Sen. Darline Graham, a candidate in South Carolina's upcoming runoff election, acknowledged a lack of familiarity with national security issues during a debate Tuesday night. When asked if Taiwan and the South China Sea constitute national security issues for the United States and why, Graham responded by stating, “I’m not that informed on national security." She then added, "But I do support the military."
Graham is currently running in a special election to fill the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by her brother, Lindsey Graham, who died unexpectedly on July 11. She was appointed to temporarily fill his seat and is now seeking her own term. Her opponent in the runoff election is Rep. Ralph Norman.
Graham referenced her family's military background during her response, noting, “My brother was in the Air Force for 33 years so I will do everything I can to support the military. My dad was in the Army. I’m not a polished politician up here, national security is not my thing, not my area of expertise, but I do support the military.”
President Donald Trump has endorsed Graham. Both Graham and Norman advanced to the runoff following last week's primary election.