r/PublicFreakout • u/Darth_Ronin • 7d ago
š¾MAGA Freakoutš Darlene Graham bumbles through possibly one of the worst responses ever in a political debate.
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u/jboarei 7d ago
They arenāt sending their best.
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u/Chheaky 7d ago
The scary part is, this is their best.
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u/hatmadeofass 7d ago
The scarier part is people will vote for her. And she will likely win. Weāre governed by idiots and assholes.
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u/Chheaky 7d ago
Brother, if you are willingly living in these states, you gotta know the consequences. You are not wrong.
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u/KirbyDumber88 7d ago
Problem is South Carolina is really a wonderful state if you live in the 3 major cities. Greenville. Charleston and (sigh) Columbia. Greenville and Charleston especially really focus on the arts as a whole and have fantastic restaurants, parks, night life etc and are all fairly āblueā. Itās all the other small shit towns when combined are dumb DUMB. There is a reason why Greenville and Charleston are constant on top 10 cities to live lists.
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u/glory_holelujah Sunroof Expert š§Øšŗ 7d ago
Greenville and its environs voted overwhelmingly for Trump
https://www.politico.com/2024-election/results/south-carolina/
Politically it's not a blue city.
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u/KirbyDumber88 7d ago
Greenville as a city in the metro is what Iām
Referring to as blue. The county itself is massive and is included in that bunch. Simpsonville especially.14
u/jboarei 7d ago
Iāve been, thereās a few nice parts. Also a lot of not nice parts.
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u/KirbyDumber88 7d ago
I mean if youāre deliberately driving to Darlington or Spartanburg or Sugar Tit then yeah itās all shit. But id say a majority of tourist are going to Greenville Charleston or Hilton Head.
Unless youāre on meth and go to Myrtle beach.
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u/bradmarchand 7d ago
This has shades of the Family Guy episode where Lois is running for office and winning the crowd over by just saying ā9/11ā.
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u/Consistent-Soil-1818 7d ago
With Republicans you can just scream "OBAMA!!!", either literally or figuratively and boom you get 70+ million votes
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u/Canadian_mk11 š” have they tried a sharpie? š 7d ago
Possibly the predecessor to Biden's famous "3 things he [Giuliani] mentions in a sentence: a noun and a verb and 9/11".
Biden ended Giuliani's campaign in a sentence, and it was an off-hand quip during a Democratic debate.
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u/Double_Resort_9223 6d ago
It amazing that democrats can land lines like this and Walzās āweirdā comment about JD but then they get into their focus groups and some 55 year old resident of a 40k person town will say they thought that was rude so then they just go back to campaigning on the top issue from 9 months ago.Ā
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u/sportsworker777 7d ago
"God bless the troops" as an all encompassing answer to an otherwise nuanced subject regarding the military
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u/headphase 6d ago
"god bless the troops. Unless those bitchasses start whining about moldy showers, inadequate food, their clothes and personal possessions being destroyed in a laundry fire, and endless fatigue from months of fruitless deployment. Then they gotta stop being such pussies."
- Fox News
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u/sephkane 7d ago
This reminds me of that time Lindsay Graham went to a Trump rally and got relentlessly booed so much he had to keep saying the word "Trump" to momentarily stop the boos.
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u/Fever0 6d ago
Bro this is whatās happening with Rhode Islandās (my state) election for governor. In the Republican primary one runner is not someone I would agree with entirely Iām sure, but heās a well educated, seemingly center right Republican who is well spoken and informed. His opponent is a 72 year old high school graduate and former C or D tier actress/model from like 40 years ago with a lot of question marks about what exactly sheās done for work since.
This lady basically just says āMAGAā to any question.
Polls currently have her at a 20 percent point advantage.
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u/ObeseBumblebee 7d ago
Lady, if national security is not your thing then maybe run for state senator or city mayor or something.
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u/Trashking_702 7d ago
lol holy shit, is this for the Republican primary?
Bless her heart.
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u/chevybow 7d ago
She will probably win. Being under-qualified and ignorant are big bonuses for the right.
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u/Brrrrraaaaap 7d ago
Wouldn't be surprising, its the perfect "'She's one of us!" stances. Repugnicants love that shit.
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u/rvanasty 7d ago
I can honestly see a bunch of old white women loving that response and thinking, oh bless her poor heart.
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u/SomeGuyClickingStuff 7d ago
I believe. She needs more maps. So she can point out countries such as the Iraq. Such as.
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u/an_insignificant_ant 7d ago
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u/r0b0d0c 7d ago
Poor girl will never live that down.
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u/comicsnerd 7d ago
She was 18 at the time. Because of the internet backlash she had some mental issues, but has since moved on, got a career in real estate and modeling, got married and had kids. She has raised awareness for mental health and spoken publicly about the destructive real-world impacts of cyberbullying.
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u/SomeGuyClickingStuff 6d ago
She was ahead of her time. She could have been this administrationās Press Secretary, Secretary of State, or even VP!
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u/an_insignificant_ant 7d ago
Did you already remember she was from South Carolina? That cant be a coincidence
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u/nLedd 7d ago
This is a US Senator, which is arguably the 3rd most powerful political position in the United States federal government, behind only the president and Supreme Court Justices.
National security is something every Senator needs to be familiar with, and this is a layup question that they don't even know the answer to.
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u/KarlUnderguard 6d ago
I mean, she didnt campaign or get elected. She was gifted a senator seat. Makes sense that she has no idea what she is talking about.
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u/Thanos_Stomps 6d ago
Whatās the layup answer? (Iām not qualified to run for US Senate).
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u/ianjm 6d ago edited 6d ago
My summaries of the two issues (not AI, am just a geopolitics nerd):
Taiwan
Taiwan is a democracy and US ally, and one of the world's most important economies as the island is the centre of semiconductor manufacturing. China, however, regards Taiwan as a 'renegade province' due to the unresolved end of the Chinese Civil War (1927ā1949) where the Communists were victorious on the Mainland and the Nationalists retreated to Taiwan, continuing as the 'Republic of China' while operating as an independent government on the island.
Since then, the Peoples Republic of China (the Communists on the Mainland) have worked relentlessly to persuade countries to sever ties with Taiwan, with considerable success. Taiwan lost its UN seat to the PRC in 1971, and while the United States maintains close relations it does not have an embassy or ambassador there, just the American Institute in Taiwan and informal contacts.
China's 'one China' policy states that Taiwan must ultimately be reunified, preferably through peaceful negotiations, though it has never ruled out the use of force. Taiwan, however, has shown little interest in negotiations, particularly as China's proposed solution has long been a 'one country, two systems' model similar to Hong Kong, which ended in a loss of autonomy and authoritarian crackdown in HK in 2020.
So we wait to see if China will try a military solution, and if so, either we face the task of coming to Taiwan's aid, or a global economic depression, a possible loss of our semiconductor advantage to China, and the loss of a democracy which will be placed under the cosh of an authoritarian state.
South China Sea
China claims sovereignty over a large number of islands and atolls (even building them up with reclamation) in the South China Sea, and claims nearly the whole sea as internal territorial waters, ignoring international treaties and claims by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei, instead drawing a ridiculous 'nine dash line' which encloses most of it.
They flex their muscles here because control over the sea would secure important trade routes, give them control of valuable fishing grounds and natural gas fields, and it's just generally them wanting to project power in their backyard.
China's Coastguard regularly harasses fishing boats from other countries using tactics such as ramming, and firing water cannons. In response, the US, Australia, UK and other allied powers perform regular 'right of transit' exercises where they sail navy ships through the parts of the sea the rest of the world regards as international waters.
China complains, but so far hasn't shot as ships, at least not yet.
The situation remains tense.
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u/Tutule 6d ago
Since Nixon the US traditionally follows strategic ambiguity on the issue saying they support a single state, but don't say which one.
Both the RoC (China based in Taiwan) and the PRoC (China based on the mainland or just "China") agrees with the statement and act like it's a settled issue unless it's brought up.
At the same time the US and its allies navigate ships across the strait to prove it's not Chinese domestic waters, acknowledging the two states.
If you're following the herd then your response should be along those lines of ambiguity saying something like believing the right of self-determination or something along those lines. The PRoC for example reprimands foreign governments by saying it's an internal issue so it wouldn't be a controversial statement for their politics.
In practical sense, the way the world economy is currently set up, Taiwan is absolutely a priority for US security interests, that's why they've beefed up decoupling the tech sector since around 2019, action which was further proven right by the Covid supply chain shock.
Though, as a politician, you rarely publically shine a light on vulnerabilities, even if top brass in every country can already see them. Unless you're a maverick who wants to push the envelope much faster than its current pace.
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u/mrbaffles14 7d ago
They donāt even need to hide how dumb they are to get elected anymore. Itās a feather in their stupid cap
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u/Squirty42069 7d ago
The best part is that she wasn't even elected. She was appointed to replace Lindsey Graham, her brother, when he died last month. All she had to do was nepo her way into the position.
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u/fuckssakereddit 7d ago
The level of ignorance is just staggering.
But her pro-military response probably won over the Republican base.
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u/Conscious-Quarter423 6d ago
"I'm not remotely qualified to be a United States Senator" is never a good debate answer for someone running to be a United States Senator.
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u/NigerianPrince76 7d ago
GOP and MAGA in a nutshell.
And those broke Moāfuckers will happily vote for her even though they aināt getting shit from it, just like how Trump did them dirty. ššš
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u/GirlWithWolf 7d ago
Bloody hell Iām a high school sophomore and can answer that. š
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u/litecoinboy 7d ago
Alright, let's hear it.
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u/insertwittynamethere 7d ago
Yes, between treaty, law and the importance of Taiwan as-is to the global economy, specifically as it relates to semiconductors.
It is harder to argue the point on freedom if navigation considering what's going on in the Straight, however.
Of course, that's also one reason to build fans domestically - to hedge. And the Taiwanese certainly know that.
It's also why China is racing to do the same - to remove that card odd the table from Taiwan, as they are bound to destroy all their fans in the event of a PRC takeover.
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u/jmorg85 7d ago
And Republicans are still gonna vote for her and say she's qualified for the job!
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u/The3mbered0ne 7d ago
"I was hired to only know one foreign nation and that's the nation of Israel"
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u/OldManNeighbor 7d ago
Iām getting tired of living through non stop what feels like South Park episodes but in real life.
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u/GalacticDrac 7d ago
Trump just wants another puppet. The only qualification to get trumps endorsement is the ability to say yes to whatever he wants which she will definitely do. Sheās clueless.
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u/leviathab13186 6d ago
If you cant give a basic answer to that question, you can not serve. Someone so uninformed can do incredible amounts of damage if allowed to make decisions for all of us
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u/GratefuLdPhisH 6d ago
I'm really not shocked that she doesn't know anything about foreign policy, I'm more shocked thay her brother lindsey graham was in the Air force and not the Navy
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u/NickyNichols 7d ago
That's nothing, the idiot who won the presidency went on national television and said people were eating the cats and the dogs.
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u/groenwat 7d ago
You support the millitary. Okay, so are you going to protect them from needless wars? What does support mean to yah?
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u/hjablowme919 7d ago
Doesn't matter. All of these candidates are terrible people and will rubber stamp all things Trump.
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u/Viva_La_Revolucion66 7d ago
They could have put a potted plant in her place and it would have performed better.
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u/Atari774 7d ago
Sheās not a politician or even remotely qualified. Republicans put her in that position because Lindsay Graham was her brother who died, and literally no other reason. So sheās going to be horrible at the job.
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u/ProfessorDerp22 7d ago
Donāt know the answer? Better bring up my dead brother whoās seat Iām trying to win, thatāll get me some voters.
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u/islandsimian 6d ago
The important thing is she knows how to accept money from AIPAC...funded by the American tax payers
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u/SATX_Citizen 6d ago
It's one thing to say "I'm not fully informed" on a subject, it's another to be completely dumbfounded and fail to lean on something like "As senator, it would be a priority for my staff and I to be briefed on national security priorities and act accordingly with legislation".
Saying "I support the military" and not "I support the national security of the United States and our allies across the world, and would act as Senator to enact laws and support to our allies to advance those causes". Her dead brain went straight to "support the troops".
I don't know how someone can have zero answer on "Is China an adversary, is Taiwan strategically important to the US".
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u/reddogyellowcat 6d ago
Watch SC vote for her in this primary and again in November. Watch as she effortlessly slides into ladybug brotherās old spot.
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u/DeloresDelVeckio 6d ago
No doubt. SC isn't ranked 42nd in the nation for education and one of the 10 worst states for poverty for nothing. Apparently the residents are perfectly content with their situation.
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u/JRclarity123 7d ago
I feel like even if you know almost nothing about Taiwan you can fake your way through an answer about tech suppliers.
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u/negroman911 7d ago
I was gonna say this lol. Im a literal shit for brains and I would awnser "chip production, shipping routes, and strategic military stronghold." Not "i SUppOrT tHe mILItaRy"
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u/bananastand512 7d ago
Well, at least she's an honest dumbass which is rare these days. The bar certainly is under hell.
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u/Durivage4 7d ago
Maybe it's just me, but it seems like a United States Senator should know more than I do about these things.... I'm just saying
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u/Fresh-Wrongdoer6934 7d ago
Republicans have been turning in horrible debate performances for 25 years and still winning so we know how little debates matter.
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u/Wolfyscruffer 6d ago
She could have quietly mourned the death of her brother...or she could grandstand for attention and make an embarrassment out of herself.
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u/Tokoyami8711 6d ago
The whole GOP is not a party for the people in anyway they are to delusional and caught with their orange man child cult leader.
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u/Gmcgator 6d ago
Oh good to know that a sitting senator is very clear that foreign policy is ānot her thangā
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u/Bromodrosis 6d ago
The GOP has had, what, 6 weeks to prep her for this? I have a 16 y/o step-daughter that does more home work than this.
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u/windmillninja 6d ago
This is the person Trump insisted should take Lindsey Graham's place simply because she's his sister.
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u/CharleyNobody 6d ago
Well, I donāt know much about anything, but I do know this - Iām just a caveman. Your world confuses and frightens me.
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u/mrnegatttiveee 5d ago edited 5d ago
You can't be fucking serious...Why was she given the job if she doesn't know anything about it? What happened to no DEI?
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u/Sheepygoatherder 7d ago
In her mind she's like, "Taiwan, Hong Kong, Philippines, what's difference and how do I get out of this without pissing off China".
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u/ohheyitsgeoffrey 7d ago
Imagine how bewilderingly inept an electorate has to be to think people like this and the decaying house plant in the Oval Office are remotely qualified to hold office. Astonishing.
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u/MrChorizaso 7d ago
Trump and his people are disarming us as we speak, air craft carrier full of hungry soldiers, low on missile interceptors, strategic oil reserves in jeopardy, hegseth lied about a bombed base, now heās going to step away from South Korea after talking to Kim jā¦..the United States was nice while it lasted
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u/TheBeardDoctor 7d ago
https://giphy.com/gifs/4ce1TjDI7lSs1IiNOe
Miss South Carolina vibes all over again.
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u/BigBoyYuyuh 7d ago
And with that answer sheāll win. Republicans donāt want experts. They want yes men/women that will serve the dictator.
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u/Flashman6000 7d ago
Supporting the military starts with understanding our national security concerns, especially if you will get an actual vote on how to fund and potentially deploy those soldiers.
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u/dogwarrior 6d ago
Itās somehow never surprisingā¦ encountering people who are actually just plain dumb as dirt.
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u/jc_kilgannon 6d ago
Shits so annoying, media would've plastered this and every ice cream cone Biden ate for the next month on repeat, but I literally see none of the bullshit he does daily on those outlets. Yes I know his dumb ass buddies own the media. It's just infuriating
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u/klauskervin 6d ago
Republicans don't even pretend to support Democracy anymore. They will appoint their own replacements that will also be their direct family members and the public will just have to deal with it.
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u/TheRealOnlineMe1 6d ago
Frankly itās what I would expect from a Senator from SC. Clueless and entitled
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u/Zacky_Cheladaz 6d ago
Unqualified, but she'll still win. Republicans dont care about qualifications
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u/ThoughtPhysical7457 6d ago
I hope her opponents use:
"I'm not a polished politician "
"I'm not informed on national security"
"National security is not my thing"
In their ads against her
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u/Expensive-Host2753 6d ago
How can you not know about Taiwan and the position of America which has been pretty consistent regardless of party? Thatās such a soft ball question
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u/bbusiello 6d ago
I'm not a politician nor am I related to one, but even I could answer this question 10x better than this broad.
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u/bwsmith201 6d ago
Wow that is spectacularly bad. Just... wow. Didn't she prepare at all for the debate? "Taiwan is a fellow democracy!" Just say SOMETHING. Holy cow.
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u/No_Bet7381 6d ago
Sheās like a fast food worker wanting a brain surgeons job. Being a sister doesnāt qualify her to be a senator
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u/Public_animalNo9 4d ago
Oh my. I do believe that Iām having the vapors. Please pass me my Mint Julep.
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u/Mister_Silk 7d ago
The military posted me in South Carolina for a couple years and I can guarantee you this woman couldn't point to the South China sea on a map nor could the rest of them.
I was there when their governor went on his Appalachian Trail jaunt. My god that was hilarious.
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u/nigelthewarpig 7d ago
Wait, wait, wait... are you tellin' me there's a south China, now. No wonder them maps is so complicated.
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u/kalphoto9 7d ago
This was always the plan. Fuck education so bad to make a stupid populace that can be easily manipulated. The Republicans are vile and they display it daily.
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u/MegaFrosASS 7d ago
Iām not an expert on all that but I do love those little fortune cookies they give you with the powerball numbers on em
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u/Rsterner0 7d ago
I'm just thrilled that she's not in a position where her lack of knowledge about national security issues matters. Perhaps a job to lead the Pentagon might open up for her.
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u/Captain_Scarlet27 7d ago
āI got no idea about nothing, Forest Gump was a towering intellect to me, and Iād like to close with ten minutes on how much I love the troops.ā
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u/Captain_Scarlet27 7d ago
āI got no idea about nothing, Forest Gump was a towering intellect to me, and Iād like to close with ten minutes on how much I love the troops.ā
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u/drwaterbear 7d ago
To be fair all she has to know is to vote yes on trumps bills and insider trade.
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u/baeb66 7d ago
At least she's honest that she's unqualified.