Interim Senator Darline Graham acknowledged she is not well-versed in national security during a televised debate with Representative Ralph Norman on Tuesday, August 18, marking a significant moment in South Carolina’s GOP Senate runoff just one week before voters head to the polls on August 25.
When moderator Greta Van Susteren asked Graham whether Taiwan and the South China Sea represent national security issues for the United States, Graham paused and then said directly: “I’m not that informed on national security, so — but I do support the military.” She added, “National security is not my thing, not my area of expertise,” according to CNN.
The moment drew audible disapproval from the live audience at the Newberry Opera House in Newberry, South Carolina. After the debate, Graham told reporters that South Carolinians are “worried about their pockets more than they’re worried about the South China Sea,” according to The State newspaper.
Norman, by contrast, answered with greater confidence. He said Taiwan is “a definite ally” and applauded Trump for “enabling Taiwan to defend themselves against China,” according to CNN. After the debate, Norman told reporters that while he sympathized with Graham’s position, senators must arrive prepared. “By her choice, she’s running for the United States Senate,” Norman said, per The State. “It’s a six-year term. You need to get fully versed in what issues you’re going to be dealing with.”
Experience Becomes Central to the Race
Graham has not previously held elected office before being appointed interim senator following the death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, in July. Her admission about her limited knowledge of national security fuels the core criticism Norman and other observers have leveled against her candidacy: that she lacks the preparation for a full six-year term.
Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, a longtime ally of Norman, seized on the moment. “Lindsey Graham was well informed on the United States’ national security,” Haley wrote on social media. “Darline Graham admits she’s not. This is not something you inherit. And it’s critical in the U.S. Senate,” according to CNN.
Graham has sought to differentiate herself from her late brother by emphasizing domestic issues and her role as a working mother. The debate, which ran approximately one hour at the Newberry Opera House and was hosted by SC ETV and Newsmax, featured both candidates largely agreeing on key issues—including the need to reduce the national debt, support for Israel, and opposition to illegal immigration. Both also called for prosecution of former White House advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci.
President Donald Trump, who endorsed Graham before she announced her candidacy, is scheduled to hold a rally for her Friday in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Norman has questioned why Trump would campaign in South Carolina rather than in more competitive races elsewhere, according to The State.
Sources
- CNN — Graham’s exact quote and context, Van Susteren’s question, Norman’s response, Haley’s social media statement
- The State — Debate details, venue, hosts, Graham’s post-debate comment about South Carolinians’ priorities, Norman’s criticism of Graham’s preparedness, Trump rally announcement
- AP News — Graham’s national security admission and the debate context
