Newly released documentary footage reveals that Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away earlier this month following an aortic dissection, had explicitly likened former President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill during the early stages of the U.S.-led conflict with Iran. The footage, captured over hundreds of hours by filmmaker Alex Holder beginning in 2023, highlights Graham's strong support for the military campaign and his belief in its strategic significance. In the video, Graham is seen expressing satisfaction with the initial wave of U.S.-Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran. Speaking in his office shortly after the attacks began, he remarked, “We’ve done it. I almost cried. I mean, how long have we been pushing this?” According to the footage, Graham stated he had spoken to Trump that morning, describing him as enthusiastic about the operation. “He’s jacked. He said, ‘Best thing I’ve ever done.’ He loves blowing stuff up,” Graham said, emphasizing his view of Trump as a decisive leader during wartime. Graham further elaborated on his admiration for both Trump and Netanyahu, stating, “President Trump, when he gets into the zone, he listens, he asks good questions, no tweeting. He… hasn’t tweeted much at all.” He noted the absence of social media distractions from Trump, calling him “a great wartime president.” In reference to Netanyahu, Graham drew a parallel to Churchill, asserting that together, Trump and Netanyahu embodied the leadership qualities of Roosevelt and Churchill in confronting what he described as an existential threat from Iran. The footage also includes a prediction made by Graham on March 4 regarding the potential collapse of Iranian control over certain cities within three to four weeks. However, this forecast did not materialize, indicating that the anticipated rapid shift in the conflict dynamics did not unfold as Graham had envisioned. During a conversation with Jake Sullivan, former National Security Advisor under President Joe Biden, Graham outlined a strategy aimed at creating irreversible momentum by encouraging Arab involvement in the conflict. Alex Holder, the filmmaker behind the documentary, discussed the impact of Graham’s influence on the decision-making process leading up to the war. During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Holder emphasized the role Graham played in persuading Trump to proceed with the military action alongside Netanyahu. “He really was pushing for this war. And when the bombs started falling… you can see how happy he was,” Holder told host Manu Raju, underscoring the emotional response of the senator to the commencement of hostilities. The release of these documents provides insight into the internal discussions and strategic considerations that shaped the U.S. approach to the conflict with Iran. Graham's perspective, as documented in the footage, reflects a broader narrative of American foreign policy advocacy centered around robust military engagement and alliances with key international partners. His legacy, therefore, extends beyond his legislative career to include a significant role in shaping contemporary geopolitical strategies involving the Middle East.
3 reports
Democracy Now!IndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 70yesterdayRep. Jim McGovern, a Democratic Congressman from Massachusetts, discusses concerns over U.S. involvement in conflicts with Iran, comparing the situation to the Iraq War. He criticizes the ongoing military presence in the region and highlights the potential for another prolonged conflict. McGovern also addresses broader issues such as the new red scare, Israeli war crimes, and divisions within the Democratic Party. He participated in a bipartisan effort to urge President Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the discussion around criticism of U.S. foreign policy and military intervention, aligning with progressive viewpoints. The emphasis on withdrawing troops from hostilities against Iran and comparisons to the Iraq War reflect a left-leaning critique of current administration policy
Why factuality (85): The article reports on a statement by Rep. Jim McGovern regarding U.S. involvement in potential conflict with Iran, comparing it to the Iraq War. It mentions a congressional resolution passed by Democrats and some Republicans to call for withdrawal from hostilities against Iran. These facts align wi
Why objectivity (70): The article presents McGovern's perspective and includes his quote about the situation being 'just like Iraq.' While it provides context about the political action taken by members of Congress, it frames the discussion through McGovern's viewpoint and does not present opposing perspectives or balanc
The HillIndependentConservativeFactual 85Objective 70yesterdayA newly released documentary footage captures late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) strongly supporting the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran. In the video, Graham expresses satisfaction with the initial airstrikes, comparing President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to historical leaders Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. The footage, filmed over hundreds of hours by filmmaker Alex Holder, includes Graham speaking directly to Trump, praising his leadership during the conflict. Graham also predicts that Iran will lose control of certain cities within weeks, though this did not come to pass. The film highlights Graham's influence in persuading Trump to initiate the war with Netanyahu, showcasing his enthusiasm for military action.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames Graham's advocacy for military action as a positive trait, aligning with conservative values of strong leadership and interventionism. It emphasizes his praise for Trump and Netanyahu, drawing parallels to revered historical figures, which reinforces a right-leaning perspective. S
Why factuality (85): The article provides specific details such as the filmmaker Alex Holder, the time frame of the footage (2023), and quotes from Graham. These details align with the cross-source consensus, though there is no direct primary source cited. The claim about Graham comparing Trump and Netanyahu to FDR and
Why objectivity (70): The article uses emotionally charged language such as 'cackling' and 'he’s jacked,' which may imply bias toward Graham's perspective. It frames Graham as a 'military interventionist' and highlights his positive views of Trump, potentially favoring a particular political viewpoint. While it includes
Responsible StatecraftParty-alignedProgressive10 hr. agoThe article discusses the legacy of Senator Fritz Hollings, a Democratic senator from South Carolina who served for 38 years before retiring in 2005. Unlike his colleague Lindsey Graham, who was known for supporting military interventions and strong ties to Israel, Hollings developed significant doubts about the Iraq War and Israel's influence over U.S. foreign policy. He initially supported the 2002 Iraq War vote but later became a vocal critic, arguing that the conflict was driven by efforts to secure Israel's interests rather than genuine national security concerns. Hollings specifically criticized figures like Paul Wolfowitz, Richard Perle, and Charles Krauthammer for promoting policies that he believed led the U.S. into a disastrous war. He also questioned the role of Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad, and suggested that Israel's strategic interests played a major role in shaping American actions in the Middle East. His critiques were seen as controversial and contributed to accusations of anti-Semitism, though he maintained his stance throughout his career.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Hollings' criticisms of U.S. involvement in the Iraq War and Israel's influence as progressive or liberal perspectives, highlighting his skepticism toward policies that prioritize Israel's security over broader geopolitical considerations. The emphasis on the role of neoconservatv
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