Darline Graham on debate question stumble: ‘I’m not a politician’

Sen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.) on Wednesday defended her stumble earlier this week on a national security question during a primary runoff debate, saying she was simply being “honest” about her lack of political experience.

“I tripped up on one question last night regarding Taiwan,” Graham said in an interview with Fox News on Wednesday. “I have said many times I’m not a politician, certainly not a career politician. I don’t speak politician.”

Graham, who was appointed to fill the vacancy left after her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), died last month , was asked during the special GOP debate on Tuesday whether Taiwan and the South China Sea are national security issues for the U.S. and why.

“I’m just going to be honest here. I’m not that informed on national security,” she responded. “But I do support the military.”

By contrast, her late brother served in the Air Force for more than three decades and had extensive national security experience, including serving as a member on several top Senate committees focused on defense.

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) ripped Darline Graham’s national security answer, arguing that her brother’s experience could not be passed on to her.

“Lindsey Graham was well informed on the United States’ national security. Darline Graham admits she’s not,” Haley wrote on social platform X . “This is not something you inherit. And it’s critical in the U.S. Senate.”

The senator’s debate answer drew boos from the audience and criticism as she competes for a full term in the Senate. President Trump recommended her to replace her brother and has endorsed her campaign.

Graham sought to clarify her position in Wednesday’s interview, adding that people across the state “appreciated” the fact that she was transparent about her knowledge.

“I did say several times that, you know, China is our enemy, our military and economic threat to the United States,” she said. “Of course, Taiwan is our friend.”

She argued, however, that her constituents are more focused on domestic concerns.

“I think people in South Carolina are more worried about making ends meet,” she said. “So, they are concerned about a lot of other things other than Taiwan.”

The runoff election between Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) is set for Tuesday.