Graham says Ukraine has trillions of dollars of 'critical mineral assets' and could be 'the best business partner'



GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said that Ukraine has trillions of dollars worth of "critical mineral assets" and could be "the best business partner we ever dreamed of."

"If we help Ukraine now, they can become the best business partner we ever dreamed of. That $10 to $12 trillion dollars of critical mineral assets could be used by Ukraine and the West, not given to Putin and China. This is a very big deal how Ukraine ends," he said during an appearance on "60 Minutes."

'This war mongering globalist needs to be replaced in the US Senate.'

"Ukraine has trillions of dollars worth of critical minerals in their country. Vladimir Putin cannot be allowed to access that money and those resources because he will share it with China," a post on Graham's @LindseyGrahamSC X account reads.

GOP Rep. Warren Davidson of Ohio responded to the post by tweeting, "So, from the regime change coup until today, the real issue was Yanukovych’s 2013 agreement to trade more with Russia than the EU?" Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky shared Davidson's post.

"This war mongering globalist needs to be replaced in the US Senate," Amy Kremer tweeted in response to Graham. "He and his globalists cronies are the ones that get us into and keep us in these forever wars. The perpetual cycle must stop. Focus on America and our resources. Stop focusing on the rest of the world."

During his appearance on "60 Minutes," Graham also suggested that Russia should be declared a state sponsor of terrorism under American law. He also said that Russian money should be seized.

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7 GOP senators join Democrats in confirming Biden judicial nominee



Seven Republican senators joined with Democrats and independents on Tuesday in voting to confirm President Joe Biden's nomination of Judge Tanya Monique Jones Bosier to serve as an associate judge on the Superior Court of D.C.

Lawmakers voted 57-41 in favor of confirmation, with all 41 of the opposing votes coming from Republicans.

'In DC it's business as usual.'

The seven GOP senators who voted to confirm included Susan Collins of Maine, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitt Romney of Utah, Mike Rounds of South Dakota, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina.

"The GOP nominee was convicted in a kangaroo court Thursday. Just 5 days later AT THEIR FIRST CHANCE Sens. @LindseyGrahamSC @SenatorRounds @SenatorLankford @SenThomTillis voted yes on ANOTHER Biden judicial nominee. They won't stop Democrat Lawfare. In DC it's business as usual," Blaze Media's Christopher Bedford tweeted.

"Democrats didn't need these Republicans to confirm their judge. They didn't need @lisamurkowski @MittRomney @SenatorCollins either. These senators are simply adding their seals of approval. Even a controlled opposition at least pretends to oppose. There are no excuses," he added.

Last week, a jury found former President Donald Trump, the presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee, guilty on all counts in a New York criminal trial.

Some GOP senators signed onto a pledge that declares, in part, that they will not vote to confirm any Biden administration political and judicial nominees.

"The White House has made a mockery of the rule of law and fundamentally altered our politics in un-American ways. As a Senate Republican conference, we are unwilling to aid and abet this White House in its project to tear this country apart. To that end, we will not 1) allow any increase to non-security related funding for this administration, or any appropriations bill which funds partisan lawfare; 2) vote to confirm this administration's political and judicial appointees; and 3) allow expedited consideration and passage of Democrat legislation or authorities that are not directly relevant to the safety of the American people," the pledge declares.

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Capitol Police won't charge Democratic staffer for filming sodomy in Senate hearing room



The U.S. Capitol Police announced Thursday that no criminal charges will be filed against the men who filmed themselves engaging in sodomy on Dec. 13, 2023, in the Hart Senate Office Building — one of whom was a staffer for Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin (Md.).

The USCP said in a statement, "After consulting with federal and local prosecutors, as well as doing a comprehensive investigation and review of possible charges, it was determined that – despite a likely violation of Congressional policy – there is currently no evidence that a crime was committed."

The USCP indicated further that the "two people of interest were not cooperative, nor were the elements of any of the possible crimes met. The Congressional staffer, who has since resigned from his job, exercised his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and refused to talk to us."

A pornographic video featuring unprotected buggery in a conference room on Capitol Hill, near Cardin's office, was shared online to a group for gay men in December. The Spectator reported on the video, and the Daily Caller obtained a copy.

The Spectator noted that the "images and videos are explicit — and conspicuously and deliberately contain the staffer's face."

The set for the amateur pornographic film, Hart 216, was also the setting for the September 11 Commission hearings, former FBI Director James Comey's testimony on former President Donald Trump in 2017, and the confirmation hearings for multiple Supreme Court justice nominees, reported Time.

According to the USCP, the "hearing room was not open to the public at the time, [but] the Congressional staffer involved had access to the room."

Amidst mounting questions and significant backlash, Cardin released a short statement, noting, "Aidan Maese-Czeropski is no longer employed by the U.S. Senate. We will have no further comment on this personnel matter."

Maese-Czeropski, who had been working for Cardin for two years, painted himself as a victim, noting in a post on LinkedIn, "This has been a difficult time for me, as I have been attacked for who I love to pursue a political agenda. While some of my actions in the past have shown poor judgment, I love my job and would never disrespect my workplace."

Cardin's former staffer also posted various deviant posts on social media, including one where he allegedly photographed himself naked with the caption, "waiting for @LindseyGrahamSC in the work showers."

"Any attempts to characterize my actions otherwise are fabricated and I will be exploring what legal options are available to me in these matters," continued Cardin's former staffer.

Maese-Czeropski also intimated in the post that he was not the anti-Semitic Democratic staffer who reportedly confronted Jewish Republican Rep. Max Miller (Ohio) in early December, saying, "Free Palestine!"

Maese-Czeropski has appeared in at least one other video: a November 2020 promotional video for then-candidate Joe Biden.

— (@)

Days after the story broke, Cardin told a Fox News reporter, "I was angry. I was disappointed."

"It's a breach of trust," added Cardin, who has in recent years been a vocal champion of the LGBT agenda.

Some critics have suggested the refusal to hold Maese-Czeropski accountable is reflective of preferential treatment by law enforcement in Washington, D.C..

Mark Hemingway of RealClearInvestigations wrote, "Let me get this straight... merely walking through the capitol unauthorized is a felony. But having public sex in the building, filming it, and putting it online doesn't merit a public lewdness charge? Please tell why I am supposed to respect rule of law in this country."

LifeNews.com tweeted, "They're not going to charge anyone for having gay sex in the Senate hearing room, but pro-life people who prayed and sang in an abortion center are going to prison for 11 years."

Donald Trump Jr. noted, "They're usually pretty anal about even minor infractions. I guess filming gay sex in a secure senate meeting room is different."

Mike Davis of the Article III Project called the USCP's refusal to press charges "truly outrageous."

"Senate staffers have access to the Capitol *for official business*--not to produce and broadcast their porn videos. Trespassing. Misuse of government property. Misuse of government funds. Lewd acts. Indecent exposure. The evidence is on their own video," wrote Davis.

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Lufthansa strike grounds over 1,000 flights, the latest airline to leave travelers stranded



Deutsche Lufthansa AG staff staged a one-day walkout on Wednesday that caused most flights out of Frankfurt and Munich to be canceled. The strikes also grounded some international flights.

The German trade union ver.di organized the strike to improve wages for ground staff and aircraft technicians impacted by rising inflation and ongoing aviation staff shortages. The union demanded a 9.5% wage increase for 20,000 workers.

In June, ver.di chairwoman Christine Behle explained that the German airline was at risk of losing staff, stating that "after three years of wage sacrifice, employees have been hit particularly hard by the high inflation rate."

Trade union warns of future strikes

Negotiations between ver.di and Lufthansa began at the end of June, and since then, the airline said it agreed to a 5.9%-14.8% increase for workers.

After meeting for two rounds of negotiations, Lufthansa's head of media relations, Martin Leutke, stated that the strike was "completely unnecessary" and "completely exaggerated."

A spokesperson for the trade union explained, "Lufthansa did not make an adequate offer in the first two rounds" and that employees need to demand more in the third round of negotiations.

Navigating a tight labor market

Airlines have struggled to keep up with the demanding post-lockdown summer travel season and industry-wide worker shortages. Lufthansa stated that it would attempt to rebook flights for passengers, but resources are limited.

Because Lufthansa is short on airport staff, the company recommends that those impacted by the cancellations call to rebook.

Chief officer of human resources and infrastructure at Lufthansa, Dr. Michael Niggemann, stated, "It affects our passengers in particular, who are impacted during the peak travel season. And it is putting an additional heavy strain on our employees in an already difficult phase for air traffic."

The airline anticipates another 646 flights will be canceled Wednesday out of Frankfurt and 330 out of Munich. Cancellations are expected to continue through Friday.

Lufthansa is the latest airline affected by a wave of staff strikes. Just last week, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) came to an agreement with the pilot unions, ending a 15-day walkout that impacted over 350,000 passengers.

Worldwide flight cancellations have become an ongoing issue for those looking to travel. Airlines blame a combination of factors, including the surge in post-lockdown travel, staff shortages, and inclement weather.

Rep. Chip Roy and Sen. Lindsey Graham hoped to alleviate the staff shortage crisis by introducing a bill that would increase the mandatory retirement age of pilots from 65 to 67. The Monday press release warned that "nearly 14,000 qualified U.S. pilots will be forced to retire over the next five years."

\u201c"Americans are now experiencing flight delays and cancellations on an unacceptable scale due to a worsening pilot shortage."\n\nRep Roy's new bill with @LindseyGrahamSC would alleviate the crisis by raising the mandatory pilot retirement age:\n\nhttps://t.co/xCyKnsDN0b\u201d
— Rep. Chip Roy Press Office (@Rep. Chip Roy Press Office) 1658772279

U.S. senators are calling for Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the Department of Transportation to take action and protect passengers.

Sen. Bernie Sanders stated in a June press release that prices for tickets rose 38% while airlines experienced a 50% increase in delays and an 18% increase in cancellations.

\u201cThe airline industry got $50 billion in taxpayer money in its time of need. What did Americans get in return? Disruptions, delays, and cancellations.\u201d
— Bernie Sanders (@Bernie Sanders) 1656694910

Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Alex Padilla wrote to the DOT that they have "the authority to take meaningful actions to hold airlines accountable for avoidable delays and cancellations."

The two senators accused the airlines of being ungrateful for the billions in taxpayer bailout assistance provided to them during COVID lockdowns. They stated that "major airlines have reciprocated by dramatically increasing ticket prices and reaching new lows in their treatment of travelers."

Until a solution is found, passengers will continue to pay the consequences of significant worldwide flight delays and cancellations.

Dem Senate candidate Gary Chambers accuses GOP Sen. Tim Scott of supporting 'racist political ideology against his own people for a 'seat at the table''



Gary Chambers, a Democrat seeking election to serve as a U.S. Senator from the state of Louisiana, has declared that Republican Sen. Tim Scott's vote against confirming Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve on the Supreme Court "is a disgrace."

"There are 3 Black men in the U.S. Senate, 1 of them, Tim Scott voted no on confirming Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. There is always one of us, who thinks they know better than the rest of us Black folks. His no vote is a disgrace. Yea I said it," Chambers tweeted.

"Votes from Scott consistently show he will chose racist political ideology against his own people for a 'seat at the table,'" Chambers said in another tweet.

South Carolina is ranked 41 of all states, in the bottom 10 over all. \n\nTim Scott and Lindsey Graham equally contribute to that ranking in the bottom. \n\nVotes from Scott consistently show he will chose racist political ideology against his own people for a \u201cseat at the table.\u201d
— Gary Chambers (@Gary Chambers) 1649355596

The Senate confirmed Jackson in a 53-47 vote on Thursday, and Scott was one of the 47 GOP lawmakers who voted against confirmation. Scott, who in June, 2021, voted against confirming Jackson to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, issued a statement this week noting that he would vote against confirming Jackson to the high court. Jackson is slated to fill Justice Stephen Breyer's seat later this year after he retires.

Earlier this year, Chambers released a campaign ad that featured footage of him smoking marijuana. "Most of the people police are arresting aren't dealers, but rather people with small amounts of pot, just like me," Chambers said in a voiceover during the video.

The candidate later released an ad in which he burned a Confederate flag and claimed that "remnants of the Confederacy remain" throughout the American south.

My first campaign ad, \u201837 Seconds.\u2019 #JustLikeMe\n\nI hope this ad works to not only destigmatize the use of marijuana, but also forces a new conversation that creates the pathway to legalize this beneficial drug, and forgive those who were arrested due to outdated ideology.pic.twitter.com/G0qKvmUGKD
— Gary Chambers (@Gary Chambers) 1642510936

Left-wing MSNBC host Joy-Ann Reid attacked Scott in a tweet on Tuesday. "He let @LindseyGrahamSC & the sheriffs dog-walk him and destroy police reform after pretending to work on it and now he'll go along with Lindsey's barking-dog racism against Judge Jackson because: he's Tim Scott," Reid wrote.

All accuracy here. Not surprised by anything @SenatorTimScott does. He let @LindseyGrahamSC & the sheriffs dog-walk him and destroy police reform after pretending to work on it and now he'll go along with Lindsey's barking-dog racism against Judge Jackson because: he's Tim Scott.https://twitter.com/DarrellPMWest/status/1511344974306103296\u00a0\u2026
— Joy-Ann (Pro-Democracy) Reid \ud83d\ude37 (@Joy-Ann (Pro-Democracy) Reid \ud83d\ude37) 1649174384

Scott responded to Reid's remarks during an interview on Fox News.

"What is so offensive about what Joy is saying is that a black man cannot think for himself. I have to follow somebody else. That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard," Scott said.

"There are millions of Americans who happen to be black, who want to think for themselves, who will think for themselves, but the power of the liberal elite wants to attack us like vicious dogs because they do not want anyone standing up" against "what they are doing, leading our country in the wrong direction," Scott said.

Senator Tim Scott Responds to Backlash Against His Opposition to Ketanji Brown Jackson Nomination www.youtube.com

Sen. Tim Scott punches back at Joy Reid over 'vile' insult for opposing Ketanji Brown Jackson: 'The most ridiculous thing I've ever heard'



Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) responded to MSNBC host Joy Reid on Thursday after she accused him of being the pawn of fellow South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham (R).

What did Reid say?

On Monday, Scott announced that he would vote against the Supreme Court confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson. Scott explained his decision saying that "ideology must be the determining factor—not identity—when considering such an important lifetime appointment."

In response, Reid claimed Scott is being "dog-walk[ed]" by Graham and law enforcement, essentially calling him a stooge for Graham's "barking-dog racism."

"Not surprised by anything @SenatorTimScott does," Reid tweeted. "He let @LindseyGrahamSC & the sheriffs dog-walk him and destroy police reform after pretending to work on it and now he'll go along with Lindsey's barking-dog racism against Judge Jackson because: he's Tim Scott."

All accuracy here. Not surprised by anything @SenatorTimScott does. He let @LindseyGrahamSC & the sheriffs dog-walk him and destroy police reform after pretending to work on it and now he'll go along with Lindsey's barking-dog racism against Judge Jackson because: he's Tim Scott.https://twitter.com/DarrellPMWest/status/1511344974306103296\u00a0\u2026
— Joy-Ann (Pro-Democracy) Reid \ud83d\ude37 (@Joy-Ann (Pro-Democracy) Reid \ud83d\ude37) 1649174384

How did Scott respond?

During an interview on "Fox & Friends," Scott exposed the offensive implications of Joy's accusation.

"What is so offensive about what Joy is saying is that a black man cannot think for himself, that I have to follow somebody else," Scott explained. "That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard."

Just as problematic, Scott said that Reid's criticism demonstrates how Democrats believe black people should be a political monolith.

"It reinforces the liberal elites' approach to minorities who will not fall in line and do what they tell us to do. There are millions of Americans who happen to be black, who want to think for themselves, who will think for themselves," Scott explained. "But the power of the liberal elite wants to attack us like vicious dogs because they do not want anyone standing up opposed to what they are doing, leading our country in the wrong direction.

"It is vile, it is offensive, and we should stop allowing the liberal media to push these stories by their hosts that want one thing and one thing only: progressive, liberal policies that make it harder for African-Americans — not easier," he added.

Sen. Scott: Liberal elites are leading our country in the wrong direction www.youtube.com

On Thursday, the Senate confirmed Jackson's nomination by a vote of 53-47. The only Republicans who supported Jackson were Sens. Mitt Romney (Utah), Susan Collins -Maine), and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska).

Jackson will begin serving on Oct. 3 after the Supreme Court returns from its summer recess.

Lindsey Graham reminds Democrats of their hypocrisy on minority nominees during Ketanji Brown Jackson hearing



South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham (R) on Monday said that accusations of racism won't deter Republicans from asking Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson hard questions, reminding Democrats of their hypocrisy when it comes to minority nominees.

Graham promised that the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings for President Joe Biden's Supreme Court nominee "won't be a circus," unlike the confirmation hearings for Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett, and other qualified conservative judicial nominees.

Republicans are still bitter about how Democrats acted during those hearings, as was evident from their comments during opening statements. Graham made a point to remind Democrats how they've mistreated Republican nominees before, including minorities, and said that Jackson, who if confirmed would be the first black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, will not face similar treatment.

He said, for instance, that the hearing was already "off to a good start," since the proceedings were courteous, unlike the 2018 Kavanaugh hearing, when "Chairman Grassley couldn't get the first word out of his mouth before they shut down the place." Graham was referring to how then-Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) repeatedly interrupted Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) during his opening remarks, infuriating Republicans.

"Most of us couldn't go back to our offices during Kavanaugh without getting spit on," Graham said. "Hope that doesn't happen to y'all. I don't think it will."

Anticipating that the left will accuse Republicans opposed to Jackson's nomination of being racist, Graham said that before he gets "lectured" by Democrats, "I remember Janice Rodgers Brown, an African-American woman, that was filibustered by the same people praising [Jackson]."

"I remember Miguel Estrada, one of the finest people I ever met, completely wiped out," Graham said.

Estrada, a Honduran-American, was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Though he had majority support in the Senate, Democrats filibustered his nomination in 2002, preventing him from receiving a confirmation vote. Brown was a 2003 Bush nominee for the same court, but then-Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) and other Democrats filibustered her nomination, though she was later confirmed in 2005.

"If you're a Hispanic or African-American conservative, it's about your philosophy. Now it's gonna be about the historic nature of the pick," he continued. Rejecting that framing, he told Jackson she will face "hard questions" about her judicial philosophy and accusations that Republicans are being "racist" are "not going to fly with us."

"We're used to it by now," Graham said.

.@LindseyGrahamSC at Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmation hearing:\n\n"I remember Janice Rodgers Brown, an African-American woman, that was filibustered by the same people praising you.\u201dpic.twitter.com/8gq3AFmWH8
— TheBlaze (@TheBlaze) 1647879300

Among those hard questions will be why "people on the left, the far extreme part of the left, believe you were the best bet," Graham told Jackson. He brought up how the left-leaning dark money group Arabella Advisors ran ads campaigning for Jackson over Michelle Childs, a federal judge in South Carolina who was also considered by Biden for the Supreme Court nomination.

"The attacks from the left against Judge Childs was really pretty vicious, to be honest with you. So you say, Judge Jackson, you don't have any judicial philosophy per se. Well, somebody on the left believes you do, or they wouldn't have spent the money they spent to have you in this chair."

Graham also said that Republicans will ask about her sentencing practices as a district court judge, her legal views, and the far-left groups that support her nomination.

But in contrast to Democrats during the Kavanaugh hearing, there will be tactics Republicans won't use. "You will not be vilified. You will not be attacked for your religious views. You will not be accused of something that you could not defend yourself against until it was too late," Graham said.

Sen. @LindseyGrahamSC to Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson: "You will not be vilified. You will not be attacked for your religious views. You will not be accused of something that you could not defend yourself against until it was too late." #SCOTUSpic.twitter.com/h04r8rhEva
— CSPAN (@CSPAN) 1647878958

Lindsey Graham universally blasted after calling for Vladimir Putin's assassination: 'Seriously, wtf?'



Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) suggested Thursday that someone in Russia should assassinate Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine.

What did Graham say?

Speaking with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Graham called on someone in Russia to rise up and kill Putin, who Graham claimed is emboldened by President Joe Biden's weakness.

"How does this end? Somebody in Russia has to step up to the plate," Graham said.

"Is there a Brutus in Russia? Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military? The only way this sh*t ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out," Graham continued. "You would be doing your country — and the world — a great service."

pic.twitter.com/0QjNBX1ZqZ
— Lindsey Graham (@Lindsey Graham) 1646361667

Graham repeated his remarks on Twitter and explained that killing Putin is paramount for Russia's 144 million citizens because their country will be isolated from the rest of world with Putin at the helm.

"The only people who can fix this are the Russian people. Easy to say, hard to do," Graham said. "Unless you want to live in darkness for the rest of your life, be isolated from the rest of the world in abject poverty, and live in darkness you need to step up to the plate."

The suggestion was immediately condemned by Republicans and Democrats alike, some of whom called on Graham to resign.

  • "This is an exceptionally bad idea.Use massive economic sanctions; BOYCOTT Russian oil & gas; and provide military aid so the Ukrainians can defend themselves.But we should not be calling for the assassination of heads of state," Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said.
  • "Seriously, wtf? I really wish our members of Congress would cool it and regulate their remarks as the administration works to avoid WWlll. As the world pays attention to how the US and it’s leaders are responding, Lindsey’s remarks and remarks made by some House members aren’t helpful," Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) said.
  • "Honestly gobsmacked at how reckless that Lindsey Graham tweet is," MSNBC host Chris Hayes said.
  • "Lindsey should resign over this. The most disgracefully irresponsible US senator in a long time," writer Sohrab Ahmari said.
  • "One of the craziest things he’s ever blurted out, and that’s really saying something," liberal journalist Michael Tracey said.
  • "Won’t take long before Russia uses this tweet for propaganda…," conservative Kassy Dillon observed.
  • "Are you TRYING to cause escalation? Now Putin can say 'one of the most senior U.S. Senators has called for my assassination.' Why would you want to help him? This war is causing some who know better to lose their minds," CNN legal analyst Norm Eisen said.

Even Chinese propagandists seized on Graham's remarks.

"This senator is declaring a war on Russia," said Beijing mouthpiece Hu Xijin. "If such hysteria is not stopped, it will lead to direct military confrontation between Russia and the US. @LindseyGrahamSC should know these are two big nuclear powers."

Fully vaccinated GOP Rep. Ralph Norman tests positive for COVID-19



GOP Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina announced on Thursday that he tested positive for COVID-19 despite having already been fully vaccinated.

Norman, who has served as a member of the U.S. House since mid-2017, said that he is suffering only mild symptoms and will be quarantining.

"After experiencing minor symptoms this morning, I sought a COVID-19 test and was just informed the test results were positive. Thankfully, I have been fully vaccinated and my symptoms remain mild. To every extent possible, I will continue my work virtually while in quarantine for the next ten (10) days," the lawmaker said in a statement.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, a fully vaccinated South Carolina Republican who announced on Monday that he had tested positive for the illness, responded to Norman's announcement on Thursday.

"This too shall pass. I'm confident the vaccine helped us both! Know you will be back at it soon!," Graham's tweet said.

The Associated Press reported that Graham on Thursday said that his symptoms have been improving, but he described Monday and Tuesday as "pretty tough days."

"It went from sort of a mild sinus infection until just a full-blown, feeling like crap," Graham told the outlet.

This too shall pass. I’m confident the vaccine helped us both!Know you will be back at it soon! https://t.co/SpM9g8BHqP

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) 1628188883.0

Last month GOP Rep. Vern Buchanan of Florida announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19 despite having been fully vaccinated.

Norman and fellow Republican Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia have lodged a lawsuit challenging fines which were levied against each of them after they went maskless on the House floor earlier this year.

The lawmakers had each unsuccessfully appealed the fine to the House Ethics Committee.

Top Democratic Party leader faces backlash after wishing death upon Lindsey Graham after senator contracts COVID-19



A top Democratic Party official in Rhode Island is apologizing Tuesday after facing backlash for wishing death upon Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who announced Monday that he had contracted COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated.

What is the background?

Graham revealed that he is experiencing "mild symptoms" after testing positive for COVID-19. He also praised the COVID-19 vaccine, saying he would probably feel much worse without it.

"I feel like I have a sinus infection and at present time I have mild symptoms. I will be quarantining for ten days," Graham said. "I am very glad I was vaccinated because without vaccination I am certain I would not feel as well as I do now. My symptoms would be far worse."

What did the party official say?

Political strategist Kate Coyne-McCoy of the Rhode Island Democratic Party responded to Graham's diagnosis by wishing he would die from the virus.

"It's wrong to hope he dies from Covid right? Asking for a friend," Coyne-McCoy said, adding the hashtags, "#COVIDISNOTOVER" and "#LINDSEYGRAHAM."

Coyne-McCoy quickly deleted the tweet after it began generating attention — and backlash — online. But, as they say, the internet lives forever.

The de facto executive director of the @RIDemParty apparently wants #SCSEN @LindseyGrahamSC to die of coronavirus.… https://t.co/WYHs1aDTK9
— Matthew Foldi (@MatthewFoldi) 1627959856.0

Coyne-McCoy is not your typical political strategist. When she was hired by the Rhode Island Democratic Party in March, the party said she would "develop and implement programs that will modernize the party and position Democrats to win from the top to the bottom of the ballot."

She is essentially the co-leader of the state Democratic Party. Her Twitter bio states that she is "leading" the state party.

In fact, Rhode Island Democratic Party Chairman Joseph McNamara, speaking of her hiring, said he and Coyne-McCoy would be "working closely" as "we build an even stronger party."

What did her apology say?

Coyne-McCoy posted an apology Tuesday morning, saying she regretted exercising "poor judgement."

"I made a mistake. I used poor judgement which I obviously regret," she said.

I made a mistake. I used poor judgement which I obviously regret.
— katecoynemccoy (@katecoynemccoy) 1627989687.0

The apology quickly generated more than a thousand responses, with most people expressing disbelief that Coyne-McCoy genuinely regretted what she wrote.

  • "It's not a mistake when you think it through enough to type it out. Come on! You've been around long enough to know that you were going to get called out on it. The only regret you have is getting caught," one person said.
  • "No you regret the backlash. You meant your words, there was no mistake," another person said.
  • "You didn't make a mistake. You said it because you wanted it," one person wrote in response.
  • "There is a difference between poor judgement and gross negligence, especially from someone in a leading role," another person pointed out.

The Rhode Island Democratic Party did not return a request for comment from TheBlaze.