By Kerry Picket (The Washington Times)
The outpouring of sentiments for Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died suddenly Saturday evening, underscored the impact of his life.
From President Trump calling him a “true American patriot” to Iran state-run TV assessing that he “has been sent to hell,” Mr. Graham’s abrupt absence from American politics and international affairs echoed around the world.
Mr. Graham was one of Mr. Trump’s closest allies in Congress and often traveled the world for a more aggressive U.S. foreign policy abroad. He died Saturday following a “brief and sudden illness,” his office posted on social media. He was 71.
His office did not provide any details about the South Carolina Republican and said his family “appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”
Mr. Graham vied with Mr. Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 and later became one of Mr. Trump’s top allies, speaking with him often and appearing on the golf course alongside the president.
Mr. Graham advised the president on foreign policy matters, including Iran and Russia, and had announced on Friday an agreement with the Trump administration to move forward on a package of Russia sanctions.
Mr. Trump in a social media post called Mr. Graham “one of the greatest people and Senators” he has known. “He was always working, and was a true American Patriot,” Mr. Trump posted, before promising that more details were to follow.
Mr. Graham, who served as the Senate Budget Committee chairman and previously as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, received praise from congressional colleagues.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, South Dakota Republican, said in a statement: “My heart is heavy this morning to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham. Lindsey’s long and dedicated service in the Air Force and in Congress carried him to far-flung regions of the world.”
He added that Mr. Graham was a strong advocate for the U.S. and a strong ally to “freedom-loving countries across the globe.”
“He believed in the might of America to achieve good in the world and dedicated his life to advancing that cause. As South Carolina’s senior senator, Lindsey fought passionately for the Palmetto State,” Mr. Thune posted.
Sen. Tim Scott, a fellow South Carolina Republican, said the state “lost a statesman and I’ve lost a friend. My prayers are with his sister and the rest of his family.” He also said Mr. Graham “always led with faith, family, and South Carolina first.”
Sen. Mark R. Warner, Virginia Democrat, said he and Mr. Graham “disagreed on plenty over the years, but I never doubted his love for this country or his commitment to serving it.”
He added: “He was a fierce advocate for the causes he believed in, especially our nation’s security and the men and women of our armed forces.”
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, said he and his wife, Peggy, along with their children, are “devastated” over Mr. Graham’s death, calling him “irreplaceable.”
“The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America – and a loyal and steadfast friend … We shall not see his likes again,” Mr. McMaster said.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Senator Lindsey Graham. My prayers are with his family and all who loved him,” said Sen. John Barasso, Wyoming Republican. “Lindsey represented South Carolina and America with pride and determination. He guided the Senate through our toughest battles while Chairman of both the Judiciary Committee and the Budget Committee. He carried the day with his mission clarity and steadfast leadership.”
Mr. Graham, known as one of the Senate’s most hawkish members, was lauded by international leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable. He devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world. Israel has lost one of its greatest friends,” Mr. Netanyahu said. “America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend.”
The senator had been in Ukraine to meet with Mr. Zelenskyy, who acknowledged the senator’s 10th visit to the country and thanked him for “recognizing our warriors.”
Mr. Zelenskyy said Mr. Graham was a “true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer.”
He added: “He visited Ukraine ten times during the years of Russia’s full-scale invasion and was here with our people when it was most needed. We remained in constant dialogue, and I will miss our conversations. We met twice in just the past week.”
Not all foreign responses were laudatory of Mr. Graham. An Iranian TV announcer said: “I congratulate the Iranian people on the death U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who has been sent to hell.”
As a member of the U.S. House in the 1990s, Mr. Graham backed policies aimed at isolating Iran and limiting its missile and nuclear programs.
He also praised Mr. Trump’s decision to strike nuclear sites last year and had been a supporter of the latest conflict that started several months ago.
However, before he allied himself tightly with Mr. Trump, Mr. Graham was most known for his friendship and partnership with the late Sen. John McCain, Arizona Republican.
McCain and Mr. Graham, along with the late Sen. Joe Lieberman, Connecticut independent, were known as the “Three Amigos” and often traveled to spread their hawkish foreign policy views around the world.
This article, based in part on wire service reports, was made available to WMAL via The Washington Times.
