Politics | John McCain Lindsey Graham, McCain's 'Mini-Me' Why the South Carolina senator is proud to be belittled by GOP candidate By Jonas Oransky Posted Apr 9, 2008 1:42 PM CDT Copied Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., center, listens as Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., right, answers a question. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) Sen. Lindsey Graham must be getting something special from his friendship with John McCain, Politico writes, because he's willing to be dubbed Mac’s “mini-me” in the press—and called “little jerk” by the candidate himself. Of course, it's worth it for the first-term South Carolina Republican, who gets a spot in the sun—and what one colleague calls “almost a father-son relationship.” McCain, 71, and Graham, 52, travel and vacation together, and the younger man stuck with his mentor not only on maverick immigration and judgeship stances, but also when McCain’s presidential fortunes turned sharply downward last year. As to the insulting nickname, Graham says, “If John’s not belittling you, you’re in trouble.” Read These Next Defense officials react to Hegseth's Quantico meeting. Government shutdown is here. Here's what to expect. Colorado wants to give 'peace of mind' on Hunter S. Thompson. President asks nation's top generals to loosen up. Report an error