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Why Mourn Lindsey Graham and Not His Victims?

After Lindsey Graham’s recent sudden death, tributes to the late South Carolina senator did not just come from his fellow Republicans. Democrats, too, were effusive in honoring his career and character. Joe Biden said that while he and Graham may have had their policy differences, they agreed “on the profound importance of public service” and Graham “loved the Senate as an institution, even with all its flaws and complexities.” Minnesota’s Amy Klobuchar said Graham had a “zest for life” and a “love for the world,” that he was a loyal friend who would be dearly missed. Adam Schiff praised Graham’s “sense of humor and how he deployed it to move his policy positions forward.” He said that “though we did not often agree, Senator Graham was never disagreeable.” Mark Warner said he was “heartbroken.” Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris (he was "full of wit, energy, and charm"), Chuck Schumer: all gave variations on the same statement. They disagreed with Graham, but he was an essentially honorable man with whom they were happy to work.