Trump also calls Graham’s debate answer ‘very honest’ at SC rally
Sen. Tim Scott defended Sen. Darline Graham’s national security credentials on Sunday, telling NBC’s Meet the Press that the South Carolina senator is “prepared to serve” in the U.S. Senate.
His appearance came two days before Graham faces Rep. Ralph Norman in a Republican runoff to determine the party’s nominee for the Senate seat her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, held until his sudden death in July.
Graham, who was appointed to fill the seat after her brother’s death, was asked during a Tuesday night debate with Norman whether Taiwan and the South China Sea were national security issues for the United States.
“I’m just going to be honest here,” Graham said. “I’m not that informed on national security.” She added: “National security is not my thing.”
On Meet the Press, Scott was asked about Graham’s qualifications and whether a U.S. senator should have an understanding of national security issues.
“Well, the answer is yes. And she does,” Scott said.
Scott did not detail any of Graham’s national security experience in his response. He instead framed the question as whether Graham is prepared to address the issues facing South Carolina.
“The question we’re asking ourselves today is whether or not she is prepared to serve in the United States Senate and represent the people of South Carolina on the issues that are germane to the moment, with all the issues of the moment,” he said. “And is she prepared to hit those issues? She hits those issues spot-on.”
Graham held various public policy jobs in South Carolina before her Senate appointment but had never run for or held public office.
President Donald Trump, who endorsed Graham in the runoff, traveled to South Carolina on Friday for a rally in her support. Trump also commented on Graham’s debate answer at the rally.
“I watched that,” Trump said. “I thought it was a very honest answer, actually.”
The Tuesday runoff will determine which Republican advances to the November ballot to succeed Lindsey Graham.
Scott’s appearance came days after Graham acknowledged her limited national security knowledge at the Tuesday debate and followed Trump’s Friday rally in Myrtle Beach in support of Graham.