Lindsey Graham Criticizes Donald Trump's Immigration Plan and Incendiary Comments
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) appeared on CNN's The Situation Room with Kate Bolduan on August 25, 2015, where he expressed strong criticism of Donald Trump's immigration plan and his harsh comments towards immigrants and women. Graham, a presidential candidate, stated that Trump's plan to deport children born to illegal immigrants and his comments about Megyn Kelly were "demagoguery" that would hurt the Republican Party.
Graham emphasized that 25% of the Republican Party believes Obama was born in Kenya and 25% wants him to be a Muslim, indicating a dark side of politics that Trump is appealing to. He also warned that Trump's strategy to destroy ISIL by taking Iraq and Syrian oil as a way to destroy ISIL would be "insanely dangerous" and would turn the Middle East against America. Graham concluded that Trump's policy positions are "complete gibberish" and that he is "shallow" and "ill-prepared" to be commander-in-chief.
Key Takeaways:
- Lindsey Graham criticized Donald Trump's immigration plan, stating that it is "demagoguery" and would hurt the Republican Party.
- Graham emphasized that Trump's comments about Obama being born in Kenya and being a Muslim are "demagoguery" that appeals to a dark side of politics.
- Graham warned that Trump's strategy to destroy ISIL by taking Iraq and Syrian oil would be "insanely dangerous" and would turn the Middle East against America.
- Graham stated that Trump's policy positions are "complete gibberish" and that he is "shallow" and "ill-prepared" to be commander-in-chief.
- Graham expressed support for changing the law on birthright citizenship to prevent "anchor babies," but emphasized that it should be done in a way that does not penalize individuals who are born to immigrants legal or otherwise.
- Graham stated that he would work to stop Trump if he becomes the nominee, and that the Republican Party should lose if Trump becomes the nominee.
Statistics:
- 25% of Republicans believe Obama was born in Kenya (Graham's estimate)
- 25% of Republicans want Obama to be a Muslim (Graham's estimate)
- 30% of South Carolinians support Donald Trump in the primary election (Monmouth University poll cited by Bolduan)
- 65% disapprove of Donald Trump among Hispanics (last night's poll cited by Graham)
- Obama's strategy to deal with ISIL has not been effective (Graham's statement)
Sources:
- Monmouth University poll cited by Kate Bolduan
- Donald Trump's Twitter account, cited by Graham