Headline Roundup • May 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.
Featured Coverage of this Story
Patrick Semansky/AP
About 45 minutes into his New Hampshire town hall, Tim Scott said he needed to reveal a secret to the Republican voters who had gathered to hear from the presidential hopeful.
“Listen, this might surprise some of y’all,” Scott told attendees with subtle laughter in his voice. He paused briefly: “I’m Black.”
The line was met with loud laughter from the mostly white crowd, and it underscored the unique role that Scott faces in the Republican presidential primary ahead of the 2024 election. The 57-year-old senator of South Carolina and erstwhile Donald...
Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) is announcing his presidential run Monday, adding his name to the expanding GOP field for 2024.
Scott has been in the Senate for over a decade, yet his campaign is considered a major long shot, with the RealClearPolitics polling average showing his support at just 2%.
For those who are curious to learn more about Scott as he seeks the nation's highest office, here are a few helpful facts.
He's focused on the positive
Scott, 57, launched a presidential exploratory committee in April and released a video heavy on themes of faith and unity.
“I know America is a...
Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo
Sen. Tim Scott formally jumped into the 2024 presidential race Monday, retelling his family’s story dealing with Jim Crow laws in the South and highlighting his accomplishments in Washington.
Scott, the Senate’s only Black Republican, made his announcement at his alma mater, Charleston Southern University in South Carolina.
"My family went from cotton to Congress in his lifetime," Scott said.
Scott spent much of his remarks criticizing President Joe Biden, including over opposition to work requirements and the administration's effort to forgive federal student loans.
He also criticized the Biden administration's criminal...
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