Anthony Zurcher: From Trump critic to ally, Lindsey Graham was a political survivor of the Maga era
Anthony Zurcher: From Trump critic to ally, Lindsey Graham was a political survivor of the Maga era
Anthony Zurcher - Lindsey Graham, who passed away at 71, was a figure who navigated the shifting tides of American politics with remarkable resilience. His time in the Senate, spanning over two decades, mirrored the transformative dynamics within his party and the nation during the Trump administration. Despite his core beliefs—such as a strong stance against Russian influence, steadfast backing of Israel, and support for regime change in Iran—Graham’s ability to pivot in response to political upheavals defined his career.
A Pragmatic Shift in the Trump Era
Initially a close associate of Senator John McCain, Graham embodied a blend of conservative principles and bipartisan flexibility. McCain, known for his independent reputation, became a key ally in Graham’s early Senate days. However, when Graham launched his 2015 presidential bid, his message emphasized bridging divides, promising to foster collaboration across ideological lines. “If I get to be president, we're going to open up a bar in the White House,” he declared, envisioning a space for dialogue and problem-solving.
“If I get to be president, we're going to open up a bar in the White House. We're going to get liquored up and solve problems.”
His relationship with Trump, however, quickly soured. When the real estate mogul mocked McCain’s status as a war hero, saying, “He's a war hero because he was captured. I like people that weren't captured,” Graham responded with sharp criticism, calling Trump a “jackass” who lacked presidential qualities. The fallout was immediate; Trump publicly shared Graham’s phone number, flooding his inbox with dissent. In a dramatic move, Graham aired a video of himself smashing a stack of mobile phones, symbolizing his rejection of the attack.
By 2016, Graham’s opposition to Trump reached a peak. He warned that the GOP’s selection of Trump as its nominee would “get destroyed… and we will deserve it,” expressing fears about the candidate’s impact on the party. Yet, after Trump’s victory, Graham’s stance softened. He became a vocal supporter, backing key appointments and policies, including Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination. Despite initially condemning allegations against Kavanaugh, Graham played a pivotal role in securing his confirmation, albeit narrowly.
Realigning After the 2020 Defeat
Graham’s alliance with Trump fractured following the 2020 election loss to Joe Biden, a former colleague he had once praised as “the nicest person I've ever met in politics.” The rift deepened during the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, when Trump supporters disrupted the certification process. Graham, who fled with others, publicly ended his partnership with the former president, stating, “Trump and I had a hell of a journey. I hate it to end this way… All I can say is count me out. Enough is enough.”
“Trump and I had a hell of a journey. I hate it to end this way… All I can say is count me out. Enough is enough.”
Yet, Trump’s political resurgence proved irresistible. As the 2024 nomination loomed, Graham reemerged as a supporter, framing his earlier criticism as a product of his evaluation of Trump’s presidency. “He was a very good president from my point of view,” Graham told the BBC in 2023. “I am judging him by what he did as president.” This sentiment underscored his willingness to adapt, even as he reconciled past disagreements with current alliances.
Graham’s journey exemplified the fluidity of political loyalty in the Trump era. From sharp critic to ardent ally, he remained a key player, navigating the GOP’s evolving priorities with calculated pragmatism.