During the Republican Senate primary debate in South Carolina on Tuesday night, Darin Graham, the Pro Tempore, faced a tricky question about national security.
He seemed to hesitate when asked by Newsmax host Greta Van Susteren about the implications of China’s threats towards Taiwan and the South China Sea. (Related: Is South Carolina entering a post-Graham era?)
“Senator, do you consider the situation in Taiwan and the South China Sea a national security concern for the United States? If yes, why?” she inquired.
Q: Are Taiwan and the South China Sea a national security issue for the United States?
Senator Darin Graham: I’ll be honest here…I don’t know much about national security. pic.twitter.com/bJsCjqb7VT
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) August 19, 2026
Graham struggled to deliver a meaningful response, outright admitting his lack of expertise on the topic.
“Honestly, I don’t really know much about national security,” he remarked. “But I do support the military.”
Conversely, when the same question was posed to Norman, he offered a more comprehensive answer.
Norman has generally remained out of the spotlight during the Republican special election, making this debate an important occasion for voters to hear directly from him.
“Taiwan is a clear ally. We have a trade relationship that benefits both Taiwan and the United States—chips are part of that, among other things.” (Related: Darling Graham, Ralph Norman advance to runoff in Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat race)
“What the president is doing right is allowing Taiwan to defend itself from China. However, what he’s showing with his stance on Iran—watched closely by China, Russia, and others—is that peace through force is working. This is why they aren’t attacking Taiwan,” he explained.
Meanwhile, here’s Ralph Norman’s reaction: https://t.co/KkRYyaKd1U pic.twitter.com/FYrfGcIn0V
— Ralph Norman Fan (@RalphNormanFan) August 18, 2026
Norman went further to say that if a “weak Democrat” were in charge, China would seize Taiwan. He pointed to former Presidents Biden and Obama as examples, asserting that the U.S. “cannot allow that to happen” and emphasizing that “peace through force is effective.”
Graham also stumbled a bit during the debate when he was inquired about the rising costs affecting Americans.
“Gas prices are soaring, and people are struggling at the grocery store, living on half of what Americans typically earn. So, what can the Senate do to ease this situation?” Van Susteren asked.
Graham acknowledged the economic strain but suggested it was somewhat overstated regarding South Carolina’s population.
“Look, I understand your concern. We have 50 million people here in South Carolina, and half of them are living paycheck to paycheck,” he stated. (Related article: Lindsey Graham’s sister announces interim replacement candidate will run for full term)
Norman quickly pointed out, via his social media, that South Carolina’s actual population is about 5.6 million, not 50 million, citing data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Darin Graham: South Carolina is home to 50 million people.
(5.6 million people live in South Carolina) pic.twitter.com/CXIjk7pCkb
— Ralph Norman Fan (@RalphNormanFan) August 19, 2026
On Tuesday, August 25, Norman and Graham will face each other again in the Republican primary runoff, as voters decide who will represent the party in South Carolina’s special Senate election.
Early voting is set to begin on Wednesday.
