Graham remembered by Byron York: ‘At the center of whatever was going on’
Byron York of the Washington Examiner reflected on the meaningful legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC),highlighting his long-standing influence in Washington politics over the past three decades. York described Graham as a central figure in major political battles, including his roles in prosecuting Bill Clinton’s impeachment, defending Justice Brett Kavanaugh during contentious hearings, and being a close ally of Donald Trump. Known for his leadership on national security, foreign policy, and judicial matters, Graham was a prominent and influential Republican voice. His recent death prompted widespread tributes, and York suggested that his likely successor in the Senate will continue to align with Trump, given South Carolina’s political landscape. The article also notes Graham’s extensive work on Ukraine and Israel and details the process for filling his Senate seat.
Washington Examiner chief political correspondent Byron York reflected on the legacy of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), describing the longtime lawmaker as a central figure in some of Washington’s biggest political battles over the last three decades.
“He’s been in Washington politics, in the center of whatever’s going on, for a long time,” York said on Fox & Friends Weekend following Graham’s death.
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Graham was one of the Senate’s most influential Republican voices on national security, judicial confirmations, and foreign policy, and spent more than two decades at the center of many of Washington’s defining political battles. From helping prosecute former President Bill Clinton’s impeachment to defending Justice Brett Kavanaugh and becoming one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies, Graham built a reputation as one of the GOP’s most prominent lawmakers.
York pointed to Graham’s role as one of the House impeachment managers during former President Bill Clinton’s impeachment, his close alliance with the late Sen. John McCain, and his tenure as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee during Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s contentious 2018 confirmation hearings.
“Think about those Brett Kavanaugh hearings in 2018,” York said. “Lindsey Graham just went off. He delivered probably one of the most famous speeches of his career in defense of Brett Kavanaugh.”
York also highlighted Graham’s leadership on national security and foreign policy, noting he had recently returned from his 10th trip to Ukraine and remained one of the Senate’s most outspoken advocates for U.S. allies, including Ukraine and Israel.
Asked about Graham’s replacement, York said South Carolina law allows Gov. Henry McMaster (R-SC) to appoint a temporary successor through the remainder of Graham’s current term, which expires in early January 2027. A special election will then determine who serves the next six-year Senate term.
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York predicted that whoever succeeds Graham will remain closely aligned with President Donald Trump.
“It’s a very Trump state,” York said of South Carolina. “It’s going to be a supporter of President Trump.”
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