Darlene Graham, appointed to her late brother Lindsey Graham's Senate seat, admitted during a debate that she knows little about national security — a bad look days before a runoff election.

• Asked whether Taiwan and the South China Sea matter for US security, she said the topic is not her area and pivoted to supporting the military.
• The moment went viral and drew criticism even from Republicans, including Nikki Haley, who said national security expertise is not something you inherit.
• The debate moderator, a Newsmax anchor, later apologized for asking the question, drawing accusations of shielding a candidate rather than reporting.
• Graham got the seat through a fast appointment after her brother's death, with Trump personally pushing the South Carolina governor to install her and endorsing her run.
• On foreign policy, the one clear commitment is continuity: she has pledged to stand with Israel and keep working with Netanyahu.

Outlook: A runoff next week decides who holds the seat for a full six-year term, with Trump's endorsement working in her favor despite the debate stumble.