In the tragic and sudden loss of Sen.Lindsey Graham, America has lost one of its greatest patriots.
I have lost a dear friend.And the Republican Party has lost a champion.Much will rightfully be written about Lindsey’s strong advocacy on behalf of the United States and freedom-loving people around the world.
There was no bigger believer in America’s role in the world.In uniform and in Congress, Lindsey dedicated his life to the mission that America was a singular force for good.I was blessed to travel with Lindsey on several occasions, and while there was always a lot made of his support for American hard power, he also was a big believer in the use of soft power — America’s economic, diplomatic, and political solutions to the world’s problems.LINDSEY GRAHAM, SOUTH CAROLINA SENATOR WHO ROSE FROM SMALL-TOWN ROOTS TO GOP POWER BROKER, DIES AT 71Lindsey was a statesman, and he will be mourned the world over.
I expect that nearly every living American president has taken advice from Lindsey Graham, whether they care to admit it or not.Heads of state came to respect his opinion and seek his counsel because of his undeniable influence on American foreign policy.But the most profound sting of this great loss will be felt here at home and within the Republican Party.
Lindsey was our glue.He spoke fluently to every corner of our big-tent party, and to those of us who had the privilege of serving with him, we were blessed to call him a friend first and a colleague second.
Even in the most stressful situations, Lindsey was adept at bringing out a laugh and putting a smile on your face.'THE HALLS OF THE SENATE ALREADY FEEL EMPTY': TEARFUL THUNE HONORS LINDSEY GRAHAM AS SISTER TAKES HIS SEATIf you were putting together a dinner of colleagues, Lindsey was the first person you called.He was always entertaining and never pretentious.
To me, he was a loyal friend, a trusted adviser and someone who always called them as he saw them.He was as transparent as they come �...