Did Lindsey Graham watch the same debate as us?
Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina is not among those Republicans who are praising former President Donald Trump’s performance in the recent debate against Vice President Kamala Harris. Graham, in his candid remarks to reporters following the debate, expressed disappointment with Trump’s handling of Harris’s critiques and labeled the debate as a “missed opportunity.”
Graham was particularly frustrated by Trump’s reaction when Harris commented that the administration had “inherited a mess.” He was vocally displeased, arguing that the situation was quite the opposite. Graham asserted that Trump had left behind a prosperous economy with low gas prices, a secure border, effective COVID-19 vaccines, and significant Middle Eastern advancements like the Abraham Accords. In contrast, Graham contended, the current administration has squandered these achievements.
In discussing what Trump should focus on if a second debate takes place, Graham advised, “Tighten up.” He had hoped that Trump would robustly highlight his accomplishments and contrast them with the current administration’s failures. Specifically, Graham wanted Trump to emphasize the secure border, low mortgage rates, affordable gas, and energy independence achieved during his tenure.
Graham criticized the debate as a missed chance for Trump to clearly outline his record and frame the debate around the idea of a nation in decline under the current leadership. Although Trump did address some of these themes in his closing remarks, Graham felt that a stronger, more direct rebuttal was necessary.
Graham concluded by acknowledging that Trump’s closing remarks were solid but suggested that Trump needs to more effectively present his achievements and the current administration’s shortcomings if he participates in another debate. Graham also mentioned that he plans to personally reach out to Trump to reinforce this message.
