Platon Instagram – john mccain. “I had the great privilege to photograph Senator John McCain many times. The first was back in the mid 1990’s. I was collaborating with John Kennedy Jr. on a large scale photo essay, honoring all the senators and congressmen who had served their country fighting in the Vietnam War. McCain stood out – he was mischievous and fun that day on Capitol Hill. It showed in my picture – a fearless man of conviction who always spoke his mind, ironically covering his mouth. Years later, we met again under different circumstances – now he was running for president and my role was to reflect the heavy responsibility he was carrying. He told me he hated that first portrait – that it was “too artistic” and not “Washington D.C. material.” He said, “make me look like a president this time and I’ll forgive you.” I replied that I could not portray him as anything other than himself. Suddenly, he got it – that moment of empowerment – a chance to project his own authenticity. John McCain rose to the photographic occasion – a dignified man facing a divided nation. With great humility, he believed in service and it showed in my pictures – he was not a physically graceful man – he had sustained permanent injuries from being tortured in Vietnam and this affected his posture and flexibility. But what I captured was his courage, his dignity, and his respect for his country. This was a man whose service was a true measure of his patriotism – a political maverick driven by his moral compass and not by mob rule. The last time we met he pulled me aside and whispered in my ear “you are forgiven.” Ultimately however, my pictures were not of a president to be but of one of the most honorable senators ever to serve on Capitol Hill, unwilling to bend to the split screen – party politics that defines our current turbulent history. Senator John McCain, Requiescat in Pace, I salute you.”