What We’ve Learned from Lindsey Graham

The accolades that Senator Lindsey Graham has received can’t begin to sum up the contributions he made, not only to the Senate but to politics and our culture. His praises have been sent out from both sides of the aisle, and they continue to roll in.

Senator Graham demonstrated skills that nowadays would be considered rare, but they were very much in concert with his values and beliefs. His life experience deeply influenced everything he did and the choices he made.

Graham’s early life was filled with challenges. Both his parents died when he was in his teens, and he took on the responsibility of raising his sister by adopting her when she was only 13, and he was 19. He became an Air Force Lawyer and staff judge advocate for the McEntire Air National Guard Base, later serving in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

One writer described his impressions of Graham by reflecting on King Solomon:

We learn from King Solomon in the Bible that one of the ways to determine the righteousness of a man is to see how he behaves toward people who cannot help him. How does a man treat someone who is homeless, a waiter, a janitor, or anyone else who cannot advance his financial or social position? If he treats all people with great respect and caring, then he is righteous in the deepest ways.

A touching example from the same writer described an encounter with Graham in a restaurant. He asked the manager if it would be okay to speak with Graham, and the manager encouraged him to approach. This was following the Kavanaugh hearing debacle:

I went over to Graham and thanked him for his defense of Kavanaugh. He was humble, saying that he was just doing his job in defending a good man. He then asked me about myself, and I told him I was a rabbi in California. He asked me who I was with, and I told him I was with my wife and two young children, who were 9 years old at the time. Then he did something that shocked me and demonstrated who he really was... Graham asked if I would like him to come over and say hi to my family. I naturally was grateful and happy to accept his offer. He came over and spent 15 minutes talking to my children. He spoke to them about the importance of civic duty, how they should be proud to be Americans, and how, as they got older, they should take on the responsibility of being politically active and supporting this great nation. He offered to take a picture with my children, which is something they still treasure.

Lindsey Graham was not afraid to take on controversial legislation or positions. He knew his heart and mind, and was determined to support what he thought was right. Not only did Republicans speak fondly and respectfully of him, but even Democrats lauded his actions. Although he antagonized President Trump when he ran for president, eventually they patched things up and became golfing partners.

He also lambasted Democrats about the injustice that was demonstrated toward Brett Kavanaugh when he came before the Justice Committee:

‘When you see Sotomayor and Kagan, tell them that Lindsey said hello because I voted for them,’ Graham said to Kavanaugh before turning back to Democrats. ‘I would never do to them what you've done to this guy. This is the most unethical sham since I've been in politics. And if you really wanted to know the truth, you sure as hell wouldn't have done what you've done to this guy.’ ‘Boy, you all want power,’ Graham said to the Democrats. ‘God, I hope you never get it. I hope the American people can see through this sham. That you knew about it and you held it. You had no intention of protecting Dr. Ford; none. She's as much of a victim as you are. God, I hate to say it because these have been my friends.’

In the day-to-day operations of the Senate, Graham generated praise from his fellow Republicans. He was dedicated to seeing that judges and justices would represent conservative ideas; he supported Trump through some controversies because he believed it was the right thing to do; and he supported the administration on foreign policy and military matters, although they differed at times.

So, what did Lindsey Graham teach us?

He taught us that building friendly and strong relationships on both sides of the aisle was good governance. He showed us how gestures of kindness toward others went a long way toward overcoming differences. He demonstrated how a sense of humor could reduce tensions and establish bonds despite political polarization. He insisted on virtue and consistency in his decisions.

That’s the kind of person each of us should want to be.