U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham ended his 2016 campaign for president Dec. 21, saying he remains committed to working to achieve security for the American people and helping the GOP expand its base.
With just over a month to go until voting begins, the South Carolina senator — the only candidate from one of the four early voting states — posted a video telling supporters “we have run a campaign we can be proud of.” He noted his emphasis on national security and improving the nation’s balance sheet, saying he “put forth bold and practical solutions to big problems.”
By ending his campaign, the 60-year-old deprives the GOP field of perhaps its most aggressive military hawk.
Graham also takes with him a wry sense of humor that he showcased on the campaign trail and in debates — though he never did qualify for one of the prime-time sessions, and was instead relegated to the earlier undercard events. His solution to gridlock in Washington: “We’re going to drink more.” It was a lesson he attributed to his upbringing in the bar that his parents owned and to the political friendship between Republican President Ronald Reagan and Democratic Speaker Tip O’Neill.
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