Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) late Wednesday sought to explain his reluctant support of former rival Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in the Republican presidential race over controversial front-runner Donald Trump.
“I don’t dislike Ted. Ted and I have a lot of differences,” Graham started during an appearance on “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah,” dryly quipping of his own explanation, “I’m getting better at this.”
{mosads}”He was my 15th choice. What can I say?” Graham cracked up.
“One, he’s not completely crazy,” Graham continued of Cruz, comparing him to Trump.
When the host pointed out that the senator was suggesting Cruz was “partially crazy,” Graham responded, “That works in Washington. You’ve got Bernie.”
Graham, who has been a vocal opponent of Cruz, has come out in support of the Texas senator given his more outspoken opposition to Trump.
Graham hosted a fundraiser for Cruz earlier this week, after which Cruz joked that God “can still do miracles.” Establishment GOP figures such as Mitt Romney and Jeb Bush have also recently backed Cruz, an anti-establishment crusader, over Trump.
Illustrating his disapproval of Trump during his “Daily Show” appearance, Graham joked that the billionaire real estate tycoon would have a problem with the South African comedian.
“Are you a citizen?” Graham asked Noah at one point in the show.
“I’m not, why?” Noah asked.
“Do you have a green card?” Graham continued.
“I do not.”
“If I were you, I’d be in a hurry,” Graham said, sparking laughter from Noah. “If Trump wins, your days are numbered, pal. Young, black, liberal guy from Africa is not going to work with him.”