South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham should be right at home on a debate stage.
After all, Graham rose to prominence by challenging House Speaker Newt Gingrich’s leadership while assuming a prominent role in Bill Clinton’s impeachment, delivering the rhetorical gem: “Is this Watergate or ‘Peyton Place?’”
Graham’s starring role made him an instant sensation on the cable news networks, and four years later, he easily won election to the Senate, where he remains today, a favorite of reporters who eagerly transcribe his barbs at hearings and in the halls of the Capitol.
In the first primary debate that cycle, the version of Graham that showed up onstage was unrecognizable. His responses were halting and nervous, and to many who know him and have covered him, he seemed to be sedated.
That ended Wednesday night, when Graham exploded from the stage. Call it Graham 2.0. Or if people were familiar with Graham's folksy style and quick wit, call it business as usual.
So, this is the Lindsey Graham we're used to as reporters. After a flat first debate, he definitely has some fire going tonight #CNNDebate— Sara Murray (@SaraMurray) September 16, 2015
He was smart, funny and likable, breathing life into what could have been a forgettable four-person affair.
"That’s the first thing I’m going to do as president: We’re going to drink more,” he said in one exchange, repeating a line he's delivered previously but one that wowed attendees Thursday night.
Lindsey Graham, winning. http://t.co/5aowodQaIb pic.twitter.com/a1eFhVeGqf— Chris Cillizza (@TheFix) September 16, 2015
He was also unafraid to tussle with his rivals in the Republican field -- both onstage and off.
For his part, Graham called Donald Trump a “cartoon character,” said he was “sick of hearing” Texas Sen. Ted Cruz calling for defunding Obamacare while President Barack Obama is in the White House and sparred repeatedly with former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, particularly on immigration.
Graham did though make a critical mistake, at least in the eyes of the Republican base: He said something that could be construed as a compliment of Hillary Clinton.
In one instance, he said she did a “good job when it came to dealing with our problems in Africa, particularly among women.”
In a later exchange with Santorum, Graham said that “Hillary Clinton has a list a mile long to help the middle class.”
You bet. https://t.co/B4fwAARMm6— The Briefing (@TheBriefing2016) September 16, 2015
The clip was quickly circulated by a super PAC supporting Clinton’s presidential bid, and leaves out any context surrounding Graham’s statement.
He was making a broader argument about the federal minimum wage and the economy.