September 4, 2008 Graham praises McCain's stand for the surge Play video

(NECN: Saint Paul, Minn.) - His topic was clear from the first line. "This speech is for the troops!"

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham heaped strong praise on Republican Presidential nominee John McCain at the Republican National Convention Thursday night.

"By every measure, the surge of troops into Iraq has worked, " Graham told delegates, noting a decline in violence, greater Iraqi self-sufficiency and saying that "Iraq has met 15 of 18 political benchmarks.

"The only people who deny it are Barack Obama and his buddies at moveon.org. Why won't they admit it? Because Barack Obama's campaign is built on us losing in Iraq," Graham said.

Graham focused on McCain's push for the surge, which was "one of the most unpopular things John McCain could have done. But you know what," Graham added. "It was the right thing to do."

Graham also recognized a former Democrat for standing by McCain's side on the surge.

"Thank God for Joe Lieberman," Graham said.