- During a debate for the Aug. 25 snap Senate primary runoff, Graham revealed a major blindspot in her understanding of a critical foreign policy issue, U.S.-Taiwan relations.
- State Rep. Jordan Pace criticized Graham, stating, “It very much confirmed many of our suspicions that while she might be a very nice lady, she is woefully underprepared or unprepared to be one of the 100 U.S. Senators in the Senate.”
- Norman stated that South Carolinians deserve a senator with “know-how” on foreign policy, emphasizing that China is a threat to the United States.
- Graham’s campaign pointed toward her comments, stating, “What’s important are the people of South Carolina. They’re worried about their pocketbooks more than they’re worried about the South China Sea, quite honestly.”
- Bonnie Glaser emphasized the importance of Taiwan, stating, “Anyone running for a seat in Congress should be able to explain to the American people why Taiwan is important to American interests. Taiwan is a vibrant democracy of 23 million people and the source of over 90 percent of the world’s advanced semiconductors.”
Darline Graham, a candidate in the South Carolina Senate runoff, is under fire for her comments on U.S.-Taiwan relations during a recent debate. Her admission of being "not that informed on national security" has raised concerns about her readiness for the Senate.1
Critics, including state Rep. Jordan Pace, argue that her performance confirmed suspicions about her inexperience. "It very much confirmed many of our suspicions that while she might be a very nice lady, she is woefully underprepared or unprepared to be one of the 100 U.S. Senators in the Senate," Pace stated.2
Graham's opponent, Norman, emphasized the need for a senator with foreign policy know-how, citing threats from China, including spy balloons and land purchases near military bases. He stated, "South Carolinians deserve a senator with know-how on foreign policy."3
In response to the criticism, Graham's campaign pointed out her focus on local issues, stating, "What’s important are the people of South Carolina. They’re worried about their pocketbooks more than they’re worried about the South China Sea, quite honestly."4
Experts like Bonnie Glaser from the German Marshall Fund stressed the importance of understanding Taiwan's role in U.S. interests, noting, "Anyone running for a seat in Congress should be able to explain to the American people why Taiwan is important to American interests."5
Taiwan is a vibrant democracy of 23 million people and a key player in the global semiconductor market, producing over 90 percent of the world's advanced chips.
“State Rep. Jordan Pace stated that Graham is 'woefully underprepared' for the Senate, while Norman argued that South Carolinians deserve a senator with 'know-how' on foreign policy, particularly regarding threats from China. Bonnie Glaser emphasized the importance of Taiwan, noting its significance to American interests and global semiconductor supply.”
