In the latest episode of “As the GOP Turns,” former President Trump delivered a verbal smackdown to Senator Lindsey Graham that had the political world reaching for popcorn. The drama unfolded when Graham, in a stunning display of spine (a rare sighting in Washington these days), took to Twitter to voice his disagreement with Trump’s stance on abortion. But let’s be real, people; when has disagreement ever flown smoothly in the realm of politics, especially when it involves Trump?
Graham, who seems to flip-flop more than a fish out of water, decided to stand his ground on the abortion debate. He argued against Trump’s declaration that abortion should be a states’ rights issue, emphasizing instead the pro-life movement’s focus on the wellbeing of the unborn child rather than geography. “Dobbs does not require that conclusion legally,” Graham tweeted, presumably while patting himself on the back for his bold stance.
I respectfully disagree with President Trump’s statement that abortion is a states’ rights issue.
Dobbs does not require that conclusion legally and the pro-life movement has always been about the wellbeing of the unborn child – not geography. https://t.co/WloOJ0ImaW
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) April 8, 2024
But oh, did Trump have a reply ready. In true Trump fashion, he took to Truth Social to unleash a clap-back so epic, it might just need its own chapter in the annals of political burns. “Senator Lindsey Graham is doing a great disservice to the Republican Party, and to our Country,” Trump wrote, not pulling any punches. He then proceeded to school Graham on his inconsistent positions on abortion, pointing out the senator’s journey from wanting no abortions under any circumstances to his current 15-week allowance stance.
Trump didn’t stop there. He highlighted a crucial point that seems to fly over the heads of many within the GOP: the Democrats’ love affair with keeping the abortion debate alive and kicking. According to Trump, Republicans like Graham, who dig their heels in on this issue, are essentially handing the Democrats their dream on a silver platter: control of the House, Senate, and maybe even the Presidency.
President Trump tells Senator Lindsey Graham to pound sand: pic.twitter.com/kvDyivVoTo
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) April 8, 2024
And let’s face it, Trump has a point. With the GOP struggling to regain its footing after a series of electoral setbacks – thanks in part to abortion referendums swaying voters in traditionally red states like Kansas and Ohio – maybe it’s time to rethink the strategy. Trump argues that his stance on abortion, including endorsing a 15-week ban, is necessary for winning national elections. And given his track record of defying expectations, perhaps the GOP should listen.
In the end, Trump’s takedown of Graham isn’t just about abortion; it’s a masterclass in political maneuvering. While Graham was busy trying to score points with his moral compass, Trump was playing chess, thinking several moves ahead. Trump knows how to play the game. And right now, it looks like Graham is just another pawn caught in Trump’s political crossfire.