Darline Graham acknowledges limited national security knowledge at SC debate

Trump-endorsed appointee faces Rep. Ralph Norman in next week’s runoff

Sen. Darline Graham, the appointed senator from South Carolina competing in next week’s runoff election, told a debate audience Tuesday night that she is “not that informed on national security” when asked about U.S. interests in Taiwan and the South China Sea.

The exchange drew attention because Graham’s late brother, Lindsey Graham, was known for his involvement in foreign policy, according to the Associated Press.

“Are Taiwan and the South China Sea national security issues for the United States and if so, why or how?” a moderator asked, according to the AP.

Graham began her response with the preface, “I’m just going to be honest here.” She then said, “I’m not that informed on national security,” and paused. “But I do support the military,” she added.

Graham then invoked her family’s military service. “My brother was in the Air Force for 33 years so I will do everything I can to support the military,” she said, according to the AP. “My dad was in the Army.”

“I’m not a polished politician up here, national security is not my thing, not my area of expertise, but I do support the military,” Graham added.

Lindsey Graham died unexpectedly on July 11, according to the AP. Darline Graham was appointed to temporarily fill his Senate seat and is now running in a special election for her own.

Her runoff opponent is Rep. Ralph Norman. The two advanced from last week’s primary, according to the AP. President Donald Trump has endorsed Graham, according to the AP.