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Certainly after the bruising 2016 campaign cycle, no one would argue that politics isn’t a “blood sport” – and sometimes literally, as we recently learned when Rep. Steve Scalise was gunned down during a baseball practice session.

However, politicians (with minor exceptions) are indeed human after all, and it’s always refreshing to see those human sides emerge.

We’ve long known former President George W. Bush is a good man, and true to form, he called Senator John McCain after the McCain’s brain cancer diagnosis was made public. However, he didn’t expect what he heard in response.

Per the Washington Examiner, Former President George W. Bush offered his prayers to Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., on Thursday after his office revealed he has been diagnosed with brain cancer.

“I called Sen. John McCain this morning to wish him well and encourage him in his fight. Instead, he encouraged me,” Bush said in a statement.

“I was impressed by his spirit and determination. He has devoted his life to his country. Thankfully, he is committed to continuing that service. Laura and I pray for our friend to fully recover and quickly return to the Senate, where his voice and leadership are needed. And we send our very best wishes to Cindy and the entire McCain family.”

Former Pres. George W. Bush says he called Sen. John McCain "to wish him well and encourage him in his fight. Instead, he encouraged me." pic.twitter.com/9qZGH8GLXu

— ABC News (@ABC) July 20, 2017

McCain has received good wishes from the other side of the aisle as well, with Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton tweeting encouragement:

John McCain is an American hero & one of the bravest fighters I've ever known. Cancer doesn't know what it's up against. Give it hell, John.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 20, 2017

John and I have been friends for 40 years. He's gotten through so much difficulty with so much grace. He is strong - and he will beat this.

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 20, 2017

John McCain is as tough as they come. Thinking of John, Cindy, their wonderful children, & their whole family tonight.

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 20, 2017

Even Steve Scalise, who remains hospitalized after being shot, posted encouragement to McCain:

Praying for my friend @SenJohnMcCain, one of the toughest people I know.

— Rep. Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) July 20, 2017

We certainly wish both Scalise and McCain success in the fights of their lives. Their battles certainly put things in perspective.

[This article was written by Michele Hickford, author of the brutally honest and bitingly funny Do I Need To Slap You?]