Iranian and Russian state media celebrate Senator Lindsey Graham's sudden death
"Iranian state media of course were ecstatic at Lindsey Graham's death because Graham had been a longtime critic of the Islamic revolutionary regime in Iran. They put out a statement, quote, I would like to offer my congratulations to the great nation of Iran on Lindsey Graham reaching the depths of hell. I offer my congratulations to the great nation of Iran on the death of this warongering and anti-Iranian American senator."
About this episode
Ben Shapiro responds to the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham at age 71 by condemning what he characterizes as an anti-American alliance between far-left and far-right media figures who celebrated the senator's passing. Shapiro argues that Iranian and Russian state media, alongside American influencers including Tucker Carlson, Ana Kasparian, Hasan Piker, and Nick Fuentes, formed a united front in welcoming Graham's death, revealing what he calls a political horseshoe that has become a wedding ring between America haters on opposite ends of the spectrum. He contrasts their responses with Graham's 33-year military service record, his work as a multi-term senator who never enriched himself from office, and his staunch support for American power, Ukraine, and Israel. Shapiro details how these figures appear on each other's platforms in what he describes as a closed echo chamber, promoting identical anti-American messaging despite claiming to be political opponents. The host provides extensive biographical detail on Graham, from his modest upbringing as the son of pool hall owners to becoming chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, emphasizing his congenial relationships across party lines and his transformation into a fierce Trump ally and contentious fighter against the radical left during confirmation hearings. Shapiro also announces the birth of his fifth child over the same weekend and notes that Graham's sister Darlene has been appointed to serve the remainder of his term. The episode positions Graham's legacy as fundamentally about American exceptionalism and strength abroad, with his death serving as a litmus test revealing who stands with or against American power.
Key takeaways
- Ben Shapiro accuses Tucker Carlson, Ana Kasparian, Hasan Piker, and Nick Fuentes of forming an anti-American echo chamber that celebrated Senator Lindsey Graham's death alongside Iranian and Russian state media.
- Iranian state media congratulated Iran on Graham reaching the depths of hell, while Russian ideologue Alexander Dugan speculated Israeli intelligence was responsible for his death.
- Tucker Carlson characterized Graham's entire political career as centered on killing and described Ukrainian President Zelensky as a brutal unelected dictator persecuting Christians.
- Senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly at age 71 from an aortic anomaly after 33 years of military service and 23 years in the U.S. Senate, having served as chairman of both Senate Judiciary and Budget committees.
- Shapiro argues the far-left and far-right figures who celebrated Graham's death believe America is an imperialistic evil force and that U.S. enemies are preferable to allies.
- Graham's sister Darlene has been appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to complete her brother's Senate term following recommendation from President Trump.
- The late senator was working on Russian sanctions legislation with Senator Blumenthal approximately 24 hours before his death and had spoken with President Trump earlier that evening.