According to the Washington Post report on August 19th, the Republican senator election in South Carolina held the only debate. Senator Darline Graham made a mistake when answering a question about foreign policy, exposing a core weakness of this candidate supported by President Trump: a lack of political and policy experience.
This incident occurred on Tuesday evening. At that time, Graham was questioned about Taiwan and the South China Sea issues—important areas of strategic competition between China and the United States. Graham admitted that he did not have enough knowledge about these issues to provide an answer.
"I'll just tell you straight up," she said, "I don't have a deep understanding of national security issues."
There were screams and boos from the on-site audience.
Considering Graham’s political family background and Trump’s support for her, this conversation is particularly notable. Trump is scheduled to travel to Myrtle Beach on Friday to assist her in the election campaign. Graham does not possess the same diplomatic experience as her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham. Lindsey Graham advised Trump on national security issues, and Trump has always taken a tough stance towards China.
Compared to her opponent, Ralph Norman, who has been elected as a federal congressman for five terms, Darlene Graham also lacks political experience. Norman has always used his long-standing record of conservative policies as an important selling point during the campaign.
Lindsay Graham passed away unexpectedly on July 11. Her sister was subsequently appointed to temporarily fill her senatorial seat, and later received support from Trump to run for a full term. In the first round of the Republican primary elections this month, she came in first place and will participate in the runoff on Tuesday.
"My older brother has been serving in the air force for 33 years, so I will do my best to support the army," she said during the debate, "My father served in the army. I stand here not as a seasoned politician. National security is not my expertise, nor my area of specialization, but I do support the army."
