At a glance: On Saturday, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham encouraged his audience to think about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and received a chorus of boos.
The Story: At an October 2nd event in Summerville, located about 25 miles from Charleston, S.C., Senator Graham spoke to his supporters and, in the midst of the speech, encouraged the largely Republican crowd to think about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. “If you haven’t had the vaccine,” he said, “you ought to think about getting it because if you’re my age…” at which point Graham was shouted down by the audience. Many booed. Others shouted, “No!”
Graham was taken aback. Bowing his head and holding up a hand, he replied, “I didn’t tell you to get it; you ought to think about it.” The crowd continued to boo.
In an attempt to support his statement, he pressed, “Ninety-two percent of people in hospitals in South Carolina are unvaccinated.” Some in the crowd yelled, “false!” or “not true!”
In the past, Senator Graham lauded the vaccines for mitigating his symptoms during his bout with COVID-19 in July. At that time, Graham stated: “I am very glad I was vaccinated because without vaccination, I am certain I would not feel as well as I do now. My symptoms would be far worse.”
The Senator concluded his remarks on Saturday by emphasizing that he opposed vaccine mandates, saying they’re “probably unconstitutional,” but he maintained he believed the shots are effective against COVID-19.
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