Sen. Lindsey Graham was already in hot water over his refusal to get tested for the coronavirus prior to the debate with his Democratic challenger Jaime Harrison on Friday night. Lindsey’s move led to the cancellation of his in-person debate with Harrison, prompting both candidates to record separate interviews.
But, even then, Graham just couldn’t help it, he had to dig a deeper hole for himself.
During the interview, Graham said that young people black people are safe in South Carolina—but only if they are conservative.
“I care about everybody,” Graham said “If you’re a young African American, an immigrant, you can go anywhere in this state. You just need to be conservative, not liberal.”
Like what??
America is facing a reckoning over race since we all witnessed a white police officer nonchalantly pressed his knee on George Floyd’s neck, literally squeezing the life out of him. Floyd’s death led to a movement to once again remind the country that black lives aren’t expendable. That is why Graham’s comments were that much more hurtful and incredible.
Before we are Democrats or Republicans, conservatives or liberals, we are black people first. There is simply no way to easily identify a young black person going about their business as a conservative or liberal.
Police officers do not see a conservative or liberal when we pull over, after they stop us for a non-functioning brake light, they see a black person. As was the case with Walter Scott, who was killed by police in Lindsey Graham’s home state of South Carolina in 2015.
Also, Graham made these comments in a debate, with a relatively young black man who is not a conservative. He basically told him to his face that he’s not safe in his own state!.
The coronavirus does not care what side of the political aisle we are on. Across the country, black people are being disproportionately affected by the virus. Blacks in South Carolina are hit especially hard. They make up just 27 percent of the state’s population, but nearly half of South Carolina’s coronavirus related deaths.
So, no Lindsey Graham, black people can’t go anywhere in South Carolina as long as they are conservative. These comments just show how out of touch Graham is with the moment and shows exactly why he should be voted out of office.
