South Carolina Senate candidate Darline Graham, appointed to fill the seat of her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, is facing criticism after stating she was "not that informed on national security" in response to a question about diplomacy in the South China Sea. The comment has drawn rebukes from political opponents and figures within her party as she heads into a GOP runoff election.
Graham, who is seeking a full term in the Senate, made the admission during a debate. The question on South China Sea diplomacy carried significant weight due to China's claims over Taiwan and the potential for U.S. involvement in a conflict in the Indo-Pacific region. Graham, as a sitting senator on the Appropriations Committee, would be involved in decisions shaping national security spending.
Following the debate, Graham addressed her remarks on social media and in an appearance on "Hannity." She stated that she "tripped up on one question" and that people in South Carolina are "more worried about boys in girls sports." She clarified that she has stated multiple times that "China is our enemy, a military and economic threat to the United States," and that "Taiwan is our friend." Graham further characterized her response as honesty, saying, "I’m not a politician. I don’t speak politician. I was just honest, and I think that’s a foreign concept in politics."
The comments starkly contrasted with the national security and foreign policy focus that defined her brother, Lindsey Graham's, Senate career. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who is backing Graham's opponent, Norman, commented that national security knowledge "is not something you inherit. And it’s critical in the U.S. Senate."
Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, called Graham's statement "embarrassing and inexcusable," noting the significance of China's threat toward Taiwan for a U.S. senator.
Graham's opponent in the runoff, Bill Norman, seized on the issue, asserting that South Carolinians "can’t afford a grace period for on-the-job training while China buys up farmland near military installations and sends spy balloons over our state." Norman added, "We need to stand ready to support our allies and South Carolinians deserve to know where my opponent stands on this issue."
Mike Nelson, a visiting fellow at the National Security Institute, suggested that while no one expects Graham to immediately match her brother's foreign policy depth, a "cursory familiarity with some of the most concerning flashpoints, particularly as it relates to our largest strategic rival and threat" is reasonable for someone seeking a seat in the Senate. He noted that "mild curiosity rather than shrugging indifference" would be expected.
President Donald Trump has endorsed Graham and is scheduled to hold a rally for her in Myrtle Beach days before the Tuesday runoff election.