Kathmandu— Following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, his sister Darline was appointed to finish his term, but her subsequent decision to run for a full six-year term with Donald Trump’s endorsement has sparked controversy due to her apparent lack of political experience and knowledge on key issues like national security. During a recent debate against opponent Ralph Norman, Graham struggled to answer a basic question about the US relationship with Taiwan and China, admitting she was not well-informed on national security matters. While some speculate this may align with the priorities of the MAGA base, critics question her preparedness for such a critical role in the Senate.

Debate Performance Highlights Inexperience

Darline Graham’s political inexperience became starkly apparent during last week's debate when she was unable to answer a direct question regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea as national security issues for the United States. After requesting the question be repeated, she ultimately conceded, stating, “I’m just going to be honest here – I’m not, on national security, that – I’m not that informed on national security.” She then pivoted to expressing support for the military due to her family's history of service.

From Commission to Campaign Trail

Prior to being appointed to fill her brother’s Senate seat following his death in July, Darline Graham served as commissioner of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and held a communications role within the state’s Vocational Rehabilitation Department. She has never before held elected office. Despite this lack of experience, she secured an endorsement from Donald Trump and advanced to a runoff election after receiving 33% of the vote in the August 11 special ballot.

Comparisons to Past Gaffes

Graham’s debate performance drew comparisons to a widely-mocked response from Miss South Carolina in the 2007 Miss Teen USA pageant, where she struggled to identify the location of the United States on a world map. The author notes that while humorous, the situation is concerning given the potential impact on US foreign policy. Following the debate, Graham attempted to downplay her struggles, telling Sean Hannity she “tripped up on one question” and emphasizing she isn’t a career politician.

Shifting Focus to Domestic Issues

Despite acknowledging her lack of knowledge on national security, Graham has indicated a focus on domestic issues such as LGBTQ+ curricula in schools, economic concerns, and infrastructure. The article suggests that this shift may be intentional, aligning with the priorities of Trump’s base who might prioritize these issues over foreign policy expertise. Some argue that this could be precisely what supporters are looking for – a departure from her brother's more established political stance.

South Carolina Republicans will decide on Tuesday whether to continue in the tradition of Lindsey Graham or embrace his sister and a renewed focus on domestic concerns.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.