Tim Scott calls support for Darline Graham an ‘easy choice’ despite her debate flub

CongressTim Scott calls support for Darline Graham an ‘easy choice’ despite her debate flubIn an interview with “Meet the Press,” Scott defended Graham after her recent debate blunder raised questions about her qualifications.01:15Sen. Tim Scott says Darline Graham is ‘ready for primetime’00:0000:00Get more newsLiveonShareAdd to GoogleAug. 23, 2026, 10:38 AM EDTBy Alexandra MarquezSen. Tim Scott on Sunday defended fellow South Carolina Republican Sen. Darline Graham ahead of her special GOP primary run-off this week, dismissing concerns about her debate blunder on national security last week.“Darline Graham is the real deal,” Scott told NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” adding that she is, “highly qualified, incredibly competent, ready for prime time.”Asked how confident he is that Graham will win Tuesday’s primary runoff, Scott said, “Very confident,” adding that he waited several weeks before giving her his endorsement “to make sure that I felt like she was ready.”“I can tell you, as the senior senator for the great state of South Carolina, the person I want in the Senate with me, Darline Graham, representing the people of South Carolina,” he said. “Easy choice.”Scott’s remarks come just days after Graham’s viral moment at a debate against Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., whom she faces in Tuesday’s runoff.Asked about whether Taiwan and the South China Sea are important national security issues facing the U.S., Graham answered, “I’m just going to be honest here. I’m not, on national security, I’m not that informed on national security, so, but I do support the military.”She added, “My brother was in the Air Force for 33 years, so I will do everything I can to support the military. My dad was in the Army. I’m not a polished politician up here. National security is not my thing, not my area of expertise. But I do support the military.”The answer drew concerns from some Republicans about Graham’s readiness to govern on national security and foreign policy issues — which were of...