Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
Like most conservatives, I’m grateful that both senators from South Carolina are Republicans. Jim DeMint, on the one hand, is a skilled political operative. Lindsey Graham, on the other hand, is a Republican version of Joe Biden, a master of the political malapropism who gives every impression of being able to speak without evidence of brain activity. Let’s review:
In January 2010, he said this on climate change:
Now my concern is that every day that we delay trying to find a price for carbon is a day that China uses to dominate the green economy.
Isn’t China the country putting a new coal-burning plant on-line every few days? And long after it was clear the Senate wasn’t going to pass cap-and-trade, wasn’t Senator Graham trying to broker a deal with the Democrats?
In March 2010, he and Senator Schumer co-authored a Washington Post op-ed proposing immigration reform that sounded and smelled like an amnesty bill. Later, after he was for it, he was against it.
On Sunday, Graham, instead of criticizing wild-eyed Afghans who killed several UN workers in Afghanistan (including the beheading of some of them), showed a monumental misunderstanding of American history and the First Amendment by suggesting we limit American’s First Amendment rights (including those of the goofy Koran-burning preacher in Florida) in order to appease the barbarians who kill the innocent. He said,
I wish we could find some way to hold people accountable. Free speech is a great idea, but we’re in a war. During World War II, you had limits on what you could do if it inspired the enemy.
Mark Steyn pronounced him “unfit for office” based on this travesty.
Then, in the same interview, Graham suggested that American broaden its participation in the incomprehensible Libya adventure. Here’s George Will’s description from today’s Washington Post:
Perhaps the CIA operatives should have stayed home and talked to some senators who seem to know what’s what. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) refers to the Libyan rebels as part of a “pro-democracy movement.” Perhaps they are. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) must think so. Serving, as usual, as Sancho Panza to Sen. John McCain’s Don Quixote, Graham said last Sunday, “We should be taking the fight to Tripoli.”
Now that my rant is over, here’s my question: Shouldn’t the Republicans be working to find a candidate to challenge Senator Panza when he comes up for election in 2014 (someone like Nikki Haley)?
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Jul '10
Re: Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
I'd cough up twenty bucks to Alvin Greene if he was up against Graham in the general election.
Edited on Apr 7, 2011 at 9:26pmFeb '11
Re: Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
2014 is many political lifetimes away. When the time comes I'm sure Senator Grahamnesty will have a primary opponent or several, even if the GOP establishment makes no effort at all to find someone.
The well known perfidy of Lindsey Graham makes that inevitable.
Jan '11
Re: Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
Interview with young lady from Colorado who has a few choice things to say to Sen. Graham http://iowntheworld.com/blog/?p=69662
Her video response is here http://iowntheworld.com/blog/?p=69613
and here http://iowntheworld.com/blog/?p=69602
Quite an ingenious use of bacon - not a waste at all
Jan '11
Re: Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
He'll just end up on Scarborough's show in the morning, joining Joe as a brave and fierce critic of his own side. He'll be invited to every bash-GOP segment on every network, except for Fox, which he'll denounce as not being a real news network.
Yawn.
That's what he does now, except for the Fox-bashing.
Jun '10
Re: Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
Wonderful title for your posting. I believe Mr. Graham is toast in 2014. I wouldn't be surprised if he changed his party affiliation to become a blue-mutt Democrat in a desperate attempt to hold onto "his" seat. Perhaps Charlie Crist can run his campaign.
When I was in China a few years ago my eyes stung from the smog and soot in the air and I noticed mountainous mounds of stinking refuse on the banks of rivers. Ecology and green technology is the last thing on their minds.
Jun '10
Re: Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
Kenneth: I'd cough up twenty bucks to Alvin Greene if he was up against Graham in the general election. · Apr 7 at 9:25pm
Edited on Apr 07 at 09:26 pm
And Alvin would be the smart one in that election.
Dec '10
Re: Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
Grahamnesty is actually the "squishy RINO" Rob gets poked fun at for being. You need Google maps to chart and locate all of his sporadic and ever-changing views on the most important issues of our time. I know we're supposed to be glad that his seat isn't filled by a liberal Democrat, but from time to time - in my weaker moments - I can't help but feel that his fickle behavior is fueled and encouraged by the fact that he knows he won't lose his seat until he voluntarily vacates it. Coalitions are important, but pruning the overgrown bushes can be as well.
Aug '10
Re: Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
Ol' Lindsey is a perfect example of how quickly the belt-way mentality can fill a vacuum...
Jun '10
Re: Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
Here are a couple of things I learned since living in South Carolina.
1. Senator Graham is a lifer. He faced a serious primary challenger in 2008, who, surprise, surprise, was soon indicted on federal drug charges. No one wants a drug dealer as a Senator but whoever runs against Graham better have a squeaky clean life.
2. Let's wait to see how Governor Halley before nominating. She has stepped in it more than once since taking office. At one point, I was ready to draft Mark Sanford to a presidential run.
3. SC undergoing a lot of political unrest. I hope to hold on to the seat.
4. I don't know anyone here who actually likes Lindsay Graham.
Jul '10
Re: Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
AUMom:
At one point, I was ready to draft Mark Sanford to a presidential run.
So was I. What a sad, sad disappointment.
Dec '10
Re: Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
Sancho Panza was the sane, sensible sidekick that kept Don Quixote from going completely off the rails. Sen. Graham is no Sancho Panza.
Sen. Graham is Pinky to McCain's The Brain. *NARF*
Edited on Apr 8, 2011 at 12:11pmJul '10
Re: Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
What's the difference between Lindsay Graham and former Senator Larry Craig?
1. Larry Craig is married.
2. Larry Craig is conservative.
3. Lindsay Graham doesn't change planes in Minneapolis.
4. Lindsay Graham makes himself useful to progressives, so they give him a pass.
Jun '10
Re: Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
I've liked Lindsey Graham since his days in the impeachment imbroglio. But, really he's kinda like Arlen Specter, isn't he? I mean not as bad as McCain but he's very hard to figure. The biggest clearcut problem I have with him is his unqualified support of McCain. This is a serious judgment issue.
Each of the other issues don't bother me as much as they seem to bother the rest of the Ricochet members. I just can't seem to get that excited about how bad he is until I look into exactly what he said. Remember he is a lawyer first, last and foremost.
Finally, on this issue: I think it was a foolish thing to say without first condemning the killers and the Islamists. War issues are unique and require leaders not libertarians to decide. Anything that can get Americans or innocents killed needs to have adult supervision.
May '10
Re: Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
[Ed.'s Note: Comment redacted]
It's a big country out there, pal, and if Lindsey Graham isn't conservative enough for us, then we will NEVER be in a position to truly govern.
Edited on Apr 8, 2011 at 12:46pmJun '10
Re: Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
Stuart Creque: Sancho Panza was the sane, sensible sidekick that kept Don Quixote from going completely off the rails. Sen. Graham is no Sancho Panza.
Sen. Graham is Pinky to McCain's The Brain. *NARF* · Apr 8 at 12:09pm
Edited on Apr 08 at 12:11 pm
Having recently read Don Quixote, I can agree that Sancho was sane, but he wasn't "sensible." He was a bit silly.
I think Will was trying to make the point that Graham tends to follow in McCain's wake as the junior sidekick. McCain can at least make a rational argument for some positions I diaagree with. Graham supports the same positions, but supports them will patent falsehoods (e.g., his absurd claim that China is a real supporter of a green agenda) or tone-deaf inanity (his First Amendment goofiness).
The analogy isn't perfect, but the point is that Graham likes headlines and is willing to say the dumbest things to get them. He's making no friends on the Right (see the Corner on NRO and looks Andy McCarthy's and Mark Steyn's comments about him). He's one of the goofiest politicians I've ever seen.
Dec '10
Re: Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
tabula rasa
I think Will was trying to make the point that Graham tends to follow in McCain's wake as the junior sidekick. McCain can at least make a rational argument for some positions I diaagree with. Graham supports the same positions, but supports them will patent falsehoods (e.g., his absurd claim that China is a real supporter of a green agenda) or tone-deaf inanity (his First Amendment goofiness).
The analogy isn't perfect, but the point is that Graham likes headlines and is willing to say the dumbest things to get them. He's making no friends on the Right (see the Corner on NRO and looks Andy McCarthy's and Mark Steyn's comments about him). He's one of the goofiest politicians I've ever seen. · Apr 8 at 12:34pm
Everything you've said still makes Pinky and the Brain a better analogy. Plus, McCain sort of looks and sounds like The Brain (whose voice is an Orson Welles impression).
Sep '10
Re: Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
Lindsey Graham, to steal a gag line, gives empty suits a bad name.
If he was a Revolutionary War general, his name would be Benedict Arnold.
If he was an entertainer, his name would be Divine.
If he was ....
Dec '10
Re: Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
Harlech
It's a big country out there, pal, and if Lindsey Graham isn't conservative enough for us, then we will NEVER be in a position to truly govern. · Apr 8 at 12:34pm
Edited on Apr 08 at 12:46 pm
Anyone familiar with Charles Goren's and Omar Sharif's bridge column in the newspapers remembers Trump Coup Tommy. Tommy was completely useless at bidding and play, always getting his side into trouble or missing perfect slam opportunities -- except in one specific circumstance, where the break of trumps called for the play known as the "trump coup." In those hands, and those hands alone, Tommy could bring home the contract and overtricks like no other player.
If Graham is a Trump Coup Tommy who's solid and reliable on one or two key issues and a totally useless squish on others, I'd say that the state of South Carolina has already proven that they can do better and elect a Senator who's solid and reliable on a whole lot more key issues than Graham.
Aug '10
Re: Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
Steady there, Harlech. At Ricochet we must state our position without personal attacks on our fellow Ricochetians. As the old saying goes, we must learn to offend without being offensive, or something like that.
On the other hand, if you are Lindsay Graham's chief of staff I completely understand your anger...
Jun '10
Re: Lindsey Graham: The Republicans' Sancho Panza
Harlech
What kind of crack are you smoking, exactly? I won't make any jokes about you typing "without evidence of brain activity" because, well, that's just low hanging fruit and I don't go for that.
It's a big country out there, pal, and if Lindsey Graham isn't conservative enough for us, then we will NEVER be in a position to truly govern. ·
Take a deep breath, pal. My point, which I backed up with four examples, was not so much that he's a squishy RINO (for which we can make a good case), but that his statements are, or should, be embarrassing to him (and I stand by my "brain activity" statement). Any politican who says that China is a model of green energy or propound last week's First Amendment inanities is goofy.
We need a broad base of conservatives and independents. But if Graham is the ambassador to the center then we'll need divine intervention.