Sen. Darline Graham avoids giving direct answer to national security question in S.C. debate: 'Not my thing'

Key Points:

• Rep. Ralph Norman, Darline Graham's GOP runoff rival, criticized her lack of expertise on national security, suggesting she is unqualified for the U.S. Senate role, especially given the six-year term and complex issues involved.
• Darline Graham, who succeeded her late brother Lindsey Graham, avoided a direct answer on Taiwan and South China Sea security issues, emphasizing her support for the military but acknowledging national security is not her expertise.
• Despite her limited experience, Graham has been working with her brother's longtime Capitol Hill staff and has helped pass legislation, including a Russia sanctions bill named after Lindsey Graham.
• Graham stated her primary focus is on the everyday concerns of South Carolinians, such as economic issues, rather than international matters like the South China Sea, though she recognizes China as a national security threat.
• The article highlights ongoing U.S. efforts to strengthen security alliances in Asia, including increased military readiness exercises with the Philippines, amid tensions over Taiwan and China's maritime claims.