May 09 2003

Graham Statement on Bush Visit to South Carolina

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on President Bush’s visit to the state and speech at the University of South Carolina. On flying down with President Bush: “I know the president enjoyed his trip to South Carolina. He was in a great mood on the flight down. “The president visited with Senator Hollings, Congressman Clyburn and me for about 45 minutes on the plane. It was cordial, intriguing and I think the three of us really appreciated it. It was one of the highlights of my time in the Senate. The president was proud of our troops and rightly so, they’ve done a great job in Iraq.” On President Bush’s speech: “It was a visionary approach to the Middle East problem. “The president’s emphasis on empowering women in the Middle East is a key ingredient that’s been missing for years. Letting women fully participate in government as well as have a say in the economy and education will make it much harder to co-opt their children and turn them toward terrorism. “The president’s plan for an independent Palestinian state co-existing with a secure Israel is essential to bringing peace to the region. I was impressed with how comprehensive the president was in calling on the Palestinians to police terror and the Israelis to provide a better life to the Palestinian people. I wish him well and am proud of the President for taking on this challenge. I’m hopeful we can bring peace to the Middle East in a way that will be lasting.”