Graham all but in presidential race, will have announcement June 1

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., saying he’s “been more right than wrong on foreign policy,” Monday all but formally entered the presidential race.

“I’m running because of what you see on television. I’m running because the world is falling apart,” he told “CBS This Morning” Monday. He stopped short of formally declaring his candidacy, saying he’d have an announcement June 1 in South Carolina.

He cited “my ability in my own mind to be a good commander-in-chief and to make Washington work.”

He said, “I’ll make an announcement on June 1. You’re all invited to come. Spend money when you do,.”

Graham, 59, elected to a third Senate term last year, would start as a decided longshot in a crowded field. A military veteran and senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Graham is positioning himself as most qualified to be commander-in-chief. He talked about Middle East turmoil Monday, saying he said he would “probably not” have invaded Iraq if he knew then what is now known.

But he wants tougher American action now in the Middle East, saying, “I’m worried about an attack on our homeland.”

A day after the Iraqi city of Ramadi fell to the Islamic State group, Graham said he thought American troops may have to fall in Iraq and Syria to protect this country.

This story was originally published May 18, 2015 at 9:28 AM with the headline "Graham all but in presidential race, will have announcement June 1."