The Quintessential Politician of This Era
This article reflects on the career of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, tracing his evolution from a traditional military-focused patriot to a supporter of the MAGA movement. It examines his political philosophy and his shifting relationship with Donald Trump.
Why it matters
It offers a retrospective analysis of how modern political polarization has transformed the careers of long-standing establishment figures.
The late South Carolina senator made a mid-career turn to MAGA.
Jemal Countess / Redux July 12, 2026, 12:57 PM ET Share Save In his way, the late Lindsey Graham, who unexpectedly died Saturday evening, was the consummate politician of our time. The Republican senator from South Carolina was the epitome, the poster child, the quintessence of our era.
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