Thread by @RepSlotkin

Over the last few days, I joined CODEL McCain — a bipartisan delegation of Senators & Representatives to the Munich Security Conference. I’m often asked if partisanship in DC is better or worse than it appears on TV. To answer, I thought I’d tell you about this past weekend.

The CODEL is named for Sen. John McCain, who led a bipartisan, security-focused delegation to this conference for decades. The group included participation by his widow Cindy & features a dinner that recognizes young leaders who work on topics important to international security.

In 2014, Sen. McCain gave me his storied “McCain Treatment” when I testified on Capitol Hill. I was told at the time that you’re no one in DC until he reamed you on camera.

But that’s why it was so nice to be invited for a third time to join this bipartisan trip. And it seemed everyone there, both Democrat & Republican, had a similar story of being taken to the woodshed by Senator McCain at one point or another.

Obviously the topic in Munich was Russia/Ukraine, but I also had the chance to speak on two panels, including one on semiconductors & global supply chains.

It was good to bring the stories of the work stoppages we’ve seen in Michigan directly to the CEOs & Chinese officials who were also present. Needless to say, it got a little sporty since the chips shortage has become a major issue at the heart of our economic security.

But what has struck me most about this trip was how the focus on Russia created a willingness among our lawmakers to set aside domestic disputes & remember that we are all Americans — that we all share common values & a desire to strengthen our leadership on the world stage.

There was a positivity that came from engaging for the same cause: members of the delegation literally tag-teamed as we met with foreign leaders, attempting to stiffen their spine ahead of a potential conflict.

Sen. McCain understood that what matters in a faraway place can have a huge impact in our own backyards. And as one of our senators said: If, in the coming days, Russian goes into Ukraine, what would John McCain do?

He would make it hard for the Russians, and he would remind Americans and our allies who we are, what we stand for, and why it’s still so important to support countries seeking to chart their own future.