Trump Scrambles to Save Nepo Sister After Debate Disaster

Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag Donald Trump will attempt to boost the fortunes of his handpicked replacement for MAGA ally Lindsey Graham, after an embarrassing gaffe on the debate stage sparked a backlash over his endorsement.

The president will head to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina on Friday to campaign for Darline Graham, days before the late senator’s sister heads into a run-off election, hoping to replace her brother in the U.S.

Senate full time.

Graham, who used to run South Carolina’s Commission for the Blind, was handpicked by Trump for the coveted seat after her brother died last month, despite being a political novice.

This prompted criticism from both Democrats and seasoned conservatives alike—including those backing her GOP primary opponent, longtime South Carolina Republican Ralph Norman.

But Graham’s lack of experience exploded to the fore during a debate on Tuesday night when she confessed her ignorance of national security, her brother’s signature issue.

The damning moment, which led to Graham being booed by the audience, came when co-moderator Greta Van Susteren asked whether Taiwan and the South China Sea were national security issues for the United States.

After initially asking Van Susteren to repeat the question, Graham admitted, “I’m just going to be honest here...

I’m not that informed on national security.” “I’m not a polished politician up here,” she added.

“National security is not my thing, not my area of expertise, but I support the military.” Critics immediately seized on Graham’s blunder and took aim at the president for his endorsement.

“This honestly should be disqualifying,” said former Obama adviser David Axelrod.

Former Republican turned MediaTouch editor Ron Filipkowski added: “Trump’s endorsement of obviously unqualified Darlene Graham for US Senate shows the contempt that he has for voters and people in SC, most of whom will continue to support him and maybe even vote for her.

So perhaps his contempt for those particular voters is justified.” And former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who is backing Norman, wrote on X: “Lindsey Graham was well informed on the United States’ national security.

Darline Graham admits she’s not.