The shocking, sudden passing of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham at the age of 71 is a reminder that all of us are living in an uncertain circumstance, never knowing what our lifespan is.
An extremely controversial member of the US Senate for 24 years, and before that for 8 years in the US House of Representatives, Graham engendered both scorn and admiration for his engagement in both domestic and foreign policy controversies under five Presidents.
Graham was a close associate of Arizona Senator John McCain and a major critic of Donald Trump, telling America the harsh truth about Trump during the Presidential Election campaign of 2016.
But then, Graham “sold his soul” to Trump, and became what was regarded by many as being Trump’s “lapdog”.
Graham first became controversial when he was one of the leaders pursuing the impeachment of President Bill Clinton over the Monica Lewinsky scandal in the late 1990s.
But Graham also promoted immigration reform until Donald Trump came along and became the worst possible nativist bigot.
So Graham leaves a very mixed and controversial record, as a supporter of Ukraine against Russia, but also a massive supporter of Israel, even during the US-Gaza War that began after the October 7, 2023 Massacre.
Graham also was a major supporter of the present Iran War, which has led to great turmoil in both domestic and international affairs.
Whatever one thought of Graham’s views and policies, everyone could agree that he was an engaging, warm personality, but he faced great criticism over bowing down to Donald Trump, which would have angered his close friend, Senator McCain, who had been constantly attacked by Donald Trump.
Unlike McCain… when Graham traded his morality and values to curry favor with Trump… as far as I am concerned, he sold his soul.
Definitely shocked to hear this news. I wonder what they are going to do about his re-election campaign?
From what I’ve heard, Governor McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement to fill Graham’s seat until January 2027. South Carolina Republicans will have to hold a primary later this summer to choose a new candidate to replace Graham on the ballot to face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
I hear that Nancy Mace may be interested in running for his seat.
The one good thing I’ll say about Graham is that he was strongly pro-Ukraine and anti-Putin, unlike his enemy-turned-buddy Donald Trump.
MAGA is coming up with wild conspiracy theories about Lindsey Graham’s death.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/maga-stunned-by-sudden-death-of-trump-ally-lindsey-graham/
Medical examiner says he likely died of an aorta tear.
https://www.wdbj7.com/2026/07/12/sen-lindsey-graham-dies-after-brief-unexpected-illness-his-office-says/
Another shocking loss.
Sam Neil, from Jurassic Park, has died.
https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/13/entertainment/sam-neill-jurassic-park-dead-intl-hnk
Lindsey Graham and the rot of modern conservatism
https://www.publicnotice.co/p/lindsey-graham-death
Graham’s Death Highlights Congress’s Age Issue
“By the standards of the aging Senate, where the average age is more than 65, the South Carolina Republican wasn’t particularly old.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/12/us/politics/lindsey-graham-death-aging-congress.html
South Carolina governor appoints Lindsey Graham’s sister to finish his Senate term
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/trump-lindsey-graham-sister-darline-mcmaster-appoint-senate-term-rcna587302
What exactly are her qualifications for being in the US Senate?
Well….She is a US citizen and fits the age requirement.
All she has to do is vote Yes to whatever Trump wants to shove down our throats.
It’s utterly ridiculous! She has no political history other than praising her brother.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/07/13/darline-graham-nordone-has-little-political-history-beyond-praising-her-brother/