There seems to be little the political parties in Washington, D.C. can agree on these days, except the passing of John Lewis.

The civil rights icon and Georgia Democrat died Friday after battling advanced pancreatic cancer. He had served some 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and was often cited as that body’s conscience.

Former President George W. Bush observed, “As a young man marching for equality in Selma, Alabama, John answered brutal violence with courageous hope. And throughout his career as a civil rights leader and public servant, he worked to make our country a more perfect union.î”

Former President Barack Obama, America’s first Black president, recalled being sworn in for his first term: “I hugged him on the inauguration stand before I was sworn in and told him I was only there because of the sacrifices he made.î”

Baseball legend Hank Aaron said he and Lewis connected to the roots.î

“By that I mean we were born and grew up in the highly racist and segregated south, in the state of Alabama. He committed his life to the struggle for justice and equality for all people.î”

President Donald Trump — he and Lewis were political foes — offered condolences.

“Saddened to hear the news of civil rights hero John Lewis passing,î” Trump tweeted. “Melania and I send our prayers to he and his family.î”

Arrested dozens of times and beaten more than once, Lewis believed in non-violent protest. He joined with other Black leaders of that time, including the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., to change a nation.

Simply put, while Georgia will find someone to fill Lewis’ seat in the U.S. House, no one will ever fill Lewis’ shoes.

When he talked, people listened because unlike a great many politicians these days, Lewis had walked the walk.

He inspired not through speeches but through deed. That kind of moral leadership and authority is in short supply now.