Can Tim Scott be President of the U.S.?

by A. Altieri D’Angelo

Photo: official portrait of U.S. Senator Tim Scott

Tim Scott is a Black Senator representing South Carolina who is running for the 2024 Presidency of the United States.

He has a fascinating personal history and is probably the most consistent conservative Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives (the House) and the Senate. His faith and optimism are the basis of his campaign. He offers the Republican Party an opportunity to show that it is not a party controlled by grumpy white guys. Scott's optimism contrasts sharply with the current leading candidates: Trump and DeSantis. He currently trails all other Republican candidates in the polls. However, if Trump and DeSantis fail to hold on to their current rankings, Senator Scott could offer a novel alternative-an optimistic, conservative Black American who does not see America as a racist country.

Tim Scott grew up poor. He lived with his grandparents while his mother worked two jobs to support the family. Scott played football in high school and received a partial scholarship despite a car-related injury derailing any hope of playing for the NFL. He graduated college with a degree in political science. He went on to build an insurance agency and bought his mother a house.

His political career started in 1994 when he became a member of the Charleston County Council. He became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010. In 2012, Governor Nikki Haley appointed Scott to the Senate. Scott is the only Black American to serve in the House and now in the Senate.

Scott will tell anyone who will listen that America is not a racist country. He has stated, "Only in America can my story play out the way it has.”  He has been called Uncle Tim (a variation of Uncle Tom-which is a very damming accusation for a Black American) for his view of America.

The Senator does not believe in the narrative pushed by the liberal left and Black activists. He has said, “When I look at our nation, I don't see division. I  don't  for one second believe the false narrative of a racist, divided America that has been spun by big media. Injustice is real. But infinitely more real is opportunity. There are two ways to view history. One is to shine an unwavering light on the myriad atrocities that have befallen us. And there is nothing wrong with having a realistic and honest accounting of history. In fact, it's vital that we do so. It helps us to keep from repeating it. From my experience, however, dwelling on the pain of the past for too long threatens to keep us mired there. When I look back, I prefer to focus on how far we've come. Only then can I envision how beautiful the road ahead could be?".

Many Black Americans do not share this view. James Clyburn, Congressman from South Carolina, and a U.S. Civil Rights legend, has said of Scott: “If you call electing a person with the pigmentation that he has, who votes against the interest and aspirations of 95 percent of the Black people in South Carolina,...then I guess that's progress".

Scott is an Evangelical Christian. He will use his faith to connect with religious groups throughout the campaign. He will emphasize how his faith helped him endure poverty and led him to attain a better future.

Scott’s voting record is solidly Republican and conservative. He has voted for President Trump’s policies 96.7 % of the time. He, however, has criticized Trump for his Charlotteville comment where he said, "But you also had people that were very fine people, on both sides”. He rejected a Trump appointee for a federal judgeship because he thought the candidate’s views were racist.

The Senator believes in small government, banning abortion, a strong military, limited support for social programs, restricting immigration, and low taxes. He would complete Trump’s Border Wall. He still argues that ObamaCare should be eliminated.

He is a conservative candidate who does not owe his political standing to or tainted by Trump-whereas DeSantis, Haley, and Pence became household names due to President Trump's support.

Scott presents an optimistic, can-do attitude that is based on faith. Such a combination will resonate well with the Republican base. There is nothing to not like about Scott (if you are a conservative) unless you are a racist and cannot live with a Black American Republican running for the Presidency. However, he may not generate the support he needs from Black Americans and other minorities. Not everyone agrees with his view that America is a land of equal opportunity for minorities.

When Scott announced his candidacy, he stated,"Our party and our nation are standing at a time for choosing: victimhood or victory."  Grievance or greatness? I choose freedom and hope and opportunity."

It is unlikely Scott will win the Republican Presidential nomination. Trump and DeSantis must fail before that happens. However, he certainly would be a great Vice-Presidential candidate. It will be an exciting race.