The Onion' gets obliterated for this bizarre response to tragic news about John McCain

The tragic news Friday that Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) was denying treatment for his brain cancer drew out a lot of sympathy from most, but it garnered a bizarre response from the satirical website, "The Onion."

"Socialist Nightmare Of Empathy"

The humor website was slammed by many for the tone-deaf tweet that appeared to attack McCain's daughter, Meghan McCain, and try to mock the unbearable grief she must be feeling at this time.

"Meghan McCain Forced To Live Out Socialist Nightmare Of Empathy For Sick Person," the headline read, apparently referring to conservatives arguments that universal healthcare often leads to mismanaged health outcomes for patients.

The link offered no clarification on just what humor they were attempting to make from McCain's grief.

Even those on the left were stunned by the tone deaf joke. Celebrity singer Clay Aiken, who ran for congress as a Democrat, decried the tweet.

"Holy s**t!!!!" Aiken tweeted. "There's a line ... and it is WAY behind you! I usually love The Onion, but whoever wrote this and/or approved it TODAY (of all days) should be fired. We can't condemn Trump for his nastiness yet allow others to get away with it in the name of 'satire' or humor."

"So um this is gross," responded Ben Shapiro.

"The Onion hasn't figured out that humor requires truthful observation," responded @JustKarl. "Not only is this a disgustingly timed attack on a woman whose Dad is dying, but it assumes socialism cares more about the ill, which will come as a surprise to those who suffer and die under rationing."

"This is disgusting," said former Congressman Joe Walsh. "Especially on today of all days."

"The Onion is usually funnier than this. Lame (and mean)" said Mike Glenn at the Houston Chronicle.

"The Onion makes itself a very sour onion," said Tom Rogan of the Washington Examiner. "Sour not simply for the lack of empathy for a hero's family. But for the idiocy that defines the notion of moral socialism."

Here's more about the tragic news about Senator McCain:

On the day of the news that he was suspending treatment for his cancer, 82-year-old McCain was praised for his life of heroism and service to the country he loves, by those with a better respect for honor than whoever approved The Onion's missive.