President Donald Trump is headed back to South Carolina on Thursday as Republicans grow increasingly worried that Sen. Darline Graham’s once-safe seat could be slipping away.
As Trump parachutes into the state, some Republicans see the visit as a double-edged sword.
On one hand, Republicans say Trump has an innate ability to turn out his base, a bloc of voters that is crucial to Graham’s winning coalition.
But on the other hand, Republicans warn that some voters could be turned off by Trump’s heavy involvement in the race. The president encouraged South Carolina Gov. H.R. McMaster to appoint Graham to finish her brother’s term. He also urged Graham to jump into the race for the full six-year term. And once she did, the president endorsed her.
“He’s trying to force-feed the candidate for her victory with the people in South Carolina,” Norman said.
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., used an even more vivid metaphor. “This was shoved down their throat,” she said, “and they don’t like it.”
