The final minutes of voting in the Republican presidential primary in South Carolina saw a critical test for former governor Nikki Haley as she aimed to challenge frontrunner Donald Trump. The senior senator from South Carolina, Lindsey Graham, who has endorsed Trump, predicted a significant victory margin for the frontrunner, estimating it to be north of 20 points. With a majority of voters identifying as evangelical Christians, Graham believed this demographic favored Trump.
Graham expressed his support for Haley, emphasizing her talent and potential contribution to the Republican Party. However, he hinted at the need for unity within the party post the primary results, suggesting that a prolonged campaign for Haley might not be beneficial for her future political endeavors.
Regarding Trump's recent comments at a gala for black conservatives, Graham defended the former president's stance on prison reform, highlighting the First Step Act as a significant achievement benefiting African-American and Hispanic communities. Despite Haley's criticism of Trump's remarks, Graham stood by his belief that Trump's presidency had positively impacted people of color.
When asked about the possibility of Senator Tim Scott being chosen as Trump's running mate, Graham expressed strong support for Scott, describing him as a capable candidate ready for the role. He endorsed Scott as a potential vice-presidential pick, citing his popularity within South Carolina and the Republican Party.
As the primary season neared its conclusion, Graham anticipated a swift resolution to the ongoing political dynamics, emphasizing the imminent closure of the primary race. The focus shifted towards potential vice-presidential selections and the need for party unification in preparation for the upcoming general election.
