Vance remembers Lindsey Graham as ‘a true American original’

In remarks delivered to mourners gathered in the Capitol Rotunda, Vance honored Graham’s memory while offering condolences to the senator’s family and staff, as Naomi Lim reports in Washington Examiner.

The vice president remembered Graham’s remarkable sense of humor, describing it as world-class and so effective it once left him suffering abdominal cramps. He also highlighted the late senator’s authentic interest in connecting with people regardless of their station in life.

Vance painted a vivid picture of Graham’s commanding presence despite his modest physical stature. This was a guy who couldn’t have stood more than 5-foot-7, but he’d swashbuckle in with his jacket open like he was 6-foot-5, the vice president told attendees. He credited that swagger, infectious laughter, and unmistakable passion as key reasons Graham made such an indelible mark on the Senate.

The vice president characterized Graham as impossible not to like, both as a person and as a United States senator, emphasizing his swashbuckling attitude that made him unique among his peers.

Vance traced his relationship with Graham back to his 2022 Senate campaign in Ohio, describing how their friendship deepened after he joined the chamber. He recounted a memorable disagreement over American funding for Ukraine’s war effort that illustrated Graham’s character.

After a heated exchange, Vance assumed Graham would oppose him on future legislation, including a railway bill Vance was championing. Weeks later, however, another colleague revealed that Graham had been the bill’s most vigorous behind-the-scenes advocate. When asked why he was helping, Graham simply responded that while he personally didn’t care about the issue, Vance did.

That episode exemplified Graham’s approach to collegiality, Vance explained. The late senator could argue fiercely with someone one moment, then work tirelessly on their behalf the next without seeking any recognition for his efforts.

The vice president also credited Graham with securing the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who faced intense controversy during his nomination by President Trump.

In closing, Vance said he would remember Graham as someone who genuinely loved people, and because of that love, remained willing to engage with them, show them respect, and ultimately persuade them to his viewpoint.

Vance concluded his tribute by asking God to comfort all who loved Graham, especially his family, and to grant rest to the soul of a true American original.

With information from Washington Examiner