Lindsey Graham: I Wish I Could Say I’m Surprised Trump Got Shot, ‘But I Was Worried About This for a Long Time’

WELKER: “Republican senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina joins us now. Senator Graham, welcome back to ‘Meet the Press.’”
Graham: “Thank you.”
WELKER: “Well, senator, you and I have been together on many a Sunday. I wish the circumstances were different this Sunday. I know that you’re not just an ally of Former President Trump — he is one of your friends. I know you’re hoping to speak to him soon. What will your message be, once you are able to connect with the former president?”
Graham: “‘I’m grateful you weren’t hurt any worse, and I love you.’ You know, we were supposed to play golf this morning at 8:30. I have talked to him three times this week. There’s a lot going on in the world. He was excited about playing golf. He thought he had something that could help my swing. I’ve had — all I can say is, he’s got five children and five grandchildren. He is a human being. There are a lot of people love this man. He is one of the most strong people I’ve ever met. He — he has an ability to absorb punishment like anybody I’ve ever met. Obviously, God is not through with President Trump, and I look forward to seeing him later this morning. I’ll let you know how he’s doing. But for the country, we probably need to do some soul-searching as a nation.”
WELKER: “Well, I — I want to follow up with you on that point, Senator. I could see the emotion in your eyes, and I can hear it in your voice. Can you tell us what your initial reaction was, when you witnessed what happened, when you learned what had happened, when you understood that he came, quite frankly, within inches — if his head had turned in either direction, this could be a different conversation today, senator.”
Graham: “I wish I could say I was surprised, but I’ve been worried about this for a very, very long time. You know, if he wins, democracy is not going to end. He’s not a fascist. He represents a point of view that millions share. The rhetoric is way too hot. But I was just grateful that he made it. I mean, fate stepped in, God, the hand of God, call it whatever you’d like. But let’s don’t forget, there is a man who lost his life by attending a political rally. He’s dead. His life came to end. Other people are hurt. Who to blame? Let’s blame the shooter. But let’s all try to do better. I can tell you one thing about President Trump: he is very determined to get this country back on track. And his initial reaction, after being shot, will be an iconic moment in American history. Literally bleeding from a gunshot wound, he raised his fist, ‘Don’t give up. Keep going.’”