Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, a Republican, declared his candidacy for president in the 2024 election this week. He took aim at President Biden and highlighted his personal rise out of poverty in the process.
In a morning address delivered at his alma mater school, Charleston Southern University, in his native North Charleston, the 57-year-old began his campaign. Scott officially began his campaign for president last week by submitting papers to the Federal Election Commission.
Scott touched on themes from recent public comments he made as he considered running for president in his announcement speech. He concentrated his criticism on Biden while presenting America as a country of opportunity for risk-takers.
“Our people, our ideals, and our country are all-powerful. According to his planned comments, Scott stated, “But our President is actually weak. “America is not a declining country. But under Joe Biden, our country has retreated. Withdrawing from our history and traditions. Avoiding taking up new challenges and working hard. Running away from power and safety. Even turning their backs on God’s worship and religious freedom.
“This is the most liberated and fair country. Where you and I are able to reach the highest point that our character, fortitude, and skill will allow us to do,” he concluded. “Our country and our party are up for election at this moment. Victory or victimhood? Greatness or sorrow? Freedom, optimism, and opportunity are what I chose.
Scott has joined the GOP field of candidates, which is now headed by former President Trump. Talk radio presenter, Larry Elder, former U.N. ambassador and governor of S.C. Nikki Haley, former governor of AR Asa Hutchinson, as well as businessman Vivek Ramaswamy are all in the running. Up until now, Scott has performed poorly in surveys, receiving just 2% of the vote.
Trump’s closest rival in the race is Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, with the rest of the field well behind. This week, DeSantis is anticipated to formally enter the race.
With $22 million of cash on hand when he enters the race, Scott is off to a solid start in his run for the White House. He has already set aside $6 million for advertisements to air in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Scott entered the field of politics in 2010 when he was elected to the House of Representatives. In order to fill the gap created by former Sen. Jim DeMint’s retirement two years later, Haley appointed him to the U.S. Senate while she was the state’s governor.