New York Times (Editorial)
December 22, 2015
LINDSEY
GRAHAM was always a long shot for the Republican presidential
nomination, but the departure of the South Carolina senator from the
race ought to be lamented. It
is distressing that a candidate with his record of service, thoughtful
views and humanistic approach to politics could never get any traction
with the GOP base. That he is sidelined while Donald Trump — with his
easy answers and appeals to anger and bigotry
— seemingly soars should prompt real worry within the Republican Party,
not to mention the country at large.
Mr.
Graham announced on Monday in a YouTube video that he was suspending
his presidential campaign; he concluded, “This is not my time.” He was
never able to register
more than 1 percent in polling and, under the two-tiered GOP debate
structure governing the large field of candidates, was kept off the main
stage. Nonetheless, he commanded attention with his smarts, his quick
wit and his willingness to identify and speak
out on critical issues such as the danger of isolationism and the need
for entitlement reform. We didn’t always agree with Mr. Graham, notably
on social issues including same-sex marriage and abortion, but we
respected his principled approach to public office.
He
didn’t shirk from staking out positions that put him at odds with the
Republican Party extremes that have outsized influence in the primaries.
That made him the voice
of reason about the need for comprehensive immigration reform, the
reality of climate change and trying to work with Democrats to solve
problems. He was politically courageous in arguing that the United
States would have to deploy ground troops in Syria to
defeat the Islamic State; he may yet be proved correct.
Most
admirable of all was Mr. Graham’s fearlessness in confronting Mr. Trump
and the serial bigotry — toward women, immigrants, the disabled,
Muslims — that has become
a trademark of his unfortunate campaign. When other candidates held
back and bit their tongues for fear of incurring Mr. Trump’s wrath, Mr.
Graham did not hesitate to do or say the right thing.
Like
many others (ourselves included), Mr. Graham was befuddled by Mr.
Trump’s popularity and his sustained position as presidential
front-runner. “Crazy as hell” was
his blunt assessment. “If he is the voice and face of the Republican
Party, I think our allies are shaking their heads and our enemies are
licking their chops,” he said.
So
while Mr. Graham has pledged to support the Republican nominee, whoever
it is, we hope he continues to show the principled leadership that
marked his failed campaign
and draws the line if it comes down to Mr. Trump.
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