Darline Graham faces scrutiny after admitting she is not well-versed on national security during a debate
Darline Graham, a South Carolina senator, faced criticism from both supporters and opponents after admitting during a debate that national security was "not my thing." The statement drew particular attention because she is seeking a full Senate term to fill the seat of her late brother, Lindsey Graham, who was a prominent figure in foreign policy. Critics, including Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts, labeled the admission embarrassing for a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Opponents argue that South Carolinians cannot afford a grace period for on--the-job training while China remains a significant military and economic threat. Darline Graham defended her response by stating she was being honest and emphasized that she believes China is a primary enemy of the United States. While the administration announced that President Trump has endorsed Darline Graham for the full term, her debate stumble highlights the contrast between her current performance and the deep foreign policy expertise of her late brother.
Sources
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Darline Graham’s Debate Misstep Tests South Carolina’s Appetite for a Political Newcomer
The New York Times
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‘Woefully underprepared’: Graham critics seize on her foreign policy misstep
Politico
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Why Taiwan and the South China Sea matter to the US and the world
AP News
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Analysis | Darline Graham’s ‘oops’ moment and the pitfalls of acknowledging ignorance
The Washington Post
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Darline Graham on debate question stumble: ‘I’m not a politician’
The Hill