Darline Graham Pressed About Disastrous Debate Response After It Went Viral

Senator Darline Graham (R-SC) shrugged off a question about her bumbling debate performance, saying South Carolina voters are more “worried about their pocketbooks” than one of her cringeworthy debate answers.

Graham, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, flubbed her answer during the Tuesday night debate with Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) when asked by Newsmax host Greta Van Susteren, “Senator, are Taiwan and the South China Sea national security issues for the United States? If so, why?”

After asking Van Susteren to repeat the question, Graham responded: “I’m just gonna be honest here. I’m not, on national security – I’m not that informed on national security, so – but I do support the military. My brother was in the Air Force for 33 years, so I will do everything I can to support the military. My dad was in the Army.

She then admitted, “I’m not a polished politician up here. National security is not my thing, not my area of expertise, but I support the military.”

The response quickly drew criticism from both sides of the aisle, with political figures calling the display “outrageous” and “nauseating.”

Post and Courier political reporter Nick Reynolds, who covered the debate, later asked Graham about the lackluster response.

Graham told him the voters in South Carolina are “worried about their pocketbooks more than they’re worried about the South China Sea, quite honestly,” Reynolds said.

Gov. Henry McMaster (R-SC) appointed Graham to finish out her brother’s Senate term following Lindsey Graham’s shocking July 11 death.

Darline Graham had received an endorsement from President Donald Trump, who has also backed her campaign to remain in the Senate for a full term.

The Senate primary will be held on Sept. 22, with the winner going on to face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.

Watch above via C-SPAN.

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