Thanks to the immediate and widespread nature of social media, several senators and congressmen were able to instantly comment on the sad news that conservative leader Margaret Thatcher had died. “Transcendent” and “champion for freedom” were phrases used to describe the Iron Lady as politicians like Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Representative Niki Tsongas (D-Mass.) commemorated her passing.
The first and only female prime minister of Great Britain was an iconic leader for the conservative movement, and her death has weighed heavy on the hearts of many who appreciated her vision and conviction. Both Democrat and Republican members of Congress took to Twitter to offer condolences and pay tribute to her leadership.
Massachusetts Democrat Niki Tsongas called Thatcher a “historic leader” and “champion of freedom.”
The world today lost an historic leader and champion for freedom; she blazed a trail for women leaders worldwide #MargaretThatcher
— Niki Tsongas (@nikiinthehouse) April 8, 2013
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) recognized Thatcher’s “uncompromising conviction.”
Thatcher, along with Reagan and Pope John Paul II stood upto communism, the great evil of their time, with an uncompromisingconviction.
— Lindsey Graham (@GrahamBlog) April 8, 2013
Republican Representative Jim Renacci of Ohio admonished Thatcher as a “true leader” and said he was saddened to hear the news.
I’m saddened by news of the passing of Lady Thatcher. She was a true leader who – much like President Reagan –… fb.me/1RRxUgnBj
— Jim Renacci (@RepJimRenacci) April 8, 2013
Democratic New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen called Thatcher an “inspirational figure for women in government.”
Paying tribute today to British PM Margaret Thatcher – a great friend to United States & inspirational figure for women in government
— Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (@SenatorShaheen) April 8, 2013
Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) called Thatcher a “transcendent” figure who made the world “a better place.”
Sen. Hatch: Margaret Thatcher was a transcendent figure who made the world a better place. ow.ly/jR7UW
— Senator Hatch Office (@SenOrrinHatch) April 8, 2013
Texas Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) couldn’t limited his praise to 140 characters, so he tweeted a link to his statement on his webpage on Thatcher’s passing, in which he called her “formidable” and a “steadfast defender of liberty.”
Former president George W. Bush issued a thoughtful statement on his Facebook page, calling Thatcher an “strong woman” who “guided her nation with confidence and clarity.”
