Darline Graham Says She's 'Not That Informed' on National Security

Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., who is seeking a full term in the seat once held by her late brother Lindsey Graham, faced backlash after telling a debate audience Tuesday night that she is "not that informed on national security."

Asked whether Taiwan and the South China Sea are national security issues for the United States, Graham requested the question be repeated before answering, "I'm just going to be honest here — I'm not, on national security, that — I'm not that informed on national security." Boos could be heard from the audience.

She went on to say she supports the military, noting her brother served 33 years in the Air Force and her father served in the Army. "I'm not a polished politician up here. National security is not my thing, not my area of expertise, but I do support the military," she said.

Her opponent in next Tuesday's runoff, Rep. Ralph Norman, praised President Donald Trump's approach to Taiwan and China as "peace through strength."

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who is backing Norman, criticized Graham on X: "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."

A spokesperson for Graham pointed to her post-debate comments to the Post and Courier, in which she said South Carolinians are "worried about their pocketbooks more than they're worried about the South China Sea, quite honestly."

Trump has not commented on the debate but previously criticized Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for stumbling on a Taiwan question, calling her performance "horrible."

Graham announced Tuesday that Trump will rally with her Friday in Myrtle Beach. She finished first and Norman second in the August 11 special primary, but Graham fell short of the 50% threshold needed to win outright. The runoff winner will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in November.