Of all the elected officials who can discuss Sonia Sotomayor's compelling "life story" it is Republican Senator Lindsey Graham who is best qualified. No one - no Democrat or Republican in Washington or on the national scene has a more compelling life story than does Lindsey. I don't know many elected officials on the national scene - ever - who have had a more compelling life story than Lindsey.
The problem is Lindsey Graham doesn't use his story as a crutch, or an excuse, or a way to get votes. If he were a Democrat he might. But Lindsey is a Republican. He is a responsible adult, a man who had to grow up very early in life in order to take responsibility for an aging father who was ill, a cancer ridden mother, and a much younger sister.
Do parts of his story sound familiar?
In many ways it isn't much different from the fab, celebrated lyric life story of Barack Obama. Only there is one huge difference. Lindsey Graham did not blame the world. He did not become an activist or a community organizer hanging out with individuals who hate our country. He did not act like a spoiled child of fairly well off grand-parents, which Barack Obama actually was.
He did not skulk off to smoke pot, deal a little, and "chill" like some elected officials we could name.
No, Lindsey grew up very quickly.
Lindsey came from what would be considered a working family. His father owned a bar and pool hall in Central South Carolina. His family did not have jobs like Obama's grandmother, who was the VP of a bank. They were ordinary working people, struggling to make ends meet.
Lindsey's mother died of cancer while he was still in college. His father did not survive much longer. Their medical expenses were a crushing inheritance. Did Lindsey demand socialized medicine? Did he blame his plight on those who had more than he did? No, he rolled up his sleeves and went to work. He adopted his younger sister and arranged for her to live with his aunt and uncle who were very kind, very hard working people.
Instead of hanging out with former terrorists and damning the United States, Lindsey too went to law school. As soon as he graduated he joined the Air Force becoming one of the top prosecutors in Europe for the Air Force.
He paid off all of his parents' medical debts.
Article comments
1 - Arch Conservative
As far as I know he's the only transgender member of Congress.
2 - Silas Kain
First of all, thank you for a beautiful piece. Your presentation of Senator Graham has changed my opinion of him. Too bad John McCain didn't chose him over the Far Right's demands.
It's too bad conservatives don't have the honor, decency, and honesty to stand up for men and women who are the finest examples of the character that has made this country great.
That's where I might take exception. The MSM and public in general are branding today's GOP as conservatives. I assure you, they are not. The people who are in control of the party are driven by greed and power. They have no social consciousness yet they claim to be the bastion of morality. The truth is that gay marriage, abortion rights and environmental concerns are quintessential conservative values. The Democrat Party has taken these issues and made them their own. What the GOP needs more than ever is a political high colonic to expel the fundamentalist bacteria from within.
3 - roger nowosielski
But isn't it the case, Silas, that what we're experiencing is polarization on a new scale, brought about no question by Obama's November victory. So where else can the Reps find their base than in the fundamentalists, the Christian Right, that is, and the last bastion of outdated morality? That's the only power play that's left to them.
4 - Silas Kain
I think that the Far Right is kicking and screaming all the way to the gallows. There's a new generation transitioning into power, Roger. Now the new leaders can succumb to the Svengalis on K Street at which point it will be business as usual. Otherwise, there is scant hope that this new generation gets its act together to clean up the mess we've left behind.
The problem is that genuine conservatives somehow lost their identity. A genuine conservative is not a religious fanatic but takes a more pragmatic view of religion and its influence on politics. As the pundits are saying, this Administration and the current Democrat configuration is Center Right. That puts Far Righters in a box. They have nothing left but their so-called faith. And, as in the case of Senator Ensign, it's coming back to bite them in the butt.
5 - James
I wish to focus of the affects Sen. Graham's votes have on America. He is a man of accomplishment. He is a man of good character, BUT it is about HIS VOTES FOR THE LEFT. Sen. Graham empowers liberal causes.End of argument: Why He Needs to be replaced!!!!!!!!!!
6 - Bob
This is a total crock. It does an ugly disservice to Senator Graham by drawing at best an invidious comparison and, more likely at worst, spewing racist innuendo.
[Personal attack deleted by Comments Editor]
7 - cleveland elliott
I think Mr. Graham is a fine gentleman. I would like to see him run for POTUS.
We need someone that can get most of the votes and still hold on to some of the old beliefs. We do not need to get too liberal. I disagree with him at times,but he is still a good man
Thank you
Cleve Elliott
8 - Sue Golden
Ummmm...medical bills are NOT inheritable.
His actions of late are far from honorable.
9 - Igor
In the past Graham has sometimes shown signs of being a principled statesman looking out for the interests of all Americans. But then he slips into republican partisanship that makes him look really bad.
10 - Diane
Interesting article. He should be respected as a leader. However some of his speeches,comments and actions are just like any other politician ::They don't let the facts get in the way of the truth