As a result of he is the incumbent, Graham ought to nonetheless be thought of the favourite, however solely barely. Harrison’s problem is actual. Do not feel unhealthy in case you did not anticipate that risk. Many people who have been born and raised right here and have been reporting on the politics of the Palmetto State for the previous couple of a long time did not both.
Do not get me fallacious. This risk was unexpected not as a result of Graham was thought of invincible or due to our standing as a deep pink, Deep South state. It certainly wasn’t as a result of Harrison is not certified or that Graham has earned one other time period. Harrison is and Graham hasn’t.
Once I sat down with Harrison for a 30-minute interview within the early months of the race within the spring of 2019 — we met at Huge Mike’s, a soul meals restaurant in Myrtle Seaside that was additionally visited by the likes of Kamala Harris throughout the Democratic primaries — it was clear he understood the state’s political panorama effectively.
This was lengthy earlier than we had heard of one thing known as Covid-19 and earlier than President Trump was impeached. Harrison spoke eloquently about how his humble-beginnings background, elite increased schooling and work within the non-public sector and politics ready him for this second. He was cautious to speak about holding Trump to account for his abuses of energy whereas not turning into hyperbolic. He articulated the necessity for racial justice whereas steadfast in a conviction that we attain throughout the aisle and embrace everybody. He did not serve up pink meat for many who need Trump despatched to jail and tried to stay centered on his {qualifications} and imaginative and prescient for the state — whereas explaining why it was time for Graham to go.
Graham, whose political profession spans 25 years, is aware of there’s a large divide between that group and essentially the most passionate Trump voters. He is aware of his status within the state had lengthy been one as a statesman, as a lot a straight-talker as his outdated buddy, the late Sen. John McCain. He is aware of an incredible portion of his earlier help got here not simply from individuals who agreed together with his conservative bona fides however those that believed he would inform the reality and put nation earlier than social gathering at important moments, even when it meant jeopardizing his personal political future. I do know as a result of I used to be one of many voters who believed Graham. I now not do. Graham is now not that man — that is if he ever was.
His picture on this state is now of a person who’s crude, crass and calculating. He’s both playacting now to draw Trump voters or was pretending to be a person of character for all these years earlier than Trump grew to become president.
Graham had appeared a person of conviction, of honor. It made it simpler to disregard political disagreements with him as a result of he had satisfied us his want to be in Washington was extra about his love for the residents of his dwelling state than a thirst for energy. He has now determined to shatter that picture right into a thousand items — simply to the touch the hem of Trump’s garment. That call may cost a little him every little thing. And it ought to.
