Republican Sen. Tim Scott could alter the trajectory of the 2024 presidential race, writes Ron Elving.
Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina speaks during a Faith in America tour event at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa on Feb. 22, 2023.KC McGinnis/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Even among this select group, Scott stands out because he is its only Republican. In fact, he is only the second Black Republican the voters of any state have sent to Washington in all of American history.The first Black Republican senator was Edward W. Brooke III of Massachusetts, elected to serve two terms from 1967 to 1979.
In this he is like his onetime benefactor, Nikki Haley, who as governor of South Carolina in 2013 lifted Scott from his House seat with a senatorial appointment. , talking about a new generation taking over but not criticizing the former president, who appointed her U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
At the same time, he could also become popular enough to add real energy to the 2024 ticket, much as Sarah Palin did for John McCain in 2008 or Geraldine Ferraro did for Mondale in 1984. Palin and Ferraro were the first women nominated for vice president in Republican and Democratic parties, respectively.
The nature of Scott's appeal to swing voters and to people of color is largely personal, based in his life story of childhood poverty and a long climb to distinction. He has become quite adept at blending that story with the core beliefs of his party: self-reliance, distaste for government and reverence for religion and traditional social mores.
But this much is clear. Were Scott to be half of the GOP ticket next year, he would greatly complicate the Democrats' usual strategy. In close elections, Democrats have long depended on urban communities of color, especially African Americans, to provide the margin of victory in swing states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. That would be a steeper climb if Republicans put a Black man on the ticket.
Prior to the first primaries in 2012, the nation got an earful of Herman Cain, a pizza chain executive who used commercial marketing slogans in his campaign. In 2016, brain surgeon Ben Carson made a deeper run into the primaries, earning nine convention delegates and lasting into March. Carson's performances in the 2015 debates were strong enough that he briefly led in GOP polls that fall.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Travis Scott is under investigation for assault and $12,000 in property damageTravis Scott and his attorney have scheduled a meeting for the New York Police Department following an alleged altercation with a sound engineer at a club early Wednesday morning.
Leer más »
Republican Politicians Went Full Fascist This WeekIt's hard to overstate the horror of what's going on in red states right now to the point where we can only summarize the week in overt anti-democracy actions.
Leer más »
U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales defiant as he faces censure for breaking with Republican PartyGonzales is under fire for his rejection of a hardline border security proposal and his support of a bill for same-sex marriage protections and a bipartisan gun safety law. Texas SanAntonio SATX SanAntonioTX TexasRepublicans TexasGOP SouthTexas
Leer más »
Florida Republican Wants To Ban Electric Vehicles From Hurricane EvacuationsIn another case of Florida political absurdity, a Republican state senator in the Sunshine State wants to ban electric vehicles from hurricane evacuation routes. Bright idea. (Sarcasm.) Everywhere I drive, I see electric cars. They
Leer más »
Jon Stewart Brutally Confronts Republican Lawmaker Over Gun DeathsStewart blasts pro-gun GOP politician who is loosening Oklahoma gun laws but draws the line at drag performers reading to children.
Leer más »