Trump’s Debate Praise Fuels VP Speculation
During Thursday night’s televised debate with President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump gave a notable shoutout to U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina. Trump praised Scott’s work on the Opportunity Zones program, calling him “incredible” and a “great senator.”
This unexpected mention has intensified speculation about Scott’s potential as Trump’s running mate for the 2024 presidential election. Trump’s commendation came while discussing economic policies benefiting Black Americans.
“Tim Scott was incredible and did a great job,” Trump stated. “He came to me with the idea, and it was a great idea. It’s one of the most successful economic development acts ever in the country, Opportunity Zones.”
The Rise of Tim Scott: From Trailblazer to National Figure
Tim Scott’s journey in politics has been groundbreaking. Appointed to the U.S. Senate in December 2012, he became the South’s first Black Republican senator since Reconstruction. At the time, he was the only Black Republican in Congress.
Scott’s ascent continued with a brief presidential run in 2023, though he dropped out before the primaries. His relationship with Trump remained positive throughout, setting the stage for his current role as a top surrogate for Trump’s 2024 campaign.
Opportunity Zones: Scott’s Signature Policy Achievement
The Opportunity Zones program has become Scott’s most recognized policy victory. This bipartisan proposal, signed into law by Trump in 2017, offers tax breaks to investors who put money into designated low-income areas.
According to Scott’s office, more than half of the 31.5 million people in Opportunity Zones are not white. The program aims to stimulate economic development in underserved communities.
During the debate, Scott took to social media, posting, “SO proud of the work President Trump and I did on Opportunity Zones. takes bow“
From Critic to Collaborator: Scott’s Relationship with Trump
Scott’s partnership with Trump on Opportunity Zones grew from an unexpected source. In a Fox News interview, Scott revealed that the idea emerged after he criticized Trump’s handling of a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017.
“He listened,” Scott recounted. “And after we finished talking, he said, ‘Help me help those I have offended.’ That’s how Opportunity Zones was born.”
This collaboration demonstrates Scott’s ability to work across ideological lines, a trait that could prove valuable in a potential vice-presidential role.
Scott’s Growing Influence in GOP Politics
Scott’s influence within the Republican Party continues to expand. He recently launched a video series called “America’s Starting Five” with the four other Black Republicans in Congress, highlighting the party’s efforts to diversify its representation.
Additionally, Scott’s Great Opportunity PAC plans to spend $14 million before Election Day, focusing on turning out Black voters for Trump. This strategic move underscores Scott’s growing importance in Republican outreach efforts.
Endorsements and Future Prospects
Scott’s enthusiastic support for Trump has not gone unnoticed. Trump has praised Scott’s campaigning abilities, stating that the senator is a better advocate for Trump than he was for himself during his own presidential run.
South Carolina’s senior senator, Lindsey Graham, has also thrown his support behind Scott as a potential VP pick. “I don’t think he could have a better pick. He’s qualified to be president, which matters to me,” Graham told Fox News.
