Bailout

Sen. Sheila "Darline" Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman, the two Republicans vying in South Carolina's Senate runoff, traded sharp personal attacks in a Newsmax-hosted debate moderated by Greta Van Susteren ahead of the Aug. 25 primary to fill the seat left vacant by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. Graham accused Norman of stalling President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," at one point suggesting Trump had to personally call Norman to secure his vote, and of taking $600,000 in COVID-era bailout money while opposing extended unemployment benefits. Norman denied holding up the bill, calling the attacks "silly season" politics, and said he used his leverage to strip clean-energy subsidies, including electric vehicle and solar credits, before ultimately voting for the final package.

Both candidates called for Anthony Fauci to be jailed following a Senate committee's contempt vote against him, and both backed Trump's handling of Iran and Taiwan, though with differing emphasis on avoiding prolonged military conflict. Norman also criticized federal overspending, while Graham cited her record trimming state agency duplication. Early voting begins Aug. 19.