Headline RoundupMay 22nd, 2023

2024 Candidates: Who Is Tim Scott, the Latest GOP Presidential Candidate?

Summary from the AllSides News Team

Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) formally declared his candidacy for president on Monday at his alma mater, Charleston Southern University in South Carolina.

The Details: A U.S. senator since 2013, Scott is the sole black Republican in the Senate. In 2021, he delivered the GOP’s response to President Joe Biden’s first joint address to Congress. As a candidate, he is widely regarded as offering a more “optimistic” message. 

Key Quotes: In his announcement, Scott emphasized “the goodness of America,” highlighting how his family “went from cotton to Congress” in his grandfather’s lifetime. Former President Donald Trump wished him luck, calling him “a big step up from Ron DeSanctimonious.” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to file to run for president this week.

Media Perspectives: Some voices across the spectrum compared Scott to former President Ronald Reagan; The Guardian (Lean Left bias) said Scott had “Reaganesque optimism and rightwing principles,” and Fox News (Right bias) contributor Marc Thiessen said he was like a “Black Ronald Reagan.” Fox News also appeared to pit Scott against former President Donald Trump, the GOP front-runner, by highlighting a quote in which he pitched “hope and opportunity” over “victimhood” and “grievance.” Some right-rated outlets highlighted “The View” co-host Ana Navarro’s “welcome” for Scott, which cited “a dearth of melanin in the Republican Party and, also, of optimism and unity.” Navarro added, “Even if I disagree vehemently, at least he’s not a jerk or a madman.” Washington Examiner (Lean Right bias) appeared to criticize Navarro for noting Scott’s race. 

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