for her daughter-in-law Cindy McCain says Roberta McCain died Monday, Oct. 12, 2020. Roberta McCain married into a storied military family, eloping with Navy ensign John McCain Jr., who eventually became a four-star admiral. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

The mother of Arizona Sen. John McCain, Roberta McCain, has died. A spokesperson for her daughter-in-law Cindy McCain says Roberta McCain died Monday, Oct. 12, 2020. Roberta McCain married into a storied military family, eloping with Navy ensign John McCain Jr., who eventually became a four-star admiral. A spokesperson for daughter-in-law Cindy McCain says Roberta McCain died Monday. “It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my wonderful Mother In-law, Roberta McCain,” Cindy McCain posted on Twitter.

PHOENIX – Cindy McCain, the widow of Republican Sen. John McCain, will advise Democrat Joe Biden's presidential transition team as it prepares for him to take office if he wins in November, the team announced Monday. McCain is the second Republican on the 16-member transition advisory board, joining Bob McDonald, the former Procter & Gamble Co. chief executive who headed the Department of Veterans Affairs under President Barack Obama. Biden's team says it is focused especially on the pandemic and its economic fallout. Ted Kaufman, one of five co-chairs of Biden's transition team, cited McCain's experience in business and philanthropy and her advocacy for women and children. Biden's transition team this month signed a lease for office space with Trump's General Services Administration.

FILE - In this Jan. 13, 2020, file photo Cindy McCain, wife of former Arizona Sen. John McCain, waves to the crowd after being acknowledged by Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey during his State of the State address on the opening day of the legislative session at the Capitol in Phoenix. Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden said Sept. 22 that Cindy McCain plans to endorse him for president. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

FILE - In this Jan. 13, 2020, file photo Cindy McCain, wife of former Arizona Sen. John McCain, waves to the crowd after being acknowledged by Arizona Republican Gov. Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden said Sept. 22 that Cindy McCain plans to endorse him for president. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)PHOENIX – Cindy McCain has endorsed Democrat Joe Biden for president in a rebuke of President Donald Trump by the widow of the Republican Party's 2008 nominee. Cindy McCain cited the decadeslong friendship between her family and Biden's and their bond as the parents of children serving in the military. “I hardly know Cindy McCain.” Trump tweeted Wednesday as McCain's widow discussed her decision in morning talk show interviews.

FILE - In this Jan. 13, 2020, file photo Cindy McCain, wife of former Arizona Sen. John McCain, waves to the crowd after being acknowledged by Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey during his State of the State address on the opening day of the legislative session at the Capitol in Phoenix. Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden said Sept. 22 that Cindy McCain plans to endorse him for president. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

FILE - In this Jan. 13, 2020, file photo Cindy McCain, wife of former Arizona Sen. John McCain, waves to the crowd after being acknowledged by Arizona Republican Gov. Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden said Sept. 22 that Cindy McCain plans to endorse him for president. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)PHOENIX – Cindy McCain endorsed Democrat Joe Biden for president Tuesday in a rebuke of President Donald Trump by the widow of the GOP's 2008 nominee. John McCain said in 2016 that he couldn’t support Trump or Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016, citing Trump's demeaning comments about women. “He won the nomination fair and square.”A Navy pilot, John McCain was shot down over North Vietnam in 1967.

Senator and 2008 Republican presidential nominee John McCain, endorsed Democratic nominee Joe Biden for president on Tuesday. "There's only one candidate in this race who stands up for our values as a nation, and that is Joe Biden," McCain wrote in a tweet. — Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) September 22, 2020Mr. Trump answered with a tweet of his own Wednesday morning, saying, "I hardly know Cindy McCain other than having put her on a Committee at her husband's request. Joe Biden was John McCain's lapdog. I hardly know Cindy McCain other than having put her on a Committee at her husband’s request.

In this image from video, former Georgia House Democratic leader Stacey Abrams, center, and others, speak during the second night of the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. (Democratic National Convention via AP)Sustaining energy through four days of a political convention is never easy. On the second night of the Democratic National Convention, party leaders tried to blend its past with its future. Here are key takeaways from night two. But the 2020 Democratic convention is notable for the consistency of dire warnings about the other partys leader.

In this image from video, former Georgia House Democratic leader Stacey Abrams, center, and others, speak during the second night of the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. (Democratic National Convention via AP)Sustaining energy through four days of a political convention is never easy. On the second night of the Democratic National Convention, party leaders tried to blend its past with its future. During the first two days of the Democratic National Convention, the partys luminaries and even some Republicans have grimly warned the public that he represents a fundamental danger to democracy. But the 2020 Democratic convention is notable for the consistency of dire warnings about the other partys leader.

Biden celebrated his new status as the Democratic nominee alongside his wife and grandchildren in a Delaware school library. For his part, Trump spent Tuesday courting battleground voters in an effort to distract from Bidens convention. And Bidens supporters consistently report that theyre motivated more by opposition to Trump than excitement about Biden. The Democrats party elders played a prominent role throughout the night. Kerry, 76, was the Democratic presidential nominee back in 2004 when the youngest voters this fall were still in diapers.

In this image from video, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., delivers a nominating speech during the second night of the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. (Democratic National Convention via AP)WASHINGTON For nearly three minutes at this week's Democratic National Convention, Cindy McCain recounted Joe Biden's friendship with her late husband, John McCain, the Arizona senator and former Republican presidential candidate. Meanwhile, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, one of the most dynamic young stars of the Democratic Party, spoke for just 60 seconds. California Rep. Ro Khanna, head of the California delegation to the convention, said people need to be inspired to vote. Among those who have addressed the convention is Ady Barkin, a progressive activist who after being diagnosed with A.L.S.

Cindy McCain is going to bat for Joe Biden, lending her voice to a video set to air during Tuesday nights Democratic National Convention programming focused on Bidens close friendship with her late husband, Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona. Cindy McCain is not expected to offer an explicit endorsement, but her involvement in the video is her biggest public show of support yet for Bidens candidacy. Both Cindy McCain and her daughter Meghan have been outspoken critics of President Donald Trump, and the family is longtime friends with the Bidens. Trump targeted John McCain personally in 2015, saying the former prisoner of war wasn't a hero because he was captured. But while Meghan suggested in April shed be voting for Biden, Cindy has pointedly stayed out of the presidential race.

(CNN) - Former U.S. special envoy for Ukraine Kurt Volker, who has become a key player in House Democrats' impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump, announced Monday he is stepping down as executor director of Arizona State University's McCain Institute. Amid rumors that he was planning to step down, Volker told staff at the institute last week that he had no imminent plans to resign. Volker said it was whatever is best for the McCain Institute, the source said. Cindy McCain, the late Sen. John McCain's widow who also serves as chairwoman of the institute's board of trustees, on Monday thanked Volker in a statement "for his dedication and hard work in helping to build the McCain Institute into the results-driven, action-oriented institution that it is today." The McCain Institute "implements programs and initiatives aimed at making a difference in people's lives across a range of critical areas: leadership development, human rights, rule of law, national security, counterterrorism and combating human trafficking," according to the statement announcing Volker's departure.

CNN image(CNN) - Cindy McCain, the widow of the late Sen. John McCain, said on a podcast released Wednesday that the Republican Party is "excluding people for the wrong reasons" and is no longer "the party that my husband and I belonged to." "We have, on my side of the aisle, on the Republican side, we see a local party in Arizona that's not functioning well. That's not the party that my husband and I belonged to." "I think we've seen the end of men like my husband," Cindy McCain said on the podcast. On the podcast, McCain also praised Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, remarking that he and his wife Jill are "such good friends."

CNN image(CNN) - Cindy McCain said recently that she thought her late husband, Sen. John McCain, would be greatly troubled by the state of American politics. "He would be saddened by the digression that these conversations and these debates have taken, and also saddened that we're so disoriented within the world right now," she added. Cindy McCain, during her interview with Keilar, again called for increased civility in politics. Keilar then asked McCain whether Biden, specifically, would make a better president than Trump, who continued his longstanding feud with the senator even after his death. McCain answered, "I think we'll let the people choose that, I think that's up to the voters."