Bluffton residents react to Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death

BLUFFTON, Sc. (WTOC) - Residents in Bluffton said they are setting aside political differences following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, and that his passing calls for a focus on humanity rather than his record.

Graham had visited Bluffton roughly two months before his death, where he spoke with more than 100 people about issues, including the war in Iran and gas prices, while answering questions about their concerns in the Lowcountry.

Kristen, a Bluffton resident and mother, said Graham’s sudden and unexpected death should prompt people to prioritize his family over politics.

“Politics can make us very angry, and politics have made me very angry in the past, and it can create a division for people, but at the same time, I think everyone that might be feeling this way of being angry, just take a deep breath and realize that this person has family,” she said. “Take away the politics of it, I know that’s hard, but everyone’s human and the only thing we can do is take the next step forward.”

Steve Novak said he believes the best response, even for those who disagreed with his politics, is to focus on the positive.

“That’s what we need to do when we have issue with people, when they die, is to remember the good, the good that they did, and he did plenty,” Novak said. “I have a thing I say — one of the hardest things we have to do as humans is learn forgiveness. And once we learn forgiveness, that to me is the secret."