Tim Scott defends Darline Graham after she admits national security 'is not my thing'

US Senator Tim Scott has publicly defended the national security credentials of fellow South Carolina Republican Darline Graham ahead of a closely watched primary runoff election on Tuesday.

Graham was appointed to the Senate seat previously held by her brother, Lindsey Graham, following his sudden death in July. She is now competing against South Carolina Congressman Ralph Norman in the Republican runoff.

During a debate on Tuesday night, Graham struggled when asked about US national security interests concerning Taiwan and the South China Sea. "I'm just going to be honest here. I'm not that informed on national security," she said, adding that "national security is not my thing."

Asked about Graham's qualifications on NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday, Scott argued that senators should indeed understand national security matters and insisted Graham meets that bar. However, he did not cite specific examples of her experience in the field, instead framing the issue as whether she is prepared to represent South Carolinians on the pressing matters of the moment.

Before her Senate appointment, Graham held several public policy positions in South Carolina but had never previously run for or held elected office.

Beyond Scott's support, President Donald Trump has also endorsed Graham and traveled to South Carolina on Friday to campaign on her behalf. Trump additionally weighed in on her debate comments, calling her admission "a very honest answer."