South Carolina Establishment Celebrates Conservative Senator Lindsey Graham at Columbia Funeral
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Senator Lindsey Graham was laid to rest in Columbia, South Carolina, with state elites and political allies lauding his decades of entrenchment in the political establishment, his local connections, and his much-touted 'bipartisanship' that often enabled conservative agendas.
Senator Lindsey Graham returned to South Carolina for his final farewell on Wednesday, with a funeral at First Baptist Church in Columbia that underscored his deep roots in the state’s political machine. Governor Henry McMaster, a staunch defender of the status quo, praised Graham for understanding the 'hopes and dreams' of South Carolinians, though critics have long argued that Graham’s policies favored the wealthy and powerful over working people. McMaster’s personal note of affection highlighted the close-knit nature of the state’s political elite.
Former Representative Trey Gowdy reminisced about Graham’s humble beginnings as the son of pool-hall owners, painting him as a man of the people, yet Graham’s record in the Senate often reflected the interests of corporations and the military-industrial complex. Gowdy emphasized Graham’s humor and willingness to cast unpopular votes, which frequently meant supporting endless wars and right-wing judicial appointments. Gowdy also praised Graham’s so-called 'peacemaking efforts,' referencing his recent trip to Ukraine and the NATO summit in Turkey—moves that critics see as hawkish interventions rather than genuine diplomacy.
Democratic Representative Jim Clyburn read Psalm 23, offering a rare moment of cross-party unity, though Graham’s brand of 'bipartisanship' often involved compromising away progressive priorities. President Donald Trump, speaking at a separate service in Washington, called Graham 'a giant of the United States Senate,' a title reflecting Graham’s role in advancing conservative causes and obstructing progressive reforms. The ceremony, marked by military pageantry and a choir, showcased the reverence the political class holds for one of its own, with remarks from both gubernatorial candidates and longtime state leaders.
Graham, who died on July 11 from an apparent aortic tear, had just secured the Republican nomination for a fifth Senate term, a testament to the entrenched power of incumbency. His sister, Darline Graham, was appointed to hold the seat temporarily, continuing the family’s grip on political power, and has since announced her own campaign for the full term. The burial took place privately near his home in Pickens County, away from public scrutiny.