Lindsey Graham defends NASCAR, Bubba Wallace amid Trump criticism

[left-of-center2012]

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Monday defended NASCAR and Bubba Wallace, one of the sport's top Black stars, as both come under criticism from President Trump.

During an interview with Fox News Radio, Graham said it "made perfect sense" that Wallace was concerned about a noose found in his garage stall. He also argued that by banning the Confederate flag at its events, NASCAR was trying to "grow" its fan base.

"What I would tell people from outside of South Carolina that NASCAR is trying to grow the sport and one way you grow the sport is you take images that divide us and ask that they not be brought into the venue," said Graham. Asked about Trump's tweet on Monday that went after NASCAR and Wallace, Graham told Fox News Radio's Brian Kilmeade that he didn't think Wallace "has anything to apologize for."

On Monday morning Trump tweeted about NASCAR's flag decision and Wallace, asking if the driver had apologized over "another HOAX," referring to the noose found in Wallace's stall. "That & Flag decision has caused lowest ratings EVER!" Trump added in his tweet.

https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/506030-lindsey-graham-defends-nascar-bubba-wallace-amid-trump-criticism

[redstatebluegirl]

1. My my, his internal polling must be scaring the crap out of him.

[Hortensis]

4. Umhm.

[Cha]

2. Wow?

[J_William_Ryan]

3. But Graham will still vote for Trump.

[House of Roberts]

5. Lowest ratings ever?

From the Charlotte Observer:

Sunday's Cup Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on NBC earned a 2.67 rating and 4.34 million viewers, according to NBC Sports. That viewership number is up 46 percent from last year's Brickyard 400 race, which aired in September at the same time as NFL games.