Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., unloaded on Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., over her eyebrow-raising response to a debate question about Taiwan and national security, saying the answer left her regretting her own decision not to run for the U.S. Senate.
Mace reacted to Graham’s remarks Thursday on her YouTube show, “Get Maced,” shaking her head and giving the camera a thumbs down as a clip from the debate played.
Graham, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, had been asked whether Taiwan and the South China Sea were national security issues for the United States. Her response quickly drew criticism after she acknowledged that national security was not an area in which she considered herself particularly informed.
“I’m just gonna be honest here,” Graham said. “I’m not, on national security — I’m not that informed on national security.”
Graham went on to stress her support for the military, pointing to her family’s military background. She noted that her brother served in the Air Force for 33 years and that her father served in the Army.
“I’m not a polished politician up here,” Graham said. “National security is not my thing, not my area of expertise, but I support the military.”
Mace appeared stunned by the answer.
“Oh God, I don’t even… I can’t…I’m now regretting I’m not running for the U.S. Senate,” Mace said while putting her head in her hands and running her hands through her hair.
Mace then questioned how a Senate candidate could say national security was not her area of expertise, particularly amid concerns about China and Taiwan.
“Jesus. I can’t even — this is who tons of people have endorsed, a woman who says national security isn’t her thing?” Mace said. “When we’re literally on the precipice of China invading Taiwan.”
The South Carolina Republican continued hammering Graham over the response, arguing national security should be one of the central responsibilities of anyone seeking a seat in the Senate.
“Darline, darlin’, you are runnin’ for the United States Senate,” Mace said. “National security isn’t just a thing, it is damn near the only thing!”
Graham’s debate remarks had already sparked widespread mockery before Mace weighed in.
Mace also pointed to Graham’s position on President Donald Trump potentially sending U.S. troops into Iran, arguing there was a contradiction between supporting such military action while admitting a lack of expertise on national security matters.
“She doesn’t know enough to have an opinion about China, but she knows enough to send your kid to Tehran,” Mace said.
Mace then delivered a final swipe at Graham’s candidacy.
“That’s not a candidate,” she said. “That’s what we call a rubber stamp.”
