Graham Admits: 'Not That Informed on National Security'
Graham Admits: 'Not That Informed on National Security'
The News
Appointed Sen. Darline Graham said in a televised South Carolina debate Tuesday night that she is "not that informed on national security" — an admission delivered a week before the Republican runoff for the seat her late brother, Lindsey Graham, held for two decades.
Graham was asked whether the United States has a national security interest in Taiwan and the South China Sea.
"I'm just going to be honest here. I'm ... not that informed on national security," she answered, according to Raw Story. She added that "I do support the military" but "I'm not a polished politician up here." Newsweek reported she said national security is "not my thing."
Her opponent in the Aug. 25-week runoff is Rep. Ralph Norman.
Timeline
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a well-known foreign policy hawk, dies unexpectedly. Raw Story reported the cause as an aortic dissection.
His sister, Darline Graham Nordone, is ceremonially sworn in on Capitol Hill by Senate President pro tempore Chuck Grassley, per Reuters' photo record of the event.
President Donald Trump endorses her for a full term, Raw Story reported, while much of South Carolina's Republican establishment remains unsure of her and Norman runs against her.
In the South Carolina Republican Senate debate, Graham says she is not that informed on national security.
Reactions
The answer drew criticism from both directions.
"Please. This charade cannot continue," wrote conservative columnist Mark Davis.
"1. Why are you running for the United States Senate if you're not up to speed on basic national security issues? 2. How are you Lindsey Graham's sister if you're not into national security issues??" wrote Zeteo News founder Mehdi Hasan.
Curt Mills, executive director of The American Conservative, was sardonic about the standard being applied: "Point in favor of 'Congress is dead.' How dare the legislature, expected to have opinions, have views on anything as highfalutin as National Security? All that matters is that you support the troops, as the Founders intended."
Newsweek reported the comment raised red flags for Republican strategists. Mediaite said Graham "implodes" in the debate. The New York Times led its five takeaways from the debate with the remark.
What's Next
South Carolina's Republican Senate runoff is a week out from the debate. The winner carries the GOP line for the seat Graham currently occupies by appointment.
Trump's endorsement remains with Graham. Whether that outweighs an on-camera admission about the portfolio her brother was best known for is what the runoff now tests.
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