Michael Knowles says Lindsey Graham was only funny senator Al Franken acknowledged
"Al Franken, you know, when he was in the Senate, there was some interview that he gave where he was complaining that all the senators try to tell him jokes and how annoying it was. And he said basically the only one that's funny is Lindsey Graham."
About this episode
Host Michael Knowles delivers a lengthy tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham following his death, critiquing the left's celebration of his passing while defending Graham's political legacy and personal character. Knowles contrasts how the left lionized figures like Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Fidel Castro while vilifying Graham, arguing this reveals a moral bankruptcy rooted in the left's lack of religious grounding and sense of eternity. Drawing on ancient wisdom like the Latin phrase "de mortuis nil nisi bonum," Knowles insists on focusing on the deceased's virtues rather than political disagreements. He recounts his sole meeting with Graham during the first Trump impeachment, describing him as exceptionally funny, knowledgeable, and generous, noting even Al Franken acknowledged Graham as the Senate's only genuinely funny member. Knowles credits Graham's political effectiveness to his loyalty to the Republican Party, his willingness to work across divides, and his understanding that politics is a team sport, contrasting him with isolated figures like Liz Cheney. He highlights Graham's pivotal role in saving Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination, calling his confrontation of Senate Democrats a moment of rare courage that gave voice to widespread conservative frustration. Knowles also emphasizes Graham's personal sacrifices, including raising his 13-year-old sister after their parents died and avoiding personal enrichment during decades in Congress. The episode argues that despite policy disagreements on immigration and foreign policy, Graham exemplified selfless patriotism and political skill, making him a model the GOP should emulate. The segment concludes with Knowles suggesting the Republican Party would be stronger with more politicians possessing Graham's political instincts and courage.
Key takeaways
- Michael Knowles credits Lindsey Graham as pivotal to securing Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court confirmation through his aggressive defense during the hearings.
- Knowles contrasts the left's celebration of Graham's death with their praise for Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Fidel Castro, calling it morally bankrupt.
- Graham was described by Knowles as the funniest guest he ever interviewed, with even opponent Al Franken acknowledging he was the Senate's only funny member.
- Knowles argues Graham's political effectiveness stemmed from party loyalty and understanding politics as a team sport, unlike isolated figures like Liz Cheney.
- Graham raised his 13-year-old sister after their parents died and avoided personal enrichment during decades in Congress, demonstrating selfless patriotism.
- Knowles invokes ancient wisdom including the Latin phrase de mortuis nil nisi bonum to criticize those celebrating political opponents' deaths.
- The episode positions Graham as a model politician the GOP should emulate despite policy disagreements on immigration and interventionist foreign policy.