Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417 or Lorcan Connick (202) 224-5972

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement regarding President Obama's speech to the United Nations General Assembly.

"I believe today's speech was a missed opportunity by the President to detail a clear, decisive strategy to defeat radical Islam and deter aggressors like Putin," said Graham.

"President Obama rightly said radical Islamists only understand the ‘language of force.' However, when President Obama then pledges not to use ground forces against ISIL, he emboldens the enemy. They hear what we, the United States, will not do to defeat them.

"Finally, President Obama condemning Russia without arming Ukraine is just empty rhetoric. Putin doesn't fear or respect President Obama's words. He would respect a well-trained, well-armed Ukrainian army fighting for their freedom."

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