Senator Lindsey Graham roasted the Republican presidential candidates at a Washington Press Club Foundation Dinner on Thursday, but not all of his jokes went over well.

The South Carolina senator, who led his own unsuccessful bid for the GOP nomination, said his “party has gone bat**** crazy.”

Graham mocked former rival Marco Rubio, whom he called “the boy wonder,” and added, “I’m not saying he would change his positions, but he would change his positions. The Secret Service’s main job if he’s president is to keep him hydrated.”

Ben Carson was not safe from Graham’s jabs either.

Graham: Ben Carson is the nice guy in the race, and he tried to kill his cousin. #wpcfdinner

— Josh Rogin (@joshrogin) February 26, 2016

But the most controversial comment was aimed at Sen. Ted Cruz. “If you kill Ted Cruz on the floor of the Senate, and the trial was in the Senate, nobody could convict you,” he said, referring to the Texas senator’s lack of popularity among his colleagues.

Watch Graham’s remarks via NBC video.

The “joke” was summarily slammed on social media.

@lbarronlopez @MichaelSkolnik this is actually unbelievable. Like legitimately unreal.

— JLynn (@Jeremy_Lynn) February 26, 2016

But people blame Cruz for dividing the party… disgusting https://t.co/DwnrHE0CY4

— Cam Harris (@camharris_us) February 26, 2016

oh my god this is a real quote https://t.co/dic41yd1I2

— Matt Pearce (@mattdpearce) February 26, 2016

Wow. Lindsay Graham showed his lack of character. No wonder no one wanted you for POTUS #GOPDebate @frankthorpNBC https://t.co/cru08WdFWH

— deb4liberty (@deb4liberty) February 26, 2016

@frankthorpNBC Lindsay Grahamnesty jumps the shark. Pathetic attempt to remain relevant, just join the other party already.

— Eric Olson (@windysquirrels) February 26, 2016

@frankthorpNBC really? How about some decorum or graciousness? Or just some manners?

— Rachel Puckett (@RachelPuckett_) February 26, 2016

@frankthorpNBC @amandacarpenter That is a despicable thing for a senator to say about his colleague. He should apologize. #Cruz

— Carole (@Grace101962) February 26, 2016

Seriously? The guy has two little kids. What a foolish thing to say. https://t.co/cqdUPMjtYX

— Tim Alberta (@TimAlberta) February 26, 2016

What an utterly disgraceful thing to say.https://t.co/jfu5H79E7r

— Stephen Hayes (@stephenfhayes) February 26, 2016

OK, SC. This #RINO #GOPe #Amnesty pushing jerk represents us and I’m sick of his BS. @leebright @RepSanfordSC https://t.co/8DA53Ou3h5

— Sandy Pierce (@SandyPierce) February 26, 2016

Graham hates anyone who stands against amnesty. https://t.co/czi4CsQxxS

— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) February 26, 2016

@stephenfhayes @JammieWF @frankthorpNBC Look up “disgraceful” in the dictionary, and you’ll find a picture of Lindsey.

— Alex Jeffries (@codemonkey1972) February 26, 2016

• Author
• Recent Posts

Frieda Powers

Senior Staff Writer
[email protected]

Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.

Latest posts by Frieda Powers (see all)

• Rep. Jayapal, her progressive posse lay out list of their demands for Biden - April 19, 2024
• ‘Do not lose your life over a f-ing car!’ Brazen thieves tell homeowners to stay inside as they swipe Corvette - April 18, 2024
• Sworn in jurist in Trump hush money trial already dismissed as selection becomes growing nightmare - April 18, 2024

Comment

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.