Republican interim South Carolina Sen. Darline Grahams shaky performance on basic national security and economic questions during a televised GOP Senate primary debate has raised fresh doubts about her readiness to serve in Washington.
The debate, hosted by Newsmaxs Greta Van Susteren, pitted Graham against Republican challenger Ralph Norman in the race to fill the late Sen. Lindsey Grahams seat, according to the Daily Caller. Graham, who was appointed on an interim basis and is now seeking a full term, repeatedly appeared out of her depth on issues central to U.S. security and the economic strain facing American families.
Van Susteren pressed Graham on one of the most consequential foreign policy flashpoints of President Trumps second administration, asking about the Chinese Communist Partys ambitions in the Pacific. Senator, are Taiwan and the South China Sea national security issues for the United States? If so, why? Van Susteren asked.
Rather than offering a clear position, Graham openly conceded she lacked basic familiarity with the subject. Im just going to be honest here. Im not that informed on national security, Graham said. So But I do support the military.
Norman, by contrast, delivered a concise and substantive answer that aligned closely with the hawkish, peace-through-strength posture conservatives have long championed. Taiwan is a definite ally. You know, we have a trading relationship with them thats beneficial to the United States, chips being one of them and others.
He went on to praise the current White House approach to deterring Beijings aggression. So what the president is doing right is he is enabling Taiwan to defend themselves against China. But its peace through strength that he is showing with Iran that China, Russia and others are looking at, so that they dont want to deal with America. And thats why they havent attacked Taiwan, he said.
Norman then drew a sharp contrast between President Trumps firm posture and the record of Democrat leadership. He argued that China would seize Taiwan if a weak Democrat were in the Oval Office, citing Joe Biden and Barack Obama as examples of that failed approach.
He warned that the stakes could not be higher for American security and global stability. He said the U.S. cant let that happen, adding that peace through strength is working.
Grahams difficulties were not confined to foreign policy, as she also stumbled on a basic question about the cost-of-living crisis hammering working families. Gas prices are record high. Americans are being pinched at the grocery store, living paycheck to paycheck, half of America. So what can you do in the Senate to alleviate that pain? Van Susteren asked.
Graham said she understood the financial pressure but then dramatically misstated the size of the state she hopes to represent. Well, I know how that feels. Theres 50 million people here in South Carolina. Half of them live paycheck to paycheck, Graham said.
Normans campaign quickly seized on the error, using his X account to highlight that South Carolinas population is roughly 5.6 million, not 50 million, based on U.S. Census Bureau data. For conservatives who prioritize competence, fiscal realism and a serious approach to national defense, the contrast between the two candidates could hardly have been clearer.
Norman and Darline Graham will face off in the Republican primary runoff Tuesday, Aug. 25, to determine the GOP nominee in South Carolinas special Senate election. Early voting is set to begin Wednesday, giving Republican voters an early opportunity to decide whether they want a senator who echoes President Trumps strong foreign policy and economic priorities, or one still struggling with the basics.
Login