Darline Graham Draws Fire Over Taiwan Remark 5 Days Before GOP Runoff
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 20
Darline Graham Draws Fire Over Taiwan Remark 5 Days Before GOP Runoff
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 20
Summary
Darline Graham faced intensifying backlash after saying in a debate she was "not that informed on national security" when asked about South China Sea diplomacy and Taiwan.
The remark landed heavily because Graham is an incumbent senator on the Appropriations Committee, which helps shape defense spending and potential U.S. responses to China.
Graham tried to contain the fallout on Fox News and social media, saying she "tripped up" on one question, that "Taiwan is our friend," and that China is a military and economic threat.
Rival Ralph Norman, Nikki Haley, Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts and other conservatives called the answer disqualifying or inexcusable, turning the exchange into a closing issue before Tuesday's runoff.
The episode is especially sensitive because Graham was appointed after her brother Lindsey Graham's death, and his Senate career was closely identified with national security and support for Taiwan.