The declaration by Senate candidate Darline Graham that "national security is not my thing" during a Wednesday night debate has become a focal point in the race, with political observers debating whether it was an unintentional gaffe or a deliberate strategy. The comment came in response to a question concerning Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Some political professionals suggest the remark was a calculated risk designed to set Graham apart from her opponent, Rep. Ralph Norman. This approach may be part of her final appeal to voters ahead of Tuesday's runoff election for the South Carolina Senate seat, previously held by her brother, the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. One state GOP operative told The Post that the admission "might have been a strategic choice to try to get sympathy."

Graham, who was appointed to the seat temporarily in July, has reportedly continued to use the incident to portray herself as relatable and to label Norman, a long-serving elected official, as an "insider" and "career politician."

Graham's campaign is benefiting from her late brother's political network and significant financial backing from outside groups. The Invest in Tomorrow Coalition has reportedly spent over $1 million on advertising critical of Norman's past stances on solar power subsidies. Another group, Security is Strength PAC, which has ties to her brother's political interests, has invested $1.5 million and distributed mailers labeling Norman a "MAGA traitor."

Norman, meanwhile, has largely refrained from aggressive attacks, expressing understanding for Graham's situation following her brother's death. However, the debate comment has been described by one GOP source as potentially "catastrophic" and likely to alienate older voters.

President Trump made an appearance in Myrtle Beach on Friday to support Graham, urging voters to back her candidacy. He characterized her debate statement as "very honest."

In a development supporting Norman, former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford endorsed him on Friday. Sanford cited concerns about the nation's growing debt, stating, "the stakes are simply too high as our nation really is at a financial tipping point."

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