"I Am Proof of the American Dream" US Republican Scott Announces Presidential Bid

"I am living proof that America is a land of opportunity, not oppression." On the 22nd (local time), Senator Tim Scott, the only Black senator in the U.S. Republican Party, officially announced his challenge for the 2024 presidential election and launched his campaign in earnest.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

According to AP News and others, 57-year-old Senator Scott held his announcement event at his alma mater, Charleston Southern University, located in South Carolina. He asked, "Our party and country stand at a crossroads. Victimhood or victory?" and argued that Republicans must also decide between grievances and greatness.

Senator Scott said, "I will choose freedom, hope, and opportunity," adding, "We need a president who not only identifies our friends and supporters but also seeks sensible solutions and shows compassion toward those who disagree with us." This was interpreted as a criticism aimed simultaneously at former President Donald Trump, who is currently leading among Republican presidential candidates, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, nicknamed 'Little Trump.'

Senator Scott also emphasized that his presence as the only Black senator in the Republican Party exemplifies the 'American Dream.' He said, "To those wondering if a child from a broken home can rise above their circumstances, the answer is 'yes.'" Coming from a background in financial services, Scott grew up poor under a single mother in South Carolina and is a self-made man.

He continued, "We live in a land where a boy raised poor by a single mother can one day serve not only in Congress but also in the White House," calling America "the greatest country on Earth." During the campaign, AP News reported that Scott mentioned his faith and emphasized 'optimism,' attempting to differentiate himself from other contenders.

Senator Scott registered his presidential candidacy with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on the 19th and has secured $22 million in campaign funds. So far, six candidates have officially declared their presidential bids within the Republican Party, including former President Trump, former Governor Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Following Trump, who holds polling support in the 60% range, Governor DeSantis, currently second in support, is expected to submit his paperwork to the FEC and officially announce his candidacy around the 25th.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, "Senator Scott has single-digit support compared to the strong frontrunner, former President Trump," but added, "Scott's campaign, centered on escaping poverty and the need for better economic opportunities, will be tested to see if it can gain traction." Republican Senator John Thune declared his support for Scott, calling him "an inspiring candidate." Economic media outlet CNBC reported that Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, will contribute millions of dollars to support Scott's campaign. Ellison also attended Scott's announcement event in South Carolina as a VIP.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Scott's agenda includes tax cuts, expanding school choice, and strengthening America's position in competition with China, according to his aides. AP News noted that these positions align with mainstream Republican views. Scott also stated that if elected president, he would sign a federal law banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Meanwhile, former President Trump wished Senator Tim Scott "good luck" on social media regarding his participation in the Republican presidential primary. Trump, who has previously mocked Governor DeSantis as 'Ron DeSanctimonious' (a play on words meaning 'Ron who pretends to be devout'), also said, "Tim is a much better person than the unelectable DeSanctimonious."