Sen.Darline Graham and Rep.
Ralph Norman traded criticism over experience, ambition, campaign finance and policy positions in a Senate primary debate Tuesday in South Carolina, one week before Republican primary voters choose a nominee to replace Graham’s brother, the late Sen.Lindsey Graham, on the ballot this fall.While Graham went on the attack against Norman, the political newcomer’s thin resume took center stage in the historic Newberry Opera House on several occasions throughout the debate, including on a question regarding Taiwan, the South China Sea and American security interests.Add to GoogleNorman, Graham speak after advancing to runoff in South Carolina Republican Senate primary02:02“I’m just going to be honest here — I’m not on national security,” Graham said.
“I’m not that informed on national security, but I do support the military.” She followed her short answer by saying, “national security is not my thing.”Lindsey Graham was known as a staunch foreign policy hawk during his Senate tenure, including his support for Ukraine and Israel and his aggressive push to increase pressure on Iran.Graham had long advocated for military strikes against the country and spoke in favor of the Iran war after it began earlier this year.In a Fox News interview that aired on July 20, Darline Graham — who never held office before she was appointed to the Senate last month, days after her brother died suddenly — emphasized that the main difference between her and her brother is that she will focus on issues that matter to “the average person,” not foreign policy.Similarly, in response to questions on foreign policy brought up throughout Tuesday’s debate — including Iran, regulations on China and the growing tensions in the South China Sea — Graham fell back on President Donald Trump’s stance, saying her positions align with his actions.
Trump has endorsed Graham for a full term.“I fully trust President Trump when it comes to t...