South Carolina Senator Tim Scott made what I thought was a very successful entry into the 2024 GOP primary. His announcement event was well attended and picked up by most news outlets. He gave a very positive, uplifting address, asking voters to stand tall beside him in the defense of the nation we all love. He’s kept himself out of the mudslinging, at least thus far. And he’s clearly willing to explore media outlets that other candidates will likely avoid like the plague. Yesterday, John discussed how he even went on The View to speak with the liberal ladies there, but I wanted to add a few observations of my own. Scott was accosted by hostess Sunny Hostin with a predictable question about systemic racism in America, but she probably wasn’t prepared for Scott’s response. The Senator took her to task (gently) and taught the show’s audience a lesson about the fundamental greatness of America. (National Review)

South Carolina senator Tim Scott, who is running for president, rejected the notion that the only way for an African American kid to be successful in America is to be an exception to the rule, arguing racial progress has been palpable.

Appearing on The View, Scott was asked by Sunny Hostin if he thinks America is systemically racist. The South Carolina senator responded that past comments on the show to this effect were the reason he decided to join the five hosts.

“One of the reasons why I’m on this show is some of the comments that were made frankly on this show, that the only way for a young African American kid to be successful in this country is to be the exception and not the rule. That is a dangerous, offensive, disgusting message to send to our young people today, that the only way to succeed is by being the exception,” said Scott. “The fact of the matter is we’ve had an African American president, African American vice president, we’ve had two African Americans to be secretaries of the state. In my home city, the police chief is an African American who’s now running for mayor. The head of the highway patrol for South Carolina is an African American.”

Frankly, I was glad to see Tim Scott dip a toe into some of the most liberal waters of American television. If the GOP truly wants to build a red wave in 2024, candidates can’t confine themselves to speaking into an echo chamber. Granted, the majority of people who regularly watch The View will likely not consider voting for a Republican under any circumstances. But they may have some moderate and independent viewers who remain undecided and persuadable. More candidates should do this.

And if they do, they’ll want to be on their toes and be as prepared as Scott was. He likely knew he would get a question about “systemic racism” before he even sat down and he was ready for it. His own life story is the perfect response to such allegations. His campaign message is a positive and hopeful one that reminds us all that America is still a land of opportunity for those who are willing to put in the work and it doesn’t matter what color your skin is.

Scott has constantly come under attack from the left over his failure to be “black enough.” But he considers that one of his main strengths. He is on record saying, “I disrupt their narrative. I threaten their control. The truth of my life disproves their lies.” It’s a powerful message and a stern rebuke to liberal nonsense.

I have no idea what the future holds for Tim Scott’s primary campaign. Despite the great campaign launch and some surprisingly favorable media coverage, he still consistently polls in the low single digits. It’s not even clear if he could carry his own state in the primary since he’ll be running against another South Carolina resident in the person of Nikki Haley. (And she’s currently polling in slightly higher single digits than Scott.) But I have to keep reminding myself that there are still many months before the first primary vote is cast. That’s an eternity in politics and many things can happen between now and then.