Lindsey Graham Tells South Carolina He's Ready for a Presidential Bid

The dark horse steals the show from Cruz, Perry, and Santorum.

COLUMBIA, SC - MAY 01: U.S. Senator and GOP Presidental hopeful Lindsey Graham speaks during the 48th Annual Silver Elephant Dinner on May 1, 2015 in Columbia, South Carolina. The event honored Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus and was attended by several presidential candidates.
Photographer: Richard Ellis/Getty Images

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By David Weigel and Duane Stanford

May 2, 2015 at 1:20 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

COLUMBIA, S.C.—South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham used his short speech to a Friday night Republican gala to dispel any doubt that he will run for president.

"Get ready," said Graham, pausing for dramatic effect in front of a ballroom of Republican activists, donors, and politicians. "Get ready. Get ready for a debate that's been long overdue within the party. Get ready for a voice that understands you can't save America without someone willing to sacrifice and die for America. To our enemies: Get ready, because there's a new way of doing business coming. To our friends: Get ready for the America that you used to know. To Iowa and New Hampshire: Hello."