Tim Scott defends Darline Graham’s ‘national security is not my thing’ comment

Senator Tim Scott defended Darline Graham, a South Carolina Republican appointed to the Senate, after she admitted national security is "not my thing" during a debate. Graham is in a runoff election against Congressman Ralph Norman. Scott stated Graham is prepared to serve in the Senate and address current issues, though he did not provide specific details of her national security experience. Donald Trump also endorsed Graham and dismissed her comment as honest. Graham previously held public policy jobs in South Carolina but had not held elected office before her appointment.

During a debate in South Carolina on Tuesday night, U.S. Senator Darline Graham, a candidate in the upcoming GOP Senate runoff election, admitted to not being well-informed on national security matters. When asked if Taiwan and the South China Sea were U.S. national security issues, Graham stated, "I'm not that informed on national security," but affirmed her support for the military. Graham, who was appointed to fill the seat of her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, is running against Representative Ralph Norman. Her brother was known for his foreign policy involvement. Graham, endorsed by President Donald Trump, and Norman advanced to the runoff after the primary election.