Lindsay Graham Endorses Presidential Candidate Jeb Bush

Republican Senator Lindsay Graham from South Carolina has officially endorsed Jeb Bush for the GOP presidential nomination on Friday just hours after Thursday night's presidential primary debate.

"I have concluded without any hesitation, without any doubt, that Jeb Bush is ready on day one to be commander in chief," Graham, who dropped out of the race late last year, said. "He understands that America can't go it alone, but of all the others, he understands how to bring the world on board."

Graham specifically praised the Florida governor for arguing against frontrunner Donald Trump's stance on enforcing a temporary ban on Muslims from entering the U.S.

"Last night I heard from Jeb Bush the right answer. We cannot and should not declare war on a religion," Graham said. "The thing I admire most about Jeb is that he stayed true to who he is, that he hasn't tried to get ahead in a contested primary by throwing dangerous rhetoric around."

Graham did not outwardly criticize any of the other candidates during his endorsement. Instead, Graham praised several of the other candidates, who included New Jersey governor Chris Christie, Ohio Governor John Kasich and Florida senator Marco Rubio.

"Well, Marco's been great on national security," Graham said. "Jeb's plan is basically my plan."

Graham added that although he and Bush do not agree on every front when it comes to immigration, he believes that Bush has "got the right attitude."

"I think he's open-minded to a pathway to citizenship fi that's the will of the Congress," Graham said.

Bush responded to the endorsement by saying to Graham, "I am honored to be your student. I will continue tot seek out your advice."

Graham also believes that Bush has the best chances of beating the Democratic frontrunner, Hillary Clinton.

Donald Trump responded to the endorsement by belittling Graham's run for presidency.

"Sen. Lindsey Graham embarrassed himself with his failed run for President and now further embarrasses himself with endorsement of Bush," Trump's tweet read.
Trump had also tweeted, "Jeb Bush, who did poorly last night in the debate, and whose chances of winning are zero, just got Graham endorsement. Graham quit at 0."

With Graham's endorsement, Bush could have secured South Carolina, which is due to vote on Feb. 20.