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The Senatorial Trajectory

An examination of Lindsey Graham's political journey, legislative actions, and evolving alliances in American politics.

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Overview

A Distinguished Public Servant

Lindsey Olin Graham, born July 9, 1955, in Central, South Carolina, is a prominent American politician and attorney. He has served as the senior United States Senator from South Carolina since 2003, a testament to his enduring presence in national politics. A member of the Republican Party, Senator Graham has held significant leadership roles, including chairing the esteemed Senate Committee on the Judiciary from 2019 to 2021.[2]

Military and Legal Foundations

Prior to his extensive legislative career, Graham dedicated years to military service. He served in the United States Air Force from 1982 to 1988 as a member of the Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps, where he gained invaluable experience as both a defense attorney and a chief prosecutor in Europe. His military commitment continued through the U.S. Air Force Reserve while in Congress, culminating in his retirement as a Colonel in 2015. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service, reflecting his contributions to the Air Force.[1]

Evolution of a Political Figure

Graham's political trajectory has been marked by notable shifts. Initially recognized for his willingness to engage in bipartisan efforts on issues such as campaign finance reform, judicial nominees, and immigration, he often positioned himself as a "Reagan-style Republican" with an "independent streak."[3][4] However, his relationship with former President Donald Trump saw a significant transformation, moving from outspoken criticism during the 2016 campaign to becoming a staunch ally, a development that garnered considerable media attention and speculation.[16]

Early Life

Roots in South Carolina

Lindsey Olin Graham's formative years were spent in Central, South Carolina, where his parents, Millie and Florence James "F.J." Graham, operated the Sanitary Cafe, a local establishment encompassing a restaurant, bar, pool hall, and liquor store.[18][19] His family's heritage is rooted in Scots-Irish descent.[20]

Academic Pursuits and Family Responsibility

A graduate of D. W. Daniel High School, Graham became the first in his family to pursue higher education, enrolling in college and joining the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). A profound personal challenge arose when his mother passed away from Hodgkin's lymphoma at age 52, followed by his father's death from a heart attack 15 months later at age 69.[20] This left his 13-year-old sister orphaned, prompting Graham to attend the University of South Carolina in Columbia to remain close and serve as her legal guardian.[12] He earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology in 1977 and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1981, during which time he was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.[23]

Military

JAG Corps Service

Upon completing law school in 1982, Graham was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG Corps). His active duty included serving as an Air Force defense attorney and, from 1984 to 1988, as the Air Force's chief prosecutor in Europe, stationed at Rhein-Main Air Base in Frankfurt, Germany.[20] During this period, he was notably featured on an episode of 60 Minutes for his role in defending an Air Force pilot, which exposed flaws in the Air Force's drug-testing procedures.[24] He transitioned from active duty in 1989 to private legal practice in South Carolina, also serving as assistant county attorney for Oconee County (1988–1992) and city attorney for Central (1990–1994).[26]

Reserve and Guard Contributions

After active duty, Graham joined the South Carolina Air National Guard in 1989, serving until 1995, before transferring to the U.S. Air Force Reserve.[25] During the 1990–1991 Gulf War, he was recalled to active duty as a judge advocate, briefing pilots on the laws of war at McEntire Air National Guard Station.[27] He clarified that he "never deployed" to combat, addressing media contentions about his veteran status.[28] He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1998 and to colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 2004, a promotion officiated by President George W. Bush.[1]

Overseas Deployments and Retirement

As a reservist, Graham undertook active duty assignments in Iraq in 2007, focusing on detainee and rule-of-law issues, and in Afghanistan during the August 2009 Senate recess.[31][32] In 2014, he was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious service as a senior legal adviser to the Air Force in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he oversaw military prisoner detention.[33] He retired from the Air Force in 2015 at the rank of colonel, having completed over 33 years of service. Notably, he was unpaid as an Air Force officer during his time in federal government service, though he earned points toward a military pension.[1]

House

South Carolina State Legislature

Lindsey Graham's legislative career began in 1992 when he was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives, representing the 2nd district in Oconee County. He successfully unseated Democratic incumbent Lowell W. Ross, securing 60% of the vote. He served a single term from 1993 to 1995, gaining initial experience in state-level governance.[35]

Entry to U.S. House of Representatives

In 1994, with the retirement of 20-year incumbent Democratic U.S. congressman Butler Derrick, Graham ran for the 3rd congressional district seat. Aided by campaigning from Republican U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond, Graham won the Republican primary with 52% of the vote. He then defeated Democratic State Senator James Bryan Jr. in the general election, 60% to 40%. This victory, part of the "Republican Revolution" of that year, marked him as the first Republican to represent the district since 1877.[36] He was subsequently reelected in 1996, 1998 (unopposed), and 2000.[39]

Impeachment and Committee Roles

During his tenure in the U.S. House, Graham participated in a leadership challenge against House Speaker Newt Gingrich in 1997.[20] He was notably involved in the impeachment proceedings against President Bill Clinton. In November 1997, he co-sponsored a resolution to initiate an impeachment inquiry, an effort that intensified with the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal.[40] As a member of the Judiciary Committee, he voted in favor of the impeachment inquiry and, in the full House vote, supported three of the four proposed articles of impeachment, uniquely voting against the second perjury count in the Paula Jones case.[45] Graham later served as a House impeachment manager during the Senate trial.[49] His committee assignments included International Relations, Education and the Workforce, Judiciary, and Armed Services.

Senate

Ascent to the U.S. Senate

In 2002, with the retirement of long-serving U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond, Lindsey Graham successfully ran to succeed him. He secured the Republican primary unopposed and went on to defeat Democratic nominee Alex Sanders, the former president of the College of Charleston, with 54% of the vote. This election marked Graham as South Carolina's first new U.S. Senator since 1966, signifying a new era in the state's representation.[50]

Key Committee Leadership

Senator Graham has held numerous influential committee assignments throughout his Senate career. He is currently slated to chair the Senate Budget Committee starting January 3, 2025, having previously served as its ranking member from 2021 to 2023. He also held the significant role of chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2021, and is its current ranking member (2023–2025).[66] His extensive committee work includes:

Current Assignments:

  • Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittees on Commerce, Justice, Science; Defense; Energy and Water Development; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education; Department of State, Foreign Operations; Transportation, Housing and Urban Development.
  • Committee on Environment and Public Works: Subcommittees on Chemical Safety, Waste Management; Clean Air, Climate and Nuclear Safety; Transportation and Infrastructure.
  • Committee on the Budget: (Chairman, 2025–present; Ranking Member, 2021–2023)
  • Committee on the Judiciary: (Chairman, 2019–2021; Ranking Member, 2023–2025) Subcommittees on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights; Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights; Crime and Terrorism; Privacy, Technology and the Law.

Previous Assignments:

  • Armed Services (2003–2019)
  • Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (2003–2005)
  • Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry (2007–2009)
  • Select Committee on Intelligence (2007–2009)
  • Veterans' Affairs (2007–2011)
  • Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (2009–2011)
  • Special Committee on Aging (2009–2013)
  • Foreign Relations (2019–2021)[69]

Caucus Engagements

Beyond his formal committee duties, Senator Graham has been an active participant in various Senate caucuses, reflecting a broad range of interests and policy focuses. These memberships facilitate collaboration with colleagues on specific issues and demonstrate his engagement across different policy domains. He also serves on the board of directors for the International Republican Institute.[72]

  • Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Turkish Americans[70]
  • International Conservation Caucus
  • Senate National Guard Caucus (Co-chair)
  • Sportsmen's Caucus
  • Senate Oceans Caucus
  • Senate Taiwan Caucus[71]

Stances

Ideological Framework

Lindsey Graham identifies as a "Reagan-style Republican," often characterized by a "twang of moderation" and an "independent streak."[6][20] He has been a vocal critic of the Tea Party movement, advocating for a more inclusive Republican Party.[7] His willingness to collaborate across the aisle on issues such as climate change, tax reform, and immigration reform, alongside his belief that judicial nominees should not be opposed solely on philosophical grounds, has drawn both praise and criticism.[3] Notably, he voted to confirm both of President Obama's Supreme Court nominees, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, explaining his vote for Kagan by stating that "this election has consequences" and the president "chose wisely."[124] In 2023, the Lugar Center recognized Graham among the top third of senators for bipartisanship.[125]

Supreme Court Nominations

Graham's stance on Supreme Court nominations has evolved over time. In 2016, following Justice Antonin Scalia's death, he opposed filling a Supreme Court vacancy in a presidential election year, stating, "We are setting a precedent today, Republicans are," and inviting future use of his words against him.[127] He reiterated this in October 2018, stating that if an opening occurred in the last year of President Trump's term, they would "wait till the next election."[129] However, by May 2020, he indicated the Senate would confirm a nominee if a vacancy arose before the November election, distinguishing it from the Merrick Garland situation due to unified party control.[135] Following Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death in September 2020, Graham supported an immediate vote on Trump's nominee, a position the New York Times described as a "complete and brazen reversal."[137] He justified this by citing Democrats' earlier changes to Senate rules for appeals court nominees.[138]

Foreign Policy and National Security

A self-described "defense hawk" and neoconservative, Graham advocates for an aggressive interventionist foreign policy.[2] He supported the 2002 Iraq Resolution and the subsequent invasion.[214] Alongside Senators John McCain and Joe Lieberman, he was part of the "three amigos" who frequently traveled and advocated for American military intervention globally, particularly after the September 11 attacks.[216] He was a vocal critic of the Obama administration's foreign policy, even threatening to derail the confirmation of Chuck Hagel as Secretary of Defense, claiming Hagel would be "the most antagonistic secretary of defense towards the state of Israel."[221] Graham has also expressed strong views on Afghanistan, Iran, and Russia, advocating for a permanent U.S. presence in Afghanistan, preemptive military action against Iran, and sanctions against countries harboring figures like Edward Snowden.[226][233][149]

Domestic Policy Positions

Graham's domestic policy stances cover a wide array of issues:

  • Free Speech: In 2011, he suggested Congress might need to "limit some forms of freedom of speech" during wartime, citing World War II precedents, in response to a Koran-burning incident.[141]
  • NSA Surveillance: He expressed support for the NSA's collection of phone records, stating, "I don't think you're talking to the terrorists. I know you're not. I know I'm not. So we don't have anything to worry about."[146]
  • Detainee Interrogations: He advocated for military lawyers to have a more independent role in overseeing military commanders to prevent detainee abuse, while also stating that U.S. citizens accused of supporting terrorism should "Shut up. You don't get a lawyer."[153]
  • Immigration Reform: Initially a supporter of comprehensive reform, he later suggested amending the 14th Amendment regarding birthright citizenship and proposed stricter asylum and detention policies.[167]
  • Internet & Technology: He voted against restoring net neutrality and for allowing internet service providers to sell customer browsing history. More recently, he co-introduced the EARN IT Act to combat child sexual abuse material online.[175]
  • Gun Rights: He opposes universal background checks, arguing they lead to gun registration. However, in 2022, he supported a bipartisan gun control agreement including red flag provisions and stronger checks for those under 21.[181]
  • Health Care: A strong opponent of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), he authored the Graham–Cassidy amendment in 2017, which would have allowed states to remove protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions.[184]
  • Vaccines: He criticized Senator Rand Paul's vaccine skepticism, emphasizing "freedom without responsibility is chaos" and urging vaccination.[185]
  • Abortion: His position has shifted from supporting a 20-week national ban while respecting Roe v. Wade as precedent, to advocating for Roe's overturn to allow states to decide, and then introducing legislation for a federal 15-week abortion ban.[195]
  • LGBTQ+ Rights: He voted for the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996 and a constitutional amendment opposing same-sex marriage in 2006. While disagreeing with Obergefell v. Hodges, he later stated an amendment was no longer viable. In 2022, he maintained that states should define marriage.[202]
  • Climate Change: Initially a co-sponsor of climate change legislation, he later withdrew support and expressed skepticism about global warming science. In 2020, he sponsored the Growing Climate Solutions Act and, in 2023, co-sponsored the Foreign Pollution Fee Act, a carbon tariff bill.[210]

Trump

From Critic to Confidant

Lindsey Graham's relationship with Donald Trump underwent a remarkable transformation. In July 2015, as a presidential candidate, Graham publicly called Trump a "jackass" for comments about Senator John McCain, leading Trump to reveal Graham's personal cellphone number at a rally.[73] By December 2015, Graham escalated his criticism, labeling Trump a "race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot" for his proposed Muslim ban, declaring, "I'd rather lose without Donald Trump than try to win with him."[74] He even voted for independent candidate Evan McMullin in the 2016 election.[77]

The Alliance Forges

A pivotal shift occurred after a March 2017 meeting with Trump, which Graham described as going so well that he shared his new phone number with the President.[16] This marked the beginning of Graham's transition to a staunch Trump ally. By November 2017, he was criticizing media for labeling Trump a "kook," a stark contrast to his own earlier assessment.[80] In a 2019 interview, Graham openly stated his pursuit of "relevance" and "influence" within Trump's inner circle, acknowledging a "political marriage" with McCain but a personal liking for Trump, which he believed would aid his 2020 Senate reelection.[84] He even defended Trump's criticisms of his late friend John McCain, asserting that critics were merely using the issue to "get to Trump."[86]

Navigating Controversies

Graham's alliance with Trump led him to navigate several controversies. In May 2019, he faced scrutiny for encouraging Donald Trump Jr. to disregard a Senate Intelligence Committee subpoena.[89] During Trump's first impeachment proceedings in December 2019, Graham declared his mind was made up and he would work to ensure the impeachment "die quickly" in the Senate, refusing to call witnesses.[93] This stance drew comparisons to his earlier statements during Bill Clinton's impeachment, where he cited Richard Nixon as a precedent for impeaching a president who ignored subpoenas.[95] More recently, in April 2024, Graham criticized Trump for not supporting a federal abortion ban, prompting Trump to express regret for his 2020 endorsement.[96]

Elections

The 2020 Senate Race

The 2020 Senate election saw Lindsey Graham challenged by Democrat Jaime Harrison. Despite Harrison's record-breaking fundraising and polls indicating a very close contest, Graham ultimately secured reelection by more than ten percentage points, winning 54.4% to Harrison's 44.2% in the November 3 general election.[63]

Reaction to 2020 Presidential Results

Following the 2020 presidential election, even after major news networks projected Joe Biden as the winner, Graham urged Donald Trump not to concede, asserting that without challenges to the U.S. election system, "there will never be another Republican president elected again."[100] He donated $500,000 to Trump's election lawsuits and suggested that Republican state legislators should consider invalidating election results by appointing electors who would vote for Trump.[102] Graham's private call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger during the state's recount, where Raffensperger claimed Graham suggested disqualifying mail-in ballots, became a point of contention and part of a criminal investigation by the Fulton County, Georgia district attorney.[108] On January 6, 2021, after the Capitol attack, Graham publicly stated his disagreement with delaying the election certification, declaring "enough is enough" and acknowledging Biden and Kamala Harris as lawfully elected.[109] However, he later voted "not guilty" in Trump's second impeachment trial and against creating the January 6 commission.[111]

The 2024 Presidential Election

Graham actively supported Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, appearing at rallies and advocating for him on news programs, stating he knew "what I'm going to get" with Trump, particularly regarding international threats.[113] In May 2024, he conditioned his acceptance of the election results on "no massive cheating."[115] In September 2024, he unsuccessfully lobbied Nebraska's Governor to change the state's electoral vote allocation system to winner-take-all, aiming to prevent Kamala Harris from receiving an Electoral College vote.[117] Following Trump's 2024 victory, Graham hailed it as "the biggest comeback in American history."[122]

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References

References

  1.  Opinion | To nuke or to level Gaza? That is the question
  2.  Hamas slams US senator for suggesting nuclear attack on Gaza
  3.  Senator’s suggestion to Israel to nuke Gaza is ‘horrible’: Iran
  4.  Netanyahu to US Senator Lindsey Graham: 'We will consider the Hague Tribunal'
  5.  Lindsey Graham responds to protests at SC residence
  6.  Senator Lindsey Graham slams Palestinians as ‘radicalised’ in social post
  7.  Sen. Lindsey Graham: Gazans ‘taught to hate Jews from birth,’ ‘most radicalized population’
  8.  CAIR Condemns Sen. Graham’s Racist Comments Targeting Palestinians
  9.  Lindsey Graham Warns US Allies Over Netanyahu Warrant: 'Crush Your Economy' newsweek
A full list of references for this article are available at the Lindsey Graham Wikipedia page

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