Trump who? GOP senators rave over a potential Tim Scott presidential run.
Joni Ernst is “very excited about” a possible Tim Scott presidential run. John Cornyn would advise him to “go for it.” John Barrasso stated that it was “unbeatable” with Tim Scott.
Even Sen. Lindsey Graham who was a staunch Trump supporter for most of Donald Trump’s presidency, stated that he is intrigued by Scott’s potential bid for the presidency in 2024. He wants to see “what Tim does before he endorses anyone.”
Graham stated that Scott would bring “something to the table on the first day,” adding that his South Carolina counterpart has “one the most compelling stories of any Republican.”
Scott isn’t shy about discussing the possibility of running for president in 2024, but he won’t talk to reporters and will direct questions to his staff. His Republican colleagues are excited about Scott’s huge reelection win this year, rising national profile and substantial fundraising hauls. They also love his cross-country travels to support other candidates. They’re open to talking him up.
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The South Carolinian has carved out a unique niche in the GOP. He is well-liked and respected by mainstream leaders such as Senator Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, but never openly disagrees with Trump’s world. Even when he’s made halting criticisms of the former president. He’d be a strong candidate for his party, as the only Black Republican senator. His party would also have an opportunity to continue its long-running efforts to attract Democratic-leaning constituents to increase diversity in candidate recruitment.
The 2024 Republican presidential primaries are already looking tough.
The field of candidates interested in the job has not been reduced by the anarchic beginning month of Trump’s bid, which included meetings with antisemites as well as suggestions that the Constitution should be rewritten. John Thune, Senate Minority Whip (R-S.D.), is the one who won. He said that Trump’s latest scandals might encourage more GOP conference members to consider a presidential run, even if they previously stated that they would not challenge Trump.
He noted that Scott had never said such things.
“Everybody is probably assessing it and trying to determine what impact some of this has on [Trump’s] viability. Thune stated that there is no doubt that Trump’s actions have at least caused people to think, reconsider or embolden others.
Other potential candidates like Florida Governor are also possible. Ron DeSantis was the former governor of South Carolina. Nikki Haley, who appointed Scott to Senate in 2013, and former Secretary Mike Pompeo. Scott’s coworkers believe he still has a chance, even though it will be months before other candidates show up.
Scott is “increasing in national prominence [within] party,” stated Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. “I’m curious to see how the first quarter will look in terms of people. Anybody who is serious about this will probably make a decision before the end of April. Republicans will benefit from having someone like Tim as a part of the mix.
It is not clear which member of the GOP conference will pursue a White House bid. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) Recently, he ruled out one. On Tuesday, Senator Rick Scott (R.Fla.), stated that he had “no plans” for a presidential run and is instead focusing on his Senate reelection. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) He also stated that he did not intend to run for office in 2024.
Four sitting senators ran for the presidency in 2016. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, and Graham. Cruz declined to answer questions about 2024. When asked if he considered a bid in 2024, Senator Marco Rubio (R.Fla.), said that he is focusing on the new Congress and fresh from his reelection.
“I have run for president before. “I know what it involves, and I’ve made it clear that I am interested in the future, so we will see what my feelings are in a few weeks or months,” said the Floridian.
Republican senators believe that Tim Scott is keeping the door open. Jennifer DeCasper, his former chief of staff, has recently left the Hill in order to start her own consulting company. South Carolina Republican Senator John Conyers also traveled across the country to support GOP candidates. He attended numerous town halls with Fox News host Sean Hannity and GOP Senate Candidates, and published a memoir earlier in the year.
Thune stated, “He’s clearly helped a number of people across the country in the past year, raised lots of money and created a lot relationships that can prove very useful if they do,”
Tim Scott spoke recently at the Republican Jewish Coalition along with other potential 2024 candidate candidates. He made a subtle comment about a possible White House bid during his victory speech after winning reelection.
“My grandfather voted to elect the first black president of the United States. Scott stated that he wished he could have lived to see another man of color elected president the United States.
Scott was the GOP’s 2021 response to President Joe Biden’s speech at a joint session. He also played an important role in negotiations for a high-profile bill on policing with Senator Cory Booker (D.N.J.). The dispute over changes to qualified immunity, which protects police officers from civil liability for misdeeds, led to those talks falling apart last year. In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, Scott presented his own proposal for police reform in 2020. Democrats opposed it, calling it inadequate.
Scott criticized the Trump administration for suggesting that there was “blame both sides” following a demonstration in Charlottesville, Va. by white supremacists protesting the removal Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s statue. Scott said at the time that he wouldn’t “defend what is indefensible”. Trump eventually met with Scott one-on-one.
Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said that Tim is “one of the more… endearingly and interesting personalities in Republican conference,” and also one of their most talented members. He thinks a lot about it. He just seems like someone who has all the right moves to become a candidate.
