Adam, you passed through the fire and you’ve proven to be the kind of man who’d do right by our country. You’re intelligent, brave, and you have a good soul. Please consider running for president when you’re comfortable doing so. You could renew our nation.
Please keep being yourself, Adam. Expressing yourself so clearly, over and over, keeps reminding us of our inner selves before we became hardened by all of the letdowns and disappointments in recent years. Please keep that alive for all of us!
I once admired Lindsay Graham, too, yet in his performance most of his last 10 years, I saw that he had needed John McCain to keep him true to himself. Once John was gone, Lindsay lost his direction.
I think you would be a great President, but you are too honest. You have great insight to people, politics, and yourself and you can be vulnerable. That makes you a fantastic person, who may not be appreciated by the Political Class.
As an afterthought, if Americans could handle Trump's BS, it might be ready to hear the Truth for a change. I am praying for you that God will use you to help our country. Keep the faith.
From what I understand, the two parties have set up a system that makes it nearly impossible for a third party to succeed. Maybe I'm wrong. I hope I'm wrong.
The right won't primary anybody with ethics or morality.
The left is chasing the dream of socialism, the same system that has failed throughout history.
Nothing changes in politics without money, a ton of money, and even then, things aren't working.
I wonder if there's anyway to harness the independent voters, who I believe would largely rally around you.
Close to half of US voters are independents. There are more independents than there are Democrats.
The Democrats cannot win without independent voters. Could we convince the Democratic party that the ONLY way they can win is with a candidate chosen by independents?
Of course, the independents, being independent, might be hard to organize, but here's a thought.
One way might be to create a petition for independents. It could say something like, "I am an Independent voter and I will vote for Adam Kinzinger if he is the Democratic candidate for president. Otherwise, I cannot promise to support the Democratics." I'm sure someone could improve on that wording.
Then, you could leverage your social media accounts to get the petition in front of people. If your subscribers each had a goal of signing up another 10 people, which is a modest, no cost goal, would we get enough signatures to move the needle?
I believe a lot of people are wondering what we can do to fix things. This would be an easy (and affordable) way for people to demand change.
Bernie ran twice as an Independent. Of course, the Dems made sure he didn’t win. Twice. There is a reason why more and more Americans are becoming Independents. I think you should run as an Independent, but caucus with the Dems. ‘Cause you have to, but you know this.
The American people are disgusted by both parties now. One more than the other, but this is the perfect opportunity for an Independent to win the Presidency. I really believe that.
Not the dream of socialism. The dream of truly Progressive policies ala FDR. You know, those things that helped Middle America. And the income tax policies of DDE and his warning about the Military Industrial Complex.
You probably won't read this, Adam, but in case you do... I have a different perspective. I think you can be much freer and more effective outside of mounting a major political campaign. We need you more on the outside, imho!
Our current President is clearly a national embarrassment, but our larger problem is that we have a Congress that has enabled him. Whether because of health or term limits, Trump will soon be gone, but our Congressional woes may well continue on.
Our House and Senate are virtually devoid of true leadership, men and women who not only can see the many ways that our President (and our government) has failed us and passionately articulate these failures to the voting public, but more importantly, provide workable, common-sense plans of corrective actions that Congress can (and must) take to address these problems.
Among Adam’s many strengths are his deep knowledge of the issues we (the public) face and the workings of Congress, and his ability to speak convincingly with everyday citizens, people of all backgrounds, as well as his fellow politicians.
Every current potential Democratic candidate for President would be a vast improvement over Trump, but even the best President could be hamstrung by a weak or corrupt Congress. Adam’s leadership could be transformative, particularly if the mid-term elections eliminate the Republican House majority.
I have no doubt that Adam would serve competently as president. I think I was reacting more to the "please run for president" refrain that I see so often on substack and other platforms when someone articulate posts something that resonates with people. I know when I'm frustrated and frightened, it's easy to look for a savior. I don't believe that one person is going to fix the mess we're in, which has been decades in the making. I also believe the president of the US is obviously powerful, but also hamstrung in so many ways. Personally, I believe that Adam can do more good working outside the system. Having said that, running for higher office is his choice, of course, and I'm not utterly opposed.
Lastly, I'll say that I've had many conversations with people who are handwringing about the midterms and Congress and the state of our country...and the conversations usually stop there. Of course I care about all the same issues, but I've also pivoted in my own life to focus more on taking action through volunteerism, helping friends and strangers, and staying informed and involved in local politics. Our country doesn't magically heal when the Dems wins the House back or Adam becomes president. Those things are easy to fantasize about. I prefer to try to effect change in the real world.
Those are my unfiltered and unfocused thoughts at the moment!
Don, Captain von schitzenpants has no intention of leaving office. Just listen to his increasingly muddled bs. Calling President Zelenski putin, and the Islamic state of Japan? Sound familiar? The only way he's going anywhere, is by dying. I think Adam would do more good staying on the outside of Washington for now. I'm sorry Mr. Graham has passed, and at such a relatively young age, but he was no longer the same man who entered the Senate in 2003. He somehow lost his way and allowed himself to be corrupted by the president. RIP, and may God have mercy on your soul.
He is not going to make it through this term. I have no concerns of him remaining in power. And in four months we will have power in both chambers of Congress (she said, optimistically). JD Vance does NOT have the (inexplicable) popularity that Rump does. I truly do believe once Rump is gone things won’t be exactly the same.
I agree with all the statements made above and the requests for you to run for president. I also agree with your post regarding considering someone's life as a whole, not for just a relatively period of time. Personally, I wasn't a fan of Lindsay Graham but he is and was a human being, a fellow American. I can feel bad for his family and friends and the loss they're feeling because I have experienced every kind of loss except the loss of a child, i am familiar with that pain and wouldn't wish it upon anyone 😢. In my post after finding out I basically wrote the same thing but also included and also that God be with them during this difficult time. I am not perfect and don't expect anyone else to be. I have made many mistakes in my life and have been judged, sometimes harshly for them even by some closest to me so at this point in my life, I basically don't give a s__t what people think or say because only God can really judge me. God Bless.
I have repeatedly asked what happened to Lindsay Graham. My impression was always that he was reasonable and ethical. Not that I agreed with everything, but then, who agrees on everything? The past 2-3 years he seemed like a different person in the interviews and news clips I saw. I continue to be astounded at the number of Republicans who adopted Trumpism. After nearly half century of considering myself a Republican, as soon as Trump gained traction. I was out!
Thank you for not making your comment political. I have read some truly vile remarks about Lindsay Graham’s passing. I’ve asked myself what comments they would like to have reach their children and spouses after their own deaths. Thanks again for treating Mr. Graham’s death with dignity.
Donald took the event of Senator Graham's death to leverage his fantasy claim that Lindsey was all about the SAVE bill. Lapdog Senator Lee chimes in with his despicable "tribute" that the SAVE Act should be named for Graham. SAVE is a trick for Trump to control our elections. Just one of many to come.
As low as we have seen Trump and Company go, they will go much, much lower. Trump already tried to stage a coup on Jan 6. He will stop at nothing to hold on to power and prevent accountability for stealing from Americans.
There is a giant orange parasite in the Oval Office. Grasping and vandalizing and corrupting and taking the life blood of the nation. Threatening vulnerable poor souls like Lindsey. Bribing and bullying to prevent the giant tongs of justice from removing his head from our flesh. Very much like Putin in Russia and Kim Jong Un in North Korea, Trump and his family and their henchmen will do anything and everything to hold on to power over us. It is their nature. Democratic leaders who grant respect or validity to Trump's GOP are as fooled as the MAGAs.
Life long Utah resident here. Lee is a 'good' Mormon. That means he follows all of their internal rules. So was Hatch (now deceased). Religion doesn't guarantee moral behavior. There are many Mormons who really are good, solid, moral citizens. There are many who are not. I believe in science, not religion.
Hey Porter, I'm also a Utahn, and a moderate. Church leaders actually teach political moderation: "avoid the poles" (Kearon), "moderate and unify" (Cook and Christofferson), "seek out and support wise and good persons" for office (Oaks), and that voting for our values may require "changing party support or candidate choices, even from election to election" (Oaks). The problem is that many members spend most of their time ingesting biased and sensationalized media and too little time listening to the leaders.
To your point on Lee, I agree. He plays the part of a good member (former missionary, makes appearances with church leaders for optics, etc.) to collect votes, but has become a key enabler of corruption and deceit. If most Utahn's really understood, they'd vote him out.
I thoroughly agree with you. Church leaders have usually (not always) tried to steer a middle path. And I do my best to respect the reverence displayed by active Mormons. Tom Hanks, in one of the 'Catholic' films, has a line that I have always admired. He is asked if he is a believer. He answers, "No. I have never received the gift of faith." I answer the same way. Arguing the point does no good and often great harm.
However, as Tom Paine wrote, "These are the times that try men's souls." The 'Church', in focusing exclusively on the next kingdom, is actually helping the efforts of those who would destroy the democracy that allows the 'Church' to thrive. As Elie Wiesel wrote, "Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." Lee, in boosting Trump up the ladder in front of him, evidently does not realize that when Trump reaches the top, he will kick Lee, all of his co-religionists, and the rest of us too, down the ladder.
Mormon doctrine teaches that this world is a time of testing. This may be the final exam.
Sometimes I'm frustrated that church leaders don't lay it out more clearly. Recently they have strongly emphasized members to become more "informed", more "involved", and as previously stated to "moderate and unify" (moving away from the poles). I wish they could go further and directly call out Trump's criminality with plainness.
Some church leaders must be biting their tongues. But the Church has never endorsed a party or candidate, and the 12th Article of Faith says: "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." Condemning a sitting US President could be a perilous step for a religion with nearly 20M members.
I believe they want members to reach the right conclusions without being explicitly instructed. And it's working... Utahn's are leaving the Republican party in record numbers. But probably not fast enough to impact Nov 2026 US Congressional outcomes.
Somewhere, Lindsey is nodding agreement at your assessment. My personal take is that when Lindsey's dear friend John McCain died, he seemed to come unmoored. McCain was an honest man about his own human foibles, marched forward from them always trying to do better, and when he died I saw Lindsey Graham fall apart in tears in an interview and have to leave. I couldn't understand him taking up with Trump, a man who viciously, time and again, demeaned McCain.
I don't know what that implies. Trump is about as far from an Alpha male as you could get, a big fat golfer who has never done an honest days work in his life. anyway the whole alpha male thing has been discredited except among Proud Boy types who are unsure about their own manhood or Pete Hegseth
Adam, of all the Alpha men Lindsey could have chosen to glom himself onto....If you can go from John McCain to Donald Trump in a heartbeat, that says something about your inability to recognize a leader from a scumbag. And he used to recognize that. Or at least pretend he did. Enough said. Graham was a broken, ridiculous man whose moral compass spun like a weather vane. He did stand up for Ukraine, and I will say that for him -- I don't know why he did, considering how much Trump tried to stop that from happening.
May his soul find rest. Most of us won't mourn his departure from our political life, however.
I’m sorry, Adam. I agree with you 99% of the time, but not this time. Lindsay Graham was a weak man with a weak character. He and the other sycophants like him are helping Trump drive this country off a cliff. I will save my sympathy for all the others who have died needlessly under this administration and not for those who abetted their killing.
Adam, by all means mourn the person your friend once was. It demonstrates your great humanity. But if being “human” at the time of death is the criterion, then let’s all say a belated prayer for the likes of Hitler, Stalin, Goebels, Himmler etc etc. I will save mine for (among others) 13 of our fellow service members who lost their futures because of warmongers like Graham.
Adam spoke genuinely about a person he KNEW not the one the person became. Adam respectfully stated the changed person he no longer respects but of the one the person was. Both can be true. Adam spoke two truths from his personal experience with a man who sold his soul to maga.
Trump and his family have debased and corrupted our government in their public goal of wiring it to their benefit.
We could rank each Senator and Representative on the "Trump bought" spectrum, from MAGA Trump Family spokespersons to the light weight "go along to get along" GOP members. On the surface, Lindsey would rank near the top of the Pro-Trump list. Down deep he was a better human and scared. Intimidated to his core by the alpha bully.
Trump's pathological modus is to threaten those who are vulnerable to that emotional violence. Like Lindsey was, it appears. Others bend to his demands for loyalty to get the carrot (or the promise of the carrot). Go along with the con game and I let you keep your job, for as long as I decide. Make one slip and I will stab you in the back. And maybe I'll let you get in line for vig scraps when Ivanka, Eric and Don Jr (or Blanche or Bessent) line up the next money grab.
Lindsey recently observed "The Republican Party is now the Trump Party." He was just holding on to survive the best he could.
"His turn toward Trump was among the most disappointing, and honestly angering, things I witnessed from anyone I knew in that world. I watched someone I respected reshape himself, piece by piece, into something I didn’t recognize."
I don't understand why so many people didn't see this coming. Already under Obama, he spread the worst possible lies and vitriol, day after day (including about Obamacare).
I don't see how caring about some kids in Syria could somehow restore the idea that "before Trump, he was a man of character."
In the end, I do believe that deep down, we're all the same, and basically good people. But we can be good people and still develop a huge lack of character. In Graham's case, that development started way before anyone was even mentioning Trump. So that's on him...
We’ve somehow forgotten that people are not perfect. We can like people and still not condone all the things they do and say. I’m sure Graham could be kind sometimes, but it would be hard to trust someone who said the contradictory things he said about Trump.
“I … don’t think a person’s worst chapter has to be the only chapter you remember.”
People are complex. Very few are all villain or all angel. I found your memories of Graham very touching just like learning that his parents both died within 15 months of each other when he was in college, and he subsequently became guardian and then adoptive parent to his 13-year-old sister. Unfortunately, I don’t think there will be a nuanced view of him for most.
My humble opinion is this. Lindsey Graham is responsible for the legacy he created and history will be the judge of it. I predict it won’t be favorable. Of course, that presumes that the republic survives.
I can forgive LG for his personal faults, whatever they might be; I never met the man but I presume he was a human being with faults and virtues. But as a political figure I despise and detest him for everything he did, and everything he failed to do. He knew better — he had McCain as a friend and example! Presumably tRump has some good personal qualities too, though I have never seen one in evidence; so did Judas. But all three of them are betrayers and deserve no sorrow at their passing. Nor does Mitch McTurtle;
I thought that was perfect, Adam. I share your mixed emotions regarding Senator Graham’s passing. Obviously I only know him as a citizen of the country and not personally like you did.
There is no question Graham failed the Trump test. That failure with Trump will be a significant portion of his legacy.
And yet I feel sad at his passing. I am sad for the departure of the Lindsey Graham that existed before the Trump era, that he succumb to his own human failings the last 10 years and that he will never have an opportunity at redemption after Trump leaves the stage.
I respect and appreciate your comments with regard to Senator Graham. With that said, your compassion for the compassion he showed abroad, his support for Ukraine aside, I find the man's total conversion to what I might refer to as the dark side ( protecting is continued status as a senator; jeopardizing this country's continued experiment as a constitutional republic and so much more) so overshadows that sympathy you witnessed that I can only see him for what he had become. Ed Loeb
Clearly you knew him and we did not and I’m sorry for how his loss affected you and his family. Absolutely two things can be true at once, but unfortunately, what most people remember him for is the damage that he did. What that person said though about you running for president was absolutely spot on because you clearly have a good heart and you’re able to see past the ugliness in people and that is a very rare trait. This clearly just proves the point that everything Trump touches or associates with is destroyed broken or tainted.
Might I add that as cliché as it sounds a stopped clock is right twice a day. And really how good was his character if he could so easily be corrupted? That’s what bothers me. I was raised to stand on your convictions and do what’s right no matter how hard it is and you know what most of the time doing what’s right is very hard being wrong is a lot easier.
Thank you, Adam! I admire your comments about Lindsey! I'm apparently no longer friends with a former classmate and best friend that I would have gone to war with. He posted some BS that wasn't true, and I questioned him about it, and his reply was " I know". I'm still friends with three of his sisters, but we're no longer friends. Thank you for what you do, and I've mentioned it before, but you would make a fabulous president! I've mentioned it on here, but PLEASE CONSIDER running, before our country goes further down the drain leaving our kids and grandchildren in the sewer?
Thank you Adam. Won’t you please consider running for president? You are exactly who and what we need.❤️
Thank you for saying this
ditto to all that have said this.. my husband and I would both support you!!
Thanks for the schedule homage.
just do it! Please?
Adam, I agree. You should run for president.
I don't think of you as 'Republican'. I think of you as someone I respect in politics. I value everything I hear about you and from you.
You truly want the best for our country. God bless you and your family.
I dont think of me as that either anymore!
I think of you as someone I could follow. Someone I would want on my side when the shit hits the fan. Someone with a moral core.
yes yes
Adam, you passed through the fire and you’ve proven to be the kind of man who’d do right by our country. You’re intelligent, brave, and you have a good soul. Please consider running for president when you’re comfortable doing so. You could renew our nation.
Thank you so much for saying that
I wholeheartedly agree with this statement.
thank you Mloowho
Please keep being yourself, Adam. Expressing yourself so clearly, over and over, keeps reminding us of our inner selves before we became hardened by all of the letdowns and disappointments in recent years. Please keep that alive for all of us!
I once admired Lindsay Graham, too, yet in his performance most of his last 10 years, I saw that he had needed John McCain to keep him true to himself. Once John was gone, Lindsay lost his direction.
I will try to remember both Lindsays.
Excellent point about LG's need for John McCain--I completely agree.
Hear Hear
If only you were our president. I have a dream....
I so very much agree!!!!!!
I think you would be a great President, but you are too honest. You have great insight to people, politics, and yourself and you can be vulnerable. That makes you a fantastic person, who may not be appreciated by the Political Class.
You maybe right...but this country needs a bit of soul back, whether thats me or someone else
As an afterthought, if Americans could handle Trump's BS, it might be ready to hear the Truth for a change. I am praying for you that God will use you to help our country. Keep the faith.
Being too honest is something that's been sorely lacking lately, and people ought to respond well to it when it reappears, as we have.
Yeah, and look where the political class has gotten us.
How on earth can we get him elected?
From what I understand, the two parties have set up a system that makes it nearly impossible for a third party to succeed. Maybe I'm wrong. I hope I'm wrong.
The right won't primary anybody with ethics or morality.
The left is chasing the dream of socialism, the same system that has failed throughout history.
Nothing changes in politics without money, a ton of money, and even then, things aren't working.
It's almost as if we need a reset.
They have a monopoly on power, or a duopoly
I wonder if there's anyway to harness the independent voters, who I believe would largely rally around you.
Close to half of US voters are independents. There are more independents than there are Democrats.
The Democrats cannot win without independent voters. Could we convince the Democratic party that the ONLY way they can win is with a candidate chosen by independents?
Of course, the independents, being independent, might be hard to organize, but here's a thought.
One way might be to create a petition for independents. It could say something like, "I am an Independent voter and I will vote for Adam Kinzinger if he is the Democratic candidate for president. Otherwise, I cannot promise to support the Democratics." I'm sure someone could improve on that wording.
Then, you could leverage your social media accounts to get the petition in front of people. If your subscribers each had a goal of signing up another 10 people, which is a modest, no cost goal, would we get enough signatures to move the needle?
I believe a lot of people are wondering what we can do to fix things. This would be an easy (and affordable) way for people to demand change.
Bernie ran twice as an Independent. Of course, the Dems made sure he didn’t win. Twice. There is a reason why more and more Americans are becoming Independents. I think you should run as an Independent, but caucus with the Dems. ‘Cause you have to, but you know this.
The American people are disgusted by both parties now. One more than the other, but this is the perfect opportunity for an Independent to win the Presidency. I really believe that.
Not the dream of socialism. The dream of truly Progressive policies ala FDR. You know, those things that helped Middle America. And the income tax policies of DDE and his warning about the Military Industrial Complex.
Good point. Do people realize that no one economic theory will save us? Every pure "ism" has problems.
The logical thing to do is be objective about what actually works, and that's usually a combination of capitalism and socialism.
The Whigs (a major party that elected presidents) died and the Republicans emerged in 1860. It's possible.
I couldn't agree more!!!
You probably won't read this, Adam, but in case you do... I have a different perspective. I think you can be much freer and more effective outside of mounting a major political campaign. We need you more on the outside, imho!
Wise and very thoughtful comment, James.
Our current President is clearly a national embarrassment, but our larger problem is that we have a Congress that has enabled him. Whether because of health or term limits, Trump will soon be gone, but our Congressional woes may well continue on.
Our House and Senate are virtually devoid of true leadership, men and women who not only can see the many ways that our President (and our government) has failed us and passionately articulate these failures to the voting public, but more importantly, provide workable, common-sense plans of corrective actions that Congress can (and must) take to address these problems.
Among Adam’s many strengths are his deep knowledge of the issues we (the public) face and the workings of Congress, and his ability to speak convincingly with everyday citizens, people of all backgrounds, as well as his fellow politicians.
Every current potential Democratic candidate for President would be a vast improvement over Trump, but even the best President could be hamstrung by a weak or corrupt Congress. Adam’s leadership could be transformative, particularly if the mid-term elections eliminate the Republican House majority.
I have no doubt that Adam would serve competently as president. I think I was reacting more to the "please run for president" refrain that I see so often on substack and other platforms when someone articulate posts something that resonates with people. I know when I'm frustrated and frightened, it's easy to look for a savior. I don't believe that one person is going to fix the mess we're in, which has been decades in the making. I also believe the president of the US is obviously powerful, but also hamstrung in so many ways. Personally, I believe that Adam can do more good working outside the system. Having said that, running for higher office is his choice, of course, and I'm not utterly opposed.
Lastly, I'll say that I've had many conversations with people who are handwringing about the midterms and Congress and the state of our country...and the conversations usually stop there. Of course I care about all the same issues, but I've also pivoted in my own life to focus more on taking action through volunteerism, helping friends and strangers, and staying informed and involved in local politics. Our country doesn't magically heal when the Dems wins the House back or Adam becomes president. Those things are easy to fantasize about. I prefer to try to effect change in the real world.
Those are my unfiltered and unfocused thoughts at the moment!
Don, Captain von schitzenpants has no intention of leaving office. Just listen to his increasingly muddled bs. Calling President Zelenski putin, and the Islamic state of Japan? Sound familiar? The only way he's going anywhere, is by dying. I think Adam would do more good staying on the outside of Washington for now. I'm sorry Mr. Graham has passed, and at such a relatively young age, but he was no longer the same man who entered the Senate in 2003. He somehow lost his way and allowed himself to be corrupted by the president. RIP, and may God have mercy on your soul.
He is not going to make it through this term. I have no concerns of him remaining in power. And in four months we will have power in both chambers of Congress (she said, optimistically). JD Vance does NOT have the (inexplicable) popularity that Rump does. I truly do believe once Rump is gone things won’t be exactly the same.
Thank you for that.
Becoming our next president would help heal this nation. America deserves better than this.
I agree with all the statements made above and the requests for you to run for president. I also agree with your post regarding considering someone's life as a whole, not for just a relatively period of time. Personally, I wasn't a fan of Lindsay Graham but he is and was a human being, a fellow American. I can feel bad for his family and friends and the loss they're feeling because I have experienced every kind of loss except the loss of a child, i am familiar with that pain and wouldn't wish it upon anyone 😢. In my post after finding out I basically wrote the same thing but also included and also that God be with them during this difficult time. I am not perfect and don't expect anyone else to be. I have made many mistakes in my life and have been judged, sometimes harshly for them even by some closest to me so at this point in my life, I basically don't give a s__t what people think or say because only God can really judge me. God Bless.
Marie! I agree totally! We need a man of Adam Kinzinger's character in the White House.
I have repeatedly asked what happened to Lindsay Graham. My impression was always that he was reasonable and ethical. Not that I agreed with everything, but then, who agrees on everything? The past 2-3 years he seemed like a different person in the interviews and news clips I saw. I continue to be astounded at the number of Republicans who adopted Trumpism. After nearly half century of considering myself a Republican, as soon as Trump gained traction. I was out!
Thank you for not making your comment political. I have read some truly vile remarks about Lindsay Graham’s passing. I’ve asked myself what comments they would like to have reach their children and spouses after their own deaths. Thanks again for treating Mr. Graham’s death with dignity.
Thank you. yes, just one day is all I ask!
ya. you made the moral decision. HE did not
Donald took the event of Senator Graham's death to leverage his fantasy claim that Lindsey was all about the SAVE bill. Lapdog Senator Lee chimes in with his despicable "tribute" that the SAVE Act should be named for Graham. SAVE is a trick for Trump to control our elections. Just one of many to come.
As low as we have seen Trump and Company go, they will go much, much lower. Trump already tried to stage a coup on Jan 6. He will stop at nothing to hold on to power and prevent accountability for stealing from Americans.
There is a giant orange parasite in the Oval Office. Grasping and vandalizing and corrupting and taking the life blood of the nation. Threatening vulnerable poor souls like Lindsey. Bribing and bullying to prevent the giant tongs of justice from removing his head from our flesh. Very much like Putin in Russia and Kim Jong Un in North Korea, Trump and his family and their henchmen will do anything and everything to hold on to power over us. It is their nature. Democratic leaders who grant respect or validity to Trump's GOP are as fooled as the MAGAs.
Life long Utah resident here. Lee is a 'good' Mormon. That means he follows all of their internal rules. So was Hatch (now deceased). Religion doesn't guarantee moral behavior. There are many Mormons who really are good, solid, moral citizens. There are many who are not. I believe in science, not religion.
Hey Porter, I'm also a Utahn, and a moderate. Church leaders actually teach political moderation: "avoid the poles" (Kearon), "moderate and unify" (Cook and Christofferson), "seek out and support wise and good persons" for office (Oaks), and that voting for our values may require "changing party support or candidate choices, even from election to election" (Oaks). The problem is that many members spend most of their time ingesting biased and sensationalized media and too little time listening to the leaders.
To your point on Lee, I agree. He plays the part of a good member (former missionary, makes appearances with church leaders for optics, etc.) to collect votes, but has become a key enabler of corruption and deceit. If most Utahn's really understood, they'd vote him out.
I thoroughly agree with you. Church leaders have usually (not always) tried to steer a middle path. And I do my best to respect the reverence displayed by active Mormons. Tom Hanks, in one of the 'Catholic' films, has a line that I have always admired. He is asked if he is a believer. He answers, "No. I have never received the gift of faith." I answer the same way. Arguing the point does no good and often great harm.
However, as Tom Paine wrote, "These are the times that try men's souls." The 'Church', in focusing exclusively on the next kingdom, is actually helping the efforts of those who would destroy the democracy that allows the 'Church' to thrive. As Elie Wiesel wrote, "Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." Lee, in boosting Trump up the ladder in front of him, evidently does not realize that when Trump reaches the top, he will kick Lee, all of his co-religionists, and the rest of us too, down the ladder.
Mormon doctrine teaches that this world is a time of testing. This may be the final exam.
Sometimes I'm frustrated that church leaders don't lay it out more clearly. Recently they have strongly emphasized members to become more "informed", more "involved", and as previously stated to "moderate and unify" (moving away from the poles). I wish they could go further and directly call out Trump's criminality with plainness.
Some church leaders must be biting their tongues. But the Church has never endorsed a party or candidate, and the 12th Article of Faith says: "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." Condemning a sitting US President could be a perilous step for a religion with nearly 20M members.
I believe they want members to reach the right conclusions without being explicitly instructed. And it's working... Utahn's are leaving the Republican party in record numbers. But probably not fast enough to impact Nov 2026 US Congressional outcomes.
Beautiful. Thank you.
Good eulogy, thank you.
Thanks:)
Somewhere, Lindsey is nodding agreement at your assessment. My personal take is that when Lindsey's dear friend John McCain died, he seemed to come unmoored. McCain was an honest man about his own human foibles, marched forward from them always trying to do better, and when he died I saw Lindsey Graham fall apart in tears in an interview and have to leave. I couldn't understand him taking up with Trump, a man who viciously, time and again, demeaned McCain.
He needed an alpha male i think. And when McCain left, that left trump
I don't know what that implies. Trump is about as far from an Alpha male as you could get, a big fat golfer who has never done an honest days work in his life. anyway the whole alpha male thing has been discredited except among Proud Boy types who are unsure about their own manhood or Pete Hegseth
YEP
I was thinking the same thing, Burton. dumpy is not an alpha male nor would I expect anyone with half a brain to think he is (or was).
Adam, of all the Alpha men Lindsey could have chosen to glom himself onto....If you can go from John McCain to Donald Trump in a heartbeat, that says something about your inability to recognize a leader from a scumbag. And he used to recognize that. Or at least pretend he did. Enough said. Graham was a broken, ridiculous man whose moral compass spun like a weather vane. He did stand up for Ukraine, and I will say that for him -- I don't know why he did, considering how much Trump tried to stop that from happening.
May his soul find rest. Most of us won't mourn his departure from our political life, however.
It shows you never truly had a moral compass
Sorry. There weren't better choices?
Oh, there were
This is an astute observation.
I’m sorry, Adam. I agree with you 99% of the time, but not this time. Lindsay Graham was a weak man with a weak character. He and the other sycophants like him are helping Trump drive this country off a cliff. I will save my sympathy for all the others who have died needlessly under this administration and not for those who abetted their killing.
I agree gary, but he was still a person. And one I knew, and one who disappointed me. But still a human
Adam, by all means mourn the person your friend once was. It demonstrates your great humanity. But if being “human” at the time of death is the criterion, then let’s all say a belated prayer for the likes of Hitler, Stalin, Goebels, Himmler etc etc. I will save mine for (among others) 13 of our fellow service members who lost their futures because of warmongers like Graham.
Adam spoke genuinely about a person he KNEW not the one the person became. Adam respectfully stated the changed person he no longer respects but of the one the person was. Both can be true. Adam spoke two truths from his personal experience with a man who sold his soul to maga.
Adam is a better man than I.
Trump and his family have debased and corrupted our government in their public goal of wiring it to their benefit.
We could rank each Senator and Representative on the "Trump bought" spectrum, from MAGA Trump Family spokespersons to the light weight "go along to get along" GOP members. On the surface, Lindsey would rank near the top of the Pro-Trump list. Down deep he was a better human and scared. Intimidated to his core by the alpha bully.
Trump's pathological modus is to threaten those who are vulnerable to that emotional violence. Like Lindsey was, it appears. Others bend to his demands for loyalty to get the carrot (or the promise of the carrot). Go along with the con game and I let you keep your job, for as long as I decide. Make one slip and I will stab you in the back. And maybe I'll let you get in line for vig scraps when Ivanka, Eric and Don Jr (or Blanche or Bessent) line up the next money grab.
Lindsey recently observed "The Republican Party is now the Trump Party." He was just holding on to survive the best he could.
Like for the truthiness....
So true! Thank you for pointing that out.
Good observation. I agree totally. He was a follower, not a leader.
Trump is more an almost male than an alpha male. Bluster and worth often are diametrically opposed.
Great point, Adam!
That's a great point, Adam. I have been trying to figure out what happened to Lindsey, and I think you may very well have found it.
You’re probably right.
Yes, yes, I totally have fogotten this.
"His turn toward Trump was among the most disappointing, and honestly angering, things I witnessed from anyone I knew in that world. I watched someone I respected reshape himself, piece by piece, into something I didn’t recognize."
I don't understand why so many people didn't see this coming. Already under Obama, he spread the worst possible lies and vitriol, day after day (including about Obamacare).
I don't see how caring about some kids in Syria could somehow restore the idea that "before Trump, he was a man of character."
In the end, I do believe that deep down, we're all the same, and basically good people. But we can be good people and still develop a huge lack of character. In Graham's case, that development started way before anyone was even mentioning Trump. So that's on him...
Fair
Thank you Sir. You have integrity
Thank you. Thats the highest compliment
Indeed you do!!! We need that now!!
We’ve somehow forgotten that people are not perfect. We can like people and still not condone all the things they do and say. I’m sure Graham could be kind sometimes, but it would be hard to trust someone who said the contradictory things he said about Trump.
“I … don’t think a person’s worst chapter has to be the only chapter you remember.”
People are complex. Very few are all villain or all angel. I found your memories of Graham very touching just like learning that his parents both died within 15 months of each other when he was in college, and he subsequently became guardian and then adoptive parent to his 13-year-old sister. Unfortunately, I don’t think there will be a nuanced view of him for most.
My humble opinion is this. Lindsey Graham is responsible for the legacy he created and history will be the judge of it. I predict it won’t be favorable. Of course, that presumes that the republic survives.
Ya I agree. He thought he had time to fix his legacy....he didnt
I can forgive LG for his personal faults, whatever they might be; I never met the man but I presume he was a human being with faults and virtues. But as a political figure I despise and detest him for everything he did, and everything he failed to do. He knew better — he had McCain as a friend and example! Presumably tRump has some good personal qualities too, though I have never seen one in evidence; so did Judas. But all three of them are betrayers and deserve no sorrow at their passing. Nor does Mitch McTurtle;
All of them betrayed their sacred trust.
I thought that was perfect, Adam. I share your mixed emotions regarding Senator Graham’s passing. Obviously I only know him as a citizen of the country and not personally like you did.
There is no question Graham failed the Trump test. That failure with Trump will be a significant portion of his legacy.
And yet I feel sad at his passing. I am sad for the departure of the Lindsey Graham that existed before the Trump era, that he succumb to his own human failings the last 10 years and that he will never have an opportunity at redemption after Trump leaves the stage.
I can’t help but feel sad about it all.
We so desperately need someone like you in the White House. Please consider this.
I respect and appreciate your comments with regard to Senator Graham. With that said, your compassion for the compassion he showed abroad, his support for Ukraine aside, I find the man's total conversion to what I might refer to as the dark side ( protecting is continued status as a senator; jeopardizing this country's continued experiment as a constitutional republic and so much more) so overshadows that sympathy you witnessed that I can only see him for what he had become. Ed Loeb
Took two oaths to support and defend the Constitution. Broke them. Actively supported a coup-instigating felon.
I understand that. for sure
I agree Adam.... thank you for your honesty. I appreciate you 🩵
I appreciate you too!
Clearly you knew him and we did not and I’m sorry for how his loss affected you and his family. Absolutely two things can be true at once, but unfortunately, what most people remember him for is the damage that he did. What that person said though about you running for president was absolutely spot on because you clearly have a good heart and you’re able to see past the ugliness in people and that is a very rare trait. This clearly just proves the point that everything Trump touches or associates with is destroyed broken or tainted.
Might I add that as cliché as it sounds a stopped clock is right twice a day. And really how good was his character if he could so easily be corrupted? That’s what bothers me. I was raised to stand on your convictions and do what’s right no matter how hard it is and you know what most of the time doing what’s right is very hard being wrong is a lot easier.
Thanks for being honest!
Thank you, Adam! I admire your comments about Lindsey! I'm apparently no longer friends with a former classmate and best friend that I would have gone to war with. He posted some BS that wasn't true, and I questioned him about it, and his reply was " I know". I'm still friends with three of his sisters, but we're no longer friends. Thank you for what you do, and I've mentioned it before, but you would make a fabulous president! I've mentioned it on here, but PLEASE CONSIDER running, before our country goes further down the drain leaving our kids and grandchildren in the sewer?
Pray for me and that decision.
Sometime, you do have to cut off friends. Its ok to do that
Beautifully conveyed Adam.