Tim Scott calls support for Darline Graham an ‘easy choice’ despite her debate flub

In an interview with “Meet the Press,” Scott defended Graham after her recent debate blunder raised questions about her qualifications.

Sen. Tim Scott defended Sen. Darline Graham, his fellow South Carolina Republican, on Sunday ahead of her special GOP primary runoff this week, dismissing concerns about her debate blunder on national security last week.

“Darline Graham is the real deal,” Scott told NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” adding that she is “highly qualified, incredibly competent, ready for primetime.”

Asked how confident he is that Graham will win Tuesday’s primary runoff, Scott said, “Very confident,” adding that he waited several weeks before he endorsed her “to make sure that I felt like she was ready.”

“I can tell you, as the senior senator for the great state of South Carolina, the person I want in the Senate with me, Darline Graham, representing the people of South Carolina,” he said. “Easy choice.”

Scott boosted Graham just days after her viral moment at a debate against Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., whom she faces in Tuesday’s runoff.