Thune chokes up on Senate floor speaking about Graham

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) choked up on the Senate floor Monday afternoon as he spoke in memory of his friend, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who died suddenly on Saturday night from an aortic dissection.

“It’s difficult to count the ways in which Lindsey’s friendship made this job richer and its burdens lighter,” Thune said, his voice catching as he recalled his friend’s character.

“Lindsey was as loyal as they come and a trusted adviser. I could always rely on him for straight-talking advice. He never minced words or pulled punches. I could also rely on him for a steady flow of humor and encouragement. He could always make me laugh. Always,” Thune said.

The GOP leader recalled Graham’s recent visits to South Dakota, when they would set on Thune’s deck and watch the sun set on Lake Oahe and the stars of the Milky Way appear in the night sky.

“Lindsey’s wit punctuated all of it and I will cherish those memories for a long time to come,” he said, adding with a sigh: “If there’s any light to be found in this grief it is this: That as a Christian like Lindsey, I know that death is not the end.”

Thune discussed his belief in Jesus Christ and the possibility of an afterlife, citing the writings of Apostle Paul about Christ’s resurrection.

“I will miss Lindsey’s friendship …. more than I can say,” he said.

“I am comforted by the knowledge that in the end, he has just changed his address and that one day, Mr. President, we will laugh together again,” he added, his voice altering with teary emotion.

Thune could barely say that he yielded the floor to another speaker as he stifled a sob and walked away from his desk.

Afterward, Thune’s face was lined with emotion as he spoke to reporters about a Russia sanctions bill and about rumors swirling around Sen. Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) extended health absence from the Senate.

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