In one of the most dramatic transformations under President Donald Trump, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has gone from Trump critic to the President’s most ardent friend and supporter in the Senate.
And his loyalty seems to have paid off — per CNN, his approval rating with Republicans currently hovers at 59% and he has become a much-desired surrogate on the midterm campaign trail.
Graham says that he talks to Trump more than he did to “any other President combined,” access that is paying off in speaking roles before raucous crowds on the campaign trail, the likes of which he has rarely experienced in his multi-decade career.
Per CNN, Graham also says he attributes some of his newfound celebrity to his performance at the hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, where his vehement defense of the soon-to-be-justice won him the approval of the scads of Trump fans who felt that Kavanaugh was being maligned.
“I don’t think there’s any room in the party for wanting him to fail,” Graham told CNN. “If they see your criticism is designed to want him to fail or not support him, then you’re in trouble.”
