South Carolina Republican Senator and strong proponent, of well, all military intervention, Lindsey Graham was on Meet the Press to discuss the war in Iran, something he has been beating the war drums about as long as I can remember.
Host, Kristen Welker asked Graham at the 7 minute mark: "President Trump said the objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime. What specifically were the imminent threats that justify this operation?"
Graham responded while intermittently smirking: "They were building ballistic missiles that could eventually reach the United States, they have been trying for decades to build a nuclear weapon. "Midnight Hammer worked but they were right back at it. Ahh, the Ayatollah's a religious Nazi...".
Let's break down Graham's list:
1. building ballistic missiles that could eventually reach the United States (Iran does not possess operational ballistic missiles capable of reaching the continental United States, though it is developing technology to potentially do so within the next decade)
2. they have been trying for decades to build a nuclear weapon (U.S. intelligence suggests Iran is years away from missiles capable of reaching the U.S. homeland)
3. the Ayatollah's a religious Nazi (not a reason)
What is the definition of imminent threat?
In war and international law, an imminent threat is an impending, highly likely armed attack that requires immediate defensive action, often described as "instant, overwhelming, leaving no choice of means, and no moment of deliberation".
Any honest person can look at Graham's list and see they do not meet the definition, particularly they are not so imminent that this could not have gone to Congress, the people's representatives, for debate, deliberation and a constitutionally mandated vote.
Lindsey Graham is bad, really bad and unfortunately has President Trump's ear and is able to exert this kind of influence on the most important matters.
Dear South Carolinians, Sen Graham is up for reelection this November. Do the world a favor and primary him out of office.