Trump campaigns with Darline Graham ahead of runoff: “Say that I’m on the ballot one more time”

Washington — President Trump campaigned with Republican Sen. Darline Graham on Friday in South Carolina ahead of Tuesday’s special primary runoff, urging supporters to “pretend, please, that I’m on the ballot.” 

“Just come and vote,” he said. “Just say that I’m on the ballot one more time.” 

Graham is facing Rep. Ralph Norman to replace her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, on the ballot in November. Despite having the president’s endorsement, Graham failed to clear 50% of the vote in last week’s crowded primary that would have avoided a runoff. 

The president said he made the trip to South Carolina in honor of the late senator. 

“I can’t believe he’s not here, even,” Mr. Trump said. “I went to her and I said, ‘You got to run, Darline.'” 

Mr. Trump’s appearance in Myrtle Beach also comes days after Graham fumbled a question on foreign policy during a debate, prompting scrutiny about her qualifications for the role. Graham was appointed to serve out the rest of her brother’s current term after he died suddenly in early July. 

“I’m just going to be honest here,” Graham said when asked if Taiwan and the South China Sea are national security issues for the United States. “I’m not that informed on national security.” 

While foreign policy was a signature issue of her late brother, Graham has vowed to focus on domestic issues. 

“All she was is being honest,” Mr. Trump told reporters about Graham’s debate answer before boarding Air Force One to head to South Carolina. “She’s very smart, and she was being honest.” 

At the rally, Graham addressed those who have raised concerns about her qualifications. 

“Now the critics say I shouldn’t run for the Senate. They say I’m not a politician. You know what I say? Guilty as charged,” she said in remarks that lasted a little more than 10 minutes. “By the way, President Trump had never served in an elected office before.” 

Mr. Trump also noted the differences between the siblings. 

“Her brother was very much about the world,” he said. “He focused very much on that. That’s good. That’s fine. But she’s more about affordability.” 

Also appearing at Friday’s rally were Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso of Wyoming, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Rep. Russell Fry of South Carolina.