I remember first hand the end years of Strom Thurmond. Power hungry Ken Doll staffer types run the show. They are senator behind the senator at that stage. Jets, booze, expense accounts, sexual trists, fine dining, cocktail parties, etc....McCain is no longer in charge.
Thurgood Marshall was the same way. I recall reading he spent most of his day watching soap operas while clerks wrote “his” opinions.