it is a move led by veterans groups as they call it symbol lick, but important. -- symbolic, but important. >> a source familiar with the talk says the president was pushed by internal staff to deliver a more robust statement on john mccain. the president refused early requests from vice president pence to do so. >> according to "the wall street journal" the white house prodded the president for two days to release a statement. we get more from cnn's abby phillip at the white house. >> reporter: dave and laura, a day of controversy with president trump making an about face. issuing a statement about senator john mccain at the white house. listen. >> also our hearts and prayers are going to the family of senator john mccain. there will be a lot of activity over the next number of days. we very much appreciate