Interview · 12 Jul 2026
Meet the Press interview
Third-party transcript: Roll Call Factbase (transcript). Retrieved 2 Oct 2026.
No BS Index for this transcript
Only 9 rated questions; a transcript needs 15 for a number. Claims that held up: 60% of 5 checked (Bluff 20.0 of 50). Its claims still count towards the overall score.
Answers questions · observed, not scored
83%
9 questions rated. Fewer than 15, so this does not enter the index. Answered = 1, Partly answered and Declined openly = ½, Dodged = 0.
Vague answers: 40% (shown, not scored). 5 questions asked for a yes or no, a number, a date or a name; 2 got none. Fewer than 15, so a small sample. How this is decided
Answered 6Partly answered 2Declined openly 1Dodged 0
Kristen Welker
He was, Mr. President, and I know that we are all just absorbing this news. We are all in shock. Can you tell us, Mr. President, how you received this news and your immediate gut reaction when you heard it?
AnsweredAsked how the news reached him and his first reaction. The reply describes the evening phone call, the message at about one in the morning and his reaction.Our model rated this
Not yet reviewed by a person
Kristen Welker
I hear you saying that in this final conversation that you have emblematic, he was tireless, but it brought him such joy, didn't it?
AnsweredAsked whether the work brought Graham joy. The reply agrees and expands: he loved being a politician.Our model rated thisAsked for a yes or no: given. Agrees: 'He loved being a politician.'
Not yet reviewed by a person
Kristen Welker
Mr. President, it is just extraordinary. You just spoke with him last night. His office says he passed away from a brief and sudden illness. Are you learning any more details about how and why he may have passed? Did he tell you anything in that phone call, Mr. President, about not feeling well?
AnsweredAsked whether he knew more about the death and whether Graham mentioned feeling unwell. The reply says no: Graham said only that he was tired after a long trip.Our model rated thisAsked for a yes or no: given. Says 'Not really. Nothing. No.'
Not yet reviewed by a person
Kristen Welker
Do you have any more details about that?
Partly answeredAsked for more details about the cause. The reply offers his own inference from the timing of the call, with no new details, then moves to Graham's role in the Kavanaugh hearings.Our model rated thisAsked for a yes or no: not given in 233 words. Asked whether he has more details. Offers his own inference from the timing; no yes or no.
Not yet reviewed by a person
Kristen Welker
You played golf together, frequently on the phone together. What do you think it is about Senator Graham that allowed him to make that transition from competitor to ally so quickly and so forcefully?
AnsweredAsked what let Graham move from rival to ally. The reply gives his account: they got to know each other during the 2016 campaign and the friendship grew after the South Carolina primary.Our model rated this
Not yet reviewed by a person
Kristen Welker
Do you remember, Mr. President, what was the last thing you said to him? What was the last thing he said to you?
AnsweredAsked what they last said to each other. The reply quotes his last words to Graham and describes Graham's visits.Our model rated this
Not yet reviewed by a person
Kristen Welker
There will also be a special election called. Do you have, I know it's only hours, but is there someone you think he should appoint? Is there someone you think he will appoint?
Declined openlyAsked whom the governor should or will appoint. The reply says he has someone in mind but will not name them because it is too soon, then talks about the governor.Our model rated thisAsked for a name: not given in 350 words. Asked whom the governor should or will appoint. Says he has someone in mind but will not name them.
Not yet reviewed by a person
Kristen Welker
\-\- I wanna still have some of those conversations. Those were the conversations he wanted to have here this morning, Mr. President. You obviously launched a fresh round of strikes overnight. Iran said overnight the Strait of Hormuz is closed. CENTCOM came out this morning and said the Strait of Hormuz is open.
Which is it, Mr. President? And how are you gonna respond?
Partly answeredAsked whether the Strait of Hormuz is open or closed and how the US will respond. The reply answers the first part ('It's open') and says he does not want to discuss the rest, while describing the overnight strikes.Our model rated thisAsked for a yes or no: given. Picks one of the two options: 'It's open.'
Not yet reviewed by a person
Kristen Welker
As we should, Mr. President, just finally before I let you go, what is the legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham, Mr. President?
AnsweredAsked about Graham's legacy. The reply names the Kavanaugh confirmation and his skill as a politician.Our model rated this
Not yet reviewed by a person
11 further exchange(s) not rated: procedural or ceremonial questions (a tribute, thanks or condolence that asks for nothing), or questions the speaker did not take.