Trump travels to South Carolina to boost Darline Graham ahead of the Republican primary runoff

Donald Trump traveled to South Carolina to give a final boost to Darline Graham Nordone before the runoff election to determine the Republican nominee for the Senate. On the eve of the head-to-head race between the acting senator and Congressman Ralph Norman, the president held a rally in South Carolina where he warned of the danger posed by "communist Democrats."

The South Carolina primary was originally held on June 10, when Lindsey Graham easily secured the Republican nomination. However, due to his unexpected death, a special primary was scheduled to determine his replacement on the ballot. On August 11, the interim senator and the congressman advanced to a runoff to determine the Republican nominee. Graham Nordone received 32% of the vote compared to Norman's 26%, and the two will face off head-to-head on August 25.

A few days before the runoff, Trump traveled to Myrtle Beach to give Graham Nordone one last boost. "I think Lindsey respected Darline more than any other person he knows including me, and that does not make me happy," he joked during his speech.

"With your help this November, we're going to stop the radical left, democrat, communist here in South Carolina and all across the nation. And we're going to elect senator Darlene Graham to fight, fight, fight for South Carolina and to always put America first. She only knows how to put America first. She will be somebody you're gonna be very proud," the president continued.

"The first step is to win the runoff election this Tuesday. You have to get out on August 25. You have to go out and vote. And we need all the patriots of South Carolina to go to the polls and vote for Darlene Graham," he added.

Joining the president were Senators Tim Scott, also from South Carolina, and John Barrasso from Wyoming.

"You'll always be part of the Graham family"

Moments later, Graham Nordone took the floor and thanked Trump for his support, citing her relationship with his family. In particular, she thanked him for his words during his brother's funeral in Washington, D.C.

"And his friendship with Lindsay meant so much to Lindsay. You were one of his closest friends. I hope you know that. And you will forever be part of the Graham family," the interim senator said.

She also responded to those who argue that she lacks the necessary experience to serve in the Senate: "Now the critics say I shouldn't run for the senate. They say I'm not a politician. You know what I say? Guilty as charged. And by the way, president Trump had never served in an elected office before, and I think he's done a damn good job."