My husband called me to the TV shortly after Flake began his speech. It was epic! I cried. I was reminded of how really good presidents like the Roosevelts and Lincoln (and he echoed Lincoln and Teddy) would talk. . . how they would remind us of our founding principles in such thoughtful, obviously heartfelt, and eloquent language. As far I'm concerned Flake carried on that vital tradition and brought us, even if momentarily, back to our moorings. It was the most beautiful thing I've heard from a congressperson in a long time, notwithstanding McCain's also epic speech when he came back to the Senate after starting his treatment.
I understand why he is retiring. He won't win unless he forsakes his conscience. I would do the same but keep working on the outside.
Oh, and just to be clear, I don't agree with how Flake votes on issues most of the time, but I so appreciate his heartfelt allegiance to our Constitution, morals, and traditions, and I pray his words struck at the hearts of other Republicans in Congress as much as they did mine.