In a recent turn of events, Representative Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) has criticized Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) following the revelation that a grand jury in Georgia recommended criminal charges against him for his actions questioning the outcome of the 2020 election. Graham defended himself by claiming that his statements were in line with his role as a senator, but Georgia prosecutors ultimately decided not to pursue charges.
During a CNN interview, Schiff expressed his disbelief at Graham’s explanation, stating that it was not acceptable for a senator or any elected official to call a secretary of state from another state and attempt to invalidate votes. Schiff further noted that Graham was fortunate not to have been indicted, as his actions were outside the scope of his job description.
The charging recommendation stemmed from Graham’s highly publicized phone call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R), where he allegedly requested the disposal of ballots. Ultimately, the Fulton County grand jury recommended charges against 39 individuals, but only 19 were officially charged by prosecutor Fani Willis (D), with former President Trump being the most prominent among them.
Strangely, Graham, along with former Senators David Perdue (R-Ga.) and Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) and former national security advisor Michael Flynn, avoided being charged. Schiff speculated that Graham’s position as a sitting senator and the complicated legal arguments surrounding guilt beyond a reasonable doubt may have influenced the prosecutor’s decision. According to Schiff, the prosecutors made a rational choice in this regard.
The trial for two of the defendants who were charged is scheduled to commence on October 23rd.