Lindsey Graham warns GOP will 'never win' a presidential race if party doesn't 'fight back' in 2020

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Sunday told Fox News' Maria Bartiromo that people should "not accept the media's declaration" of President-elect Joe Biden's victory over President Trump. "Fight back," he said.

Graham shares the unfounded view with Trump and other allies that voter fraud could have played a role in the outcome, noting that he believes "this is a contested election" and therefore Trump "should not concede," which he has yet to do. But the senator also appeared to have his eye on the bigger picture, arguing that if Republicans don't fight the 2020 results, "we're never going to win again presidentially" because of an increase in mail-in balloting, which typically leans Democratic.

There was an increase in mail ballots in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, though there is no evidence of widespread fraud.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up