Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., launched his presidential campaign on Monday in Central, S.C. Graham, a third-term senator from the Palmetto State, was introduced by his sister, Darlene Graham Nordone, who talked about growing up with Graham as a parental figure. Graham indicated that his campaign would emphasize national security.
“I’m pretty sure no one here, including me, ever expected to hear me say ‘I’m Lindsey Graham and I’m running for President of the United States,’ ” Graham said. “I want to be president to protect our nation that we all love so much. So get ready. I’m ready.”
As a noted foreign policy hawk, Graham’s candidacy may largely serve as a rebuttal to the non-interventionist campaign of Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul. An outspoken critic of Paul, Graham’s own military career spans three decades, including active-duty service as an Air Force lawyer. Last week, Graham announced his intention to retire from the Air Force Reserves.
Graham has said he does not believe the Bush administration’s decision to invade Iraq was a mistake, but that if he knew then what he knows now he may have made a different choice. He has said he believes the U.S. needs 10,000 troops on the ground in Iraq.
Graham garnered the support of one percent of all Republican voters surveyed in a recent Quinnipiac University poll that showed five GOP presidential contenders tied in first place. Larry Sabato, a political scientist at the University of Virginia, ranks Graham in his fifth tier of candidates, alongside former New York Gov. George Pataki and former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore. Graham, however, has polled much more strongly in his home state, finishing second behind Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker in recent statewide surveys. While Graham may not be competitive nationwide, his candidacy could effect the outcome in his home state, a key early GOP primary state.
