How the Sudden Death of Sen. Graham Will Shift the GOP

Summary

Jon Lieber of Eurasia Group reflects on the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham, analyzing his role as a foreign policy interventionist in the Republican party, his influence on Donald Trump, and the shift toward isolationism. The interview also touches on the Russia sanctions bill, bipartisanship in Congress, and Mitch McConnell's health and retirement.

• Senator Lindsey Graham died unexpectedly, leaving a void in Republican foreign policy leadership.
• Graham was a key interventionist voice, particularly on Iran, and cultivated deep international relationships.
• He pivoted from Trump critic to influential advisor, shaping Trump's stance on Iran, Venezuela, and Ukraine.
• His absence could accelerate the party's shift toward isolationism and reduced foreign entanglement.
• The Russia sanctions bill may face greater hurdles without Graham's advocacy, though Ukraine's recent battlefield momentum could influence Trump.
• Graham's bipartisan relationships, built over decades, are unlikely to be replicated by a younger, less collegial Senate generation.
• Mitch McConnell's health remains a topic of speculation, with him stepping down and releasing a clarifying statement.