- Darline Graham admitted during the debate that she is "not that informed on national security".
- Nikki Haley criticized Graham, stating "Lindsey Graham was well informed on the United States' national security" and that "Darline Graham admits she's not", emphasizing the importance of this knowledge in the U.S. Senate.
- Dr. Annie Andrews remarked on Graham's candidacy, stating "Darline Graham Nordone is asking for six years as South Carolina's senator during wartime yet has the gall to tell voters 'national security isn't my thing'".
- Graham later called China a national security threat, advocating for "any type of bans against China" from AI to farmland, and she also fielded questions on Iran and Israel.
In a heated South Carolina GOP Senate debate, Darline Graham's admission of being "not that informed on national security" raised eyebrows and drew sharp criticism from her opponents.1
Graham struggled to address key national security issues, including Taiwan and the South China Sea, stating, "I'm just going to be honest here... I'm not that informed on national security, so — but I do support the military."
This admission has sparked concern among political figures, particularly former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who remarked, "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."2
Dr. Annie Andrews also criticized Graham, stating, "Darline Graham Nordone is asking for six years as South Carolina's senator — during wartime — yet has the gall to tell voters 'national security isn't my thing.'"3
Despite her lack of knowledge, Graham did label China as a national security threat and advocated for various bans against the country, including those related to AI and farmland. She also addressed questions regarding Iran and Israel, attempting to bolster her stance on national security issues.
As the debate continues, Graham's comments may impact her campaign as voters weigh the importance of national security expertise in their next senator.
“Nikki Haley criticized Graham, stating, "Lindsey Graham was well informed on the United States' national security, and Darline Graham admits she's not," emphasizing the importance of this knowledge in the Senate. Dr. Annie Andrews also remarked, "Darline Graham Nordone is asking for six years as South Carolina's senator during wartime yet has the gall to tell voters 'national security isn't my thing.'"”
CBS News
