The death of Senator Lindsey Graham has left an open seat in Congress, and his sister Darline Graham is running to fill it permanently. But a disastrous debate flub by her was followed by a television appearance that didn’t go over well, according to those watching.
Graham appeared on Fox News on Wednesday night (Aug. 19), and was being interviewed by Sean Hannity. Hannity referenced the interim senator’s debate for the Republican primary in South Carolina against former Representative Ralph Norman the night before.
Moderator Greta Van Susteren had asked Graham, “Are Taiwan and the South China Sea national security issues for the United States? If so, why?” After asking for the question to be repeated, Graham replied that she was “just going to be honest here.”
“I’m not … that informed on national security, so — but I do support the military,” she said, noting her brother served in the Air Force and her dad in the Army. “I’m not a polished politician up here,” Graham continued, adding: “National security is not my thing, not my area of expertise, but I do support the military.”
Hannity acknowledged the situation, but then offered an out to Graham. “I bet, based on all your time with your brother, that you know probably everything about the Middle East,” before reiterating her earlier statement that she was going to focus on domestic issues.
“Absolutely,” Graham replied. “I know national security is important. We have a wonderful commander in chief. I know that we need to stand with Israel and that the issue with Iran is important, I understand all that.”
She then attacked Norman on his stance on cutting Medicare, before admitting she messed up, claiming she doesn’t “speak politician” before adding: “Of course, Taiwan is our friend. But I think people in South Carolina are more worried about boys in girls sports.”
Her answer sparked backlash on social media, with some questioning why the Republicans were pushing someone so unqualified to get another six-year term as a senator. One commenter named Kelly McCarty on X, formerly Twitter, even remarked that there was already an anti-trans law from 2022 on the books in South Carolina that Graham didn’t even mention.
Graham is expected to be supported by President Donald Trump at a rally in South Carolina on Friday (Aug. 21). Her primary election against Norman takes place next Tuesday.
1. Josh Eakle
