Republican Senator Lindsey Graham defended former President Donald Trump's recent remarks over the weekend, stating that he is more concerned about President Joe Biden's policies destroying the world than Trump's ability to destroy democracy.
During a tense Sunday NBC News interview with Kristen Welker, Graham was asked about Trump's meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. In her question, Welker highlighted some controversial aspects of Orbán's leadership, such as his belief that liberal democracy does not work, his control over the courts and media, and his close relationships with leaders like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping.
Graham responded by downplaying these concerns and focusing on Trump's track record during his first term. He claimed that under Trump's leadership, Russia did not invade any countries, Hamas did not attempt to destroy Israel, and the Taliban was not in control of Afghanistan. Graham then urged viewers to vote for Trump if they want to see the world get back in order, arguing that Biden's policies lack deterrence and make him appear weak in the eyes of enemies.
However, Welker did not let Graham off the hook and pressed him further on whether Trump aspires to Orbán's style of leadership. Graham appeared to dodge the question and instead reiterated his support for Trump's first-term accomplishments, claiming that there is a "liberal jihad" against everything Trump does.
As the interview continued, Welker played a clip of Trump enthusiastically praising Orbán, which only added to the growing concern over Trump's admiration for authoritarian leaders. This admiration has been at the forefront of Trump's presidency, and it is a concern shared by many, including some within the Republican party.
Welker's question and the subsequent clip shed light on Trump's views and actions, which have been called into question multiple times during his presidency. His cozy relationships with leaders like Putin and Orbán have raised concerns about his own leadership style and potential for authoritarian tendencies.
In contrast to Graham's defense of Trump, Democrats have been quick to criticize the former president's meeting with Orbán, stating that it further highlights his admiration for autocratic leaders. This sentiment is echoed by many American voters who are concerned about the direction the country is heading and how Trump's actions may have damaged democracy.
Orbán, a staunch opponent of immigration and the European Union, also shares a common sentiment with Trump, which is anti-immigration. This is an issue that has been at the forefront of American politics, and Orbán's views have been considered anti-democratic and contradictory to the values of Western democracies.
In comparison, Biden has taken a much different approach to foreign relations, appearing at times to be more diplomatic and level-headed in his actions. While not without his own criticisms, Biden's approach has been seen as an attempt to repair the damage done by Trump's foreign policies and restore America's standing on the global stage.
As the 2022 midterm elections approach, both parties are gearing up for a battle, with Republicans looking to regain control of Congress and Democrats aiming to maintain their majority. The discussion surrounding Trump's meeting with Orbán and his admiration for authoritarian leaders only adds to the already heated political climate, with both sides using it as ammunition for their campaigns.
As the interview came to a close, it was evident that the discussion had brought to light the stark differences between the two parties' views on foreign relations and democracy. While Graham is quick to defend Trump and his actions, others are concerned about the long-term consequences of embracing leaders like Orbán.
With both parties preparing for the midterm elections, it is clear that tensions will continue to rise as debates over democracy, foreign relations, and leadership style are at the forefront of discussions. As for now, the question lingers: is the world better off under Trump or Biden's policies? Each side has their opinions, but only time will tell