US Senate candidate Democrat Annie Andrews and Republican candidate US Senator Darline Graham take notes before a debate in Columbia, South Carolina, US, October 11, 2026. REUTERS/Sam Wolfe
Sparks flew Sunday after Darline Graham's latest gaffe during the South Carolina Senate debate.
Graham faced off against Democratic challenger Annie Andrews, during which she was asked about President Donald Trump's decision to start the war against Iran. One of the answers Graham gave caused a stir on social media.
"They're being strangled economically, and no one will trade with them," Graham said. "I am proud that I helped get the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 over the finish line in the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support ... it gives [the president] the tools to end the war through economic sanctions. And, why in the world would we stop now when they are still dangerous and we are close to ending the war?"
Graham's comments seem to fly in the face of President Donald Trump's assertions that the Iranian military had been "completely decimated" after recent U.S. strikes.
Political analysts reacted to Graham's claim on social media.
"So stunningly unqualified. What [are] we doing, people?" Marc Polymeropoulos, an MS NOW analyst, posted on X.
"21 American lives lost should be enough. This war needs to end," Andrews posted on her personal X account.
"Hey, look. It's another Graham who loves forever wars," Hemant Mehta, political commentator and "Jeopardy!" champion, posted on X.
"I saw gas at $5 a gallon the other day. That’s one reason," Liz Mair, a political communications expert, posted on X.
"Well, Dips--- Darlene, because Trump is losing his war with Iran and we shouldn’t have to sacrifice more US service members just to save Trump’s pride," Polly Sigh, a writer and political commentator, posted on X.
Darline Graham on Iran War: Why in the world would we stop now? https://t.co/0DcIrvXpU5
— Acyn (@Acyn) October 11, 2026