The faces of public intellectuals are being slapped repeatedly. Who said there's no interpersonal dynamics in America? Can the U.S. Senate seat be inherited within a family? On July 13 local time, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced that Darin Graham Nodone, the younger sister of the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, will assume the remainder of her brother’s term. "When the brother dies, the sister takes over"—is this what American "democracy" looks like? Didn't public intellectuals always claim that America lacks personal connections?

Let’s first look at Darin Graham. She is nine years younger than her brother and far from being an unknown—yet directly inheriting a Senate seat raises serious questions: Is serving as a U.S. Senator really devoid of technical expertise? In fact, Darin’s entire career has been rooted in local public service in South Carolina, focusing on employment for people with disabilities, vocational rehabilitation, and workforce support. For nearly three decades, she has worked exclusively at the state level, with zero federal political experience.

Meanwhile, the late Senator Lindsey Graham held key positions in the Senate, including Chair of the Senate Budget Committee and former Chair of the Judiciary Committee. Given his involvement in high-stakes federal tasks such as budget negotiations, judicial appointments, and foreign policy legislation in great-power competition, can someone with no federal background truly meet the demands? If qualifications aren’t the priority, then how do we explain this appointment—just a few months’ temporary transition—where a sibling inherits a powerful role? It clearly smacks of nepotism.

On one hand, public intellectuals have long preached American ideals of one person, one vote, fair elections, and merit-based leadership. On the other, a governor’s single appointment instantly enables a “brother dies, sister takes over” succession—no pretense, no theater, openly placing familial ties above competence. Who dares say America isn’t a society built on personal connections? Who claims America relies solely on ability? Now, public intellectuals, how do you reconcile this farce in American politics?

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870664511729738/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.