Politics
Trump rallies in South Carolina for Darline Graham ahead of Senate runoff
The former president urged primary voters to treat him as if he were on the ballot following scrutiny over Graham's national security remarks.
The short version
- President Donald Trump headlined a Myrtle Beach campaign rally to boost appointed Sen. Darline Graham ahead of Tuesday's Republican primary runoff.
- Graham faces Rep. Ralph Norman in the race to fill the seat vacated following the death of her brother, longtime Sen. Lindsey Graham.
- The rally followed criticism over Graham's debate performance, in which she stated she was not well-informed on national security matters.
- The Tuesday runoff will test Trump's endorsement strength against high-profile endorsements backing Norman, including former governors Nikki Haley and Mark Sanford.
Key facts
- President Donald Trump campaigned on Friday at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center for Sen. Darline Graham ahead of South Carolina's Republican Senate runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman.[Fox News · Politico]
- Trump told attendees to 'pretend, please, that I'm on the ballot' to drive voter turnout for Graham.[Fox News · Politico]
- Graham faced criticism following a debate where she stated she was 'not that informed on national security' and that 'national security is not my thing.'[Politico]
- Trump defended Graham's remarks, stating she was being honest and would support his agenda and the military.[Politico]
- Former South Carolina Governors Nikki Haley and Mark Sanford endorsed Norman, while South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster endorsed Graham.[Politico]
- A protester briefly interrupted Trump during the event and was escorted out by law enforcement and venue staff.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Trump's in-person appearance will overcome recent primary losses among his endorsed candidates in other states remains to be determined by Tuesday's runoff results.[Politico]