Lindsey Graham’s journey from a pool hall to the heights of political power

Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina native and former military lawyer, rose to prominence in the U.S. Senate as a hawkish advocate for American military power. He transitioned from a 2016 Republican presidential candidate opposing Donald Trump to a key Trump ally, later urging Republicans to support Trump despite tensions over the 2021 Capitol attack. Graham died at 71 after a sudden illness, prompting bipartisan tributes for his influence and collegiality.