Darline Graham’s ‘embarrassing and inexcusable’ national security stumble spotlights break from late brother
Darline Graham’s admission that she was not well-versed on Taiwan is drawing scrutiny days before South Carolina’s GOP Senate runoff, putting the Trump-backed candidate’s national security credentials at the center of her closing fight against Rep. Ralph Norman.
President Donald Trump has endorsed Graham and is scheduled to rally for her in Myrtle Beach on Friday, days before the GOP runoff against Norman on Tuesday. But Graham’s debate stumble on Taiwan draws a sharp contrast with her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, who made national security and foreign policy defining issues of his Senate career and was an outspoken supporter of Taiwan.
The debate question carried consequences beyond a campaign-stage stumble. China claims Taiwan and has not ruled out using force to take the self-governing island, a conflict that could draw the United States and its military into a major war in the Indo-Pacific. Beijing’s aggressive claims in the South China Sea have also put it at odds with U.S. allies and partners. As a sitting senator on the Appropriations Committee, Graham is positioned to vote on military and national security spending decisions that shape how the nation responds to those threats.
Graham sought to clarify her comments during an appearance on "Hannity" and in a post on her social media account.
"I tripped up on one question last night, regarding Taiwan. I don’t speak politician. I was just honest. Of course, Taiwan is our friend. But I think people in South Carolina are more worried about boys in girls sports."
"I did say, several times, that China is our enemy, a military and economic threat to the United States. Of course, Taiwan is our friend."
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She added: "I’m not a politician. I don’t speak politician. I was just honest, and I think that’s a foreign concept in politics."
Still, Graham’s answer drew a sharp online response, particularly because Lindsey Graham made national security and foreign policy defining parts of his Senate career and repeatedly pressed U.S. leaders to stand with Taiwan.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Graham's campaign for additional clarification.
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who backs Norman, wrote online: "Lindsey Graham was well informed on the United States’ national security. Darline Graham admits she’s not. This is not something you inherit. And it’s critical in the U.S. Senate."
Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts wrote: "I’m sorry, but respectfully, even accounting for her being new to the job, this is embarrassing and inexcusable. China’s threat toward Taiwan is a bit of a big deal, especially — it would seem — for a member of the U.S. Senate."
Conservative radio host Clay Travis called Graham’s answer "disqualifying in my opinion," while former South Carolina state Rep. Adam Morgan wrote that Graham had revealed she could not answer "basic national security questions."
Norman seized on the moment in an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital, saying South Carolinians "can’t afford a grace period for on-the-job training while China buys up farmland near military installations and sends spy balloons over our state."
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"We need to stand ready to support our allies and South Carolinians deserve to know where my opponent stands on this issue," Norman said.
Mike Nelson, a visiting fellow at the National Security Institute, said no one expects Graham to immediately replicate her brother’s deep foreign policy focus. But he said the Taiwan exchange nevertheless raised a basic question about the job she is seeking.
"Obviously, senators have particular focus areas based on their experience, committee assignments, or even just their interests. Senator Graham’s late brother was one of those most focused on foreign policy in the upper chamber and nobody expects her to immediately fill his shoes to that level," Nelson told Fox News Digital.
"But one would expect a cursory familiarity with some of the most concerning flashpoints, particularly as it relates to our largest strategic rival and threat, if one wants to keep their job in the body that votes on military force and authorizes defense budgets. I’d expect at least mild curiosity rather than shrugging indifference."
Graham was appointed to fill the seat after her brother’s death and is now seeking a full term. Her runoff against Norman is scheduled for Tuesday.