Political Quotes

Lindsey Graham: It's one thing to go and commit a crime. It's another thing to, to flaunt it in front of the American people and never…

On the recordDecember 31, 1997
It's one thing to go and commit a crime. It's another thing to, to flaunt it in front of the American people and never admit to your wrongdoing. If the president would have the character to come forward and admit to the wrongdoing that I think is obviously there, then maybe I would treat him differently. What I'm looking for is a president that has the character trait to lead the American people, that will put his interests secondary to the American people. I'm looking for somebody who's repentant, somebody understands they made not just a mistake but violated the law. The law allows people to be treated differently if they have come before the court and said, 'I'm sorry, and I'm guilty.' But somebody that plays the games to the bitter end, tries to have it both ways, dances on the head of the pin, in my opinion, has forfeited their right to lead this country.
Said by
Lindsey Graham
Republican · South Carolina

Editor's note · Context

Lindsey Graham discusses the importance of character in leadership and the implications of failing to admit wrongdoing.

Share

More from Lindsey Graham

Jul 28, 2026

I almost cried. I mean, like, how long have we been pushing this? It’s here. I talked with Trump this morning. Holy Jack. It’s here. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. He loves blowing stuff up.

theguardian.com
Jun 21, 2026

If this deal fails, President Trump is going to take the Strait of Hormuz over by force. The United States will control the Strait of Hormuz. We'll charge a fee for all those who go through – through to pay for the operation.

cbsnews.com
Jun 21, 2026

If we don't get Iran in a box, we're in trouble. So, let's do it.

cbsnews.com
Jul 14, 2026

I can’t die now. I still need to do the Russia sanctions, get Iran sorted out and do Israeli-Saudi normalization.

foxnews.com

Other voices in this conversation