Former President Donald Trump arrived in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Friday to rally support for appointed Sen. Darline Graham, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. The event, held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, was a key moment in the Republican runoff between Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman, scheduled for Tuesday.
Trump’s endorsement as a rallying point
During an 80‑minute speech, Trump referenced Graham by name nearly fifty times, describing her as a “very special person” and emphasizing her commitment to keeping everyday costs low, such as the price of a loaf of bread. He contrasted her focus on affordability with her brother’s emphasis on foreign policy, adding that Graham would also prioritize the military.
Trump warned that Republican turnout often hinges on his presence on the ballot. “The problem we have is they say Trump does great when he’s on the ballot. When he’s not, his people don’t come out,” he said, urging supporters to “pretend I’m on the ballot” this year.
Local concerns and campaign messages
The former president also touched on issues affecting South Carolinians, promising that gas prices would soon decline and blaming inflation on Democratic policies. He briefly mentioned the ongoing conflict with Iran, calling it “a little detour,” before moving on to broader economic themes.
In a nod to his 2016 campaign style, Trump recited the poem “The Snake,” framing it as a parable about illegal immigration. He also alluded to former Republican Governor Nikki Haley without naming her directly.
Candidate dynamics and party divisions
Graham’s recent debate performance drew criticism when she said national security was “not my thing.” Trump defended the answer, calling it “honest.” Despite internal GOP divisions, Trump refrained from naming or attacking Norman, instead presenting the runoff as a choice between Graham and a Democratic victory in November.
Behind the scenes, Trump has been active on the phone, contacting opponents of Graham to seek their endorsements. Rep. Russell Fry eventually threw his support behind her after a second call from the former president, while former Gov. Mark Sanford announced his backing of Norman.
Voter reactions on the ground
Local attendees expressed mixed feelings. Tammy Botting, a Myrtle Beach resident, said Trump’s endorsement prompted her to research the candidates and ultimately vote for Graham. Jeff Ross, also from the area, noted that “anybody that he backs seems to do very well.” Another attendee, who asked to be identified only as Leonard, described the crowd as “free thinkers” who will make up their own minds.
Trump framed his appearance as a personal tribute to his late friend Lindsey Graham, stating, “I’m doing this to honor Lindsey. I don’t have to be here on a Friday.” He closed the rally by urging his supporters to turn out in force, reminding them that his presence on the ballot drives voter participation.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
