Former President Barack Obama led messages of support for Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) after his office announced Sunday the civil rights icon is being treated for Stage IV pancreatic cancer.
If there’s one thing I love about @RepJohnLewis, it’s his incomparable will to fight. I know he’s got a lot more of that left in him. Praying for you, my friend."
Obama's tweet
The big picture: Obama presented Lewis, 79 with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. He helped lead the 1963 civil rights March on Washington and has served in the House since 1987.
- Per Axios' Zachary Basu, Lewis' endorsement of an impeachment inquiry in September "was seen as one of several significant turning points in the impeachment of President Trump."
- Lewis has been regarded for a generation as "the conscience of the House" and has won the respect of many across the aisle, some of whom offered messages of support to him Sunday.
What they're saying:
- Former President Bill Clinton tweeted, "If there’s anyone with the strength and courage to fight this, it’s you, John. Hillary and I love you, and we join with millions of other Americans in praying for you and your family."
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a Twitter post, "we are all praying for you following this diagnosis. John, know that generations of Americans have you in their thoughts & prayers as you face this fight. We are all praying that you are comfortable. We know that you will be well."
- Former Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), who was on the receiving end of a warm tribute from Lewis when he retired this year, tweeted, "Praying for my friend, @repjohnlewis as he begins his fight against cancer. They don’t make them stronger or braver, and I’m confident he will take on this challenge as he has every other he’s faced: with courage and determination fueled by his strong faith."
Go deeper:
