Lindsey Graham, hawkish fixture of South Carolina politics, dies at 71

Graham’s career was defined by a hawkish approach to foreign policy. He became a vocal proponent of global conflict, most notably acting as a key figure in pushing for unauthorized military action against Iran. His political trajectory was equally sharp; having once warned that the Republican Party would face destruction if it nominated Donald Trump, he eventually transformed into one of the former president’s most steadfast allies.

Reaction to his passing has been starkly critical, with observers focusing on the contradictions of his tenure. Historian Kevin Kruse described his future legacy as that of a political sycophant, while former strategist Steve Schmidt characterized him as a man driven by an insatiable need for relevance. Others, including former Human Rights Watch director Kenneth Roth, pointed to his shifting stances on international justice as evidence of a lack of principled consistency. From allegations of facilitating democratic decline to his unwavering support for military escalation, Graham leaves behind a record that remains a lightning rod for intense debate.