2016 Watch: Graham Signals Bid Would Focus on Defense

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has established a political committee called "Security Through Strength" to help him, in his words, "test the waters" for a presidential bid.

"The committee will fund the infrastructure and operations allowing Graham to travel the country, listen to Americans, and gauge support for a potential presidential candidacy," states a message on its official website.

In describing his political committee, the SASC veteran said "the theme is that for America to be secure, we need to be strong and have a strong military, and get our act together when it comes to dealing with radical Islam and Iran on the march."

The committee also will focus on "economic security, retirement security, being able to pass on the American dream, that's what I want to talk about," Graham said.

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Asked why he wants to be president, he took a swipe at President Barack Obama.

"I think I have the ability to be a good commander In chief," Graham said, "and God knows we need one right now."

Graham appeared on the cable network to discuss 2012 nominee Mitt Romney's Friday announcement that he will not seek the nomination in 2016. But the interview quickly turned to Graham's dalliance with running.

There is one person perhaps more bullish about a Graham candidacy than Graham: his "Three Amigos" running mate, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain, R-Ariz.

McCain recently told a group of reporters they should "keep an eye on Graham" in the race for their party's 2016 nomination. "Especially in the debates," McCain said of his younger protegee with a smile, "he'll kill 'em."

Graham said for McCain, the party's 2008 nominee, to believe he could be commander in chief "is one of the highlights of my life."

The Security Through Strength website touts Graham's three decades of military experience and his foreign policy credentials.

But some analysts believe Graham is too hawkish, too linked to America's protracted and unpopular post-9/11 military operations, and not enough of a national figure.

email: jbennett@defensenews.com

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