As the 2016 nomination and presidential sweepstakes nears its longed-for completion, a political change artist has emerged to switch his positions and allegiances.
Consider South Carolina’s Senator Lindsey Graham. He offered himself as a candidate for the GOP nomination. Polls put him at the very bottom of those seeking the nod — even in his own state. Never considered a serious contender, he became one of the first of many to bow out of the crowded field.
Before he threw in the towel, he trashed fellow Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas). Calling the Texan “an opportunist,” Graham declared that the Cruz ideology “won’t sell with the American people,” adding that the only accomplishment he’d achieved in his Senate saw him “run down other Republicans.” But that wasn’t the only insult Graham aimed at Cruz.
After accusing the Texas senator of holding foreign policy positions that were “just as wrong as Obama,” Graham went to great lengths to criticize his fellow Republican in a rather unique outburst. He stated, “If you killed Ted Cruz on the floor of the Senate and the trial was in the Senate, nobody would convict you.” And he added, “If you’re a Republican and your choices [as of mid-March 2016] are Donald Trump and Ted Cruz, it’s the difference between being poisoned or shot. You’re still dead.” So Graham obviously doesn’t think much of Trump either.
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But hold on a minute! On March 17, Graham did a complete about face and announced that he’s now supporting Ted Cruz for the nomination. He said he would help raise funds for the man he savaged only weeks earlier explaining, “I think he’s the best alternative to beat Donald Trump and I’m going to help him in any way I can.” From Graham, we now await some sharply worded condemnations of the real estate mogul. But is there anyone left who considers his opinion worth anything?
Lindsey Graham seems to be more interested in gaining press coverage for himself than maintaining a position. Donald Trump might even welcome being targeted by the sharp-tongued South Carolinian. Should Trump win the nomination, it seems likely that Graham would then support him. But what would that be worth?
American voters deserve better. Once having taken the stands about Cruz, Graham should either hold firm or keep his mouth shut. But politics and many politicians count on a poorly informed electorate. The country needs statesmen whose stances are based on the needs of the country. Lindsey Graham doesn’t even come close to meeting that need.
John F. McManus is president emeritus of The John Birch Society. This column appeared originally at the insideJBS blog and is reprinted here with permission.
