It was just two weeks ago when the Senate Ethics Committee formally admonished Sen. Lindsey Graham for appearing on Fox News and making improper fundraising appeals on the air. Given the circumstances, common sense seemed to suggest that the South Carolina Republican would exercise some caution before taking any related steps.
Nevertheless, exactly one week later, as Donald Trump’s political operation launched an aggressive fundraising campaign in the wake of his indictment announcement — the $47 T-shirts were tough to miss — Graham returned to Fox News, this time pleading with GOP viewers to send money to the former president.
“They’re trying to bleed him dry,” the South Carolina Republican, apparently on the verge of tears, said without explaining who “they” might be. Graham added, “Donald J. Trump dot com. Go tonight. Give the president some money to fight this bulls—.”
On Tuesday, the senator did it again. The Washington Post reported:
“I’m sorry, I’m so upset, but please help President Trump,” Graham said to [Fox News’ Sean Hannity], pushing for Trump supporters to give “five or 10 bucks” or “just pray” if they couldn’t donate. He then urged conservatives to vote — but also to give money if they can. “Make sure you vote as early as you can in your state. Don’t risk anything anymore. Vote as soon as you can, pray for this country, pray for this president. And if you got any money to give, give it. LindseyGraham.com — it doesn’t go to me. It goes to helping this president and taking back the Senate.”
As the clip from the interview showed, the longtime GOP lawmaker appeared rather emotional while making the on-air appeal:
Graham’s timing wasn’t great. Shortly before the senator’s on-air appearance, Trump delivered remarks at Mar-a-Lago, boasting about his wealth, and assuring his supporters that he has “a lot of cash.”
Soon after, the South Carolinian nevertheless appeared on Fox and, just as he’d done…
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