2024 New Hampshire Primary: Tim Scott Endorses Donald Trump, Stirring Up the Republican Race
In a dramatic turn of events that sent shockwaves through the Republican presidential race, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott delivered a resounding endorsement for former President Donald Trump at a rally in Concord, New Hampshire, just days before the crucial primary there.
Taking the stage to a cheering crowd, Scott launched into a passionate speech extolling Trump’s leadership, emphasizing his policies on immigration, social security, and crime. He declared, “That’s why I came to the very warm state of New Hampshire to endorse the next president of the United States, Donald Trump.”
Scott’s endorsement was met with thunderous applause and chants of “Trump! Trump!” from the enthusiastic crowd. He emphasized the need for unity within the Republican Party and asserted that Trump was the best candidate to achieve that goal. “We need a president who will unite our country,” Scott proclaimed. “We need Donald Trump.”
Trump responded with gratitude, praising Scott as a “very good man” and a “very respected man.” He also took the opportunity to criticize other Republican candidates, accusing them of wasting millions of dollars attacking him. In particular, he singled out Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor and current presidential candidate, accusing her of forming an “unholy alliance” with “RINOs” (Republicans In Name Only) and “never-Trumpers.”
A Pivotal Endorsement in the New Hampshire Primary
This endorsement comes at a critical juncture in the Republican primary race, with the New Hampshire primary scheduled for January 23rd. Scott’s decision to back Trump is seen as a major boost for the former president’s campaign, potentially solidifying his position as the frontrunner.
Throughout his own presidential campaign, Scott had faced persistent rumors that he aspired to be Trump’s vice president. Many voters expressed their perception of Scott as more suited to the role of a number two rather than the top spot. Scott vehemently denied these rumors, stating that he did not run for president to be in second place.
In December, Scott had stated on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” that he would not be making any endorsements in the presidential race that year, if at all. However, a source confirmed to ABC News that Scott’s decision to endorse Trump was a recent development.
Scott’s Endorsement: A Blow to Nikki Haley’s Campaign?
The endorsement is particularly noteworthy given Scott’s history with Haley. She had appointed him to the Senate in 2012 when she was the governor of South Carolina. Haley finished second to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the Iowa caucuses, both of whom trailed behind Trump. She currently trails Trump in New Hampshire polls as well. A primary win in New Hampshire could be crucial for Haley’s campaign, especially as she heads into her home state of South Carolina, where she still lags behind Trump in polling.
In response to Scott’s endorsement, Haley issued a statement criticizing Trump for aligning himself with Washington insiders, despite his previous claims of wanting to “drain the swamp.” She stated, “Interesting that Trump’s lining up with all the Washington insiders when he claimed he wanted to drain the swamp. But the fellas are gonna do what the fellas are gonna do.”
The Impact of Scott’s Endorsement on the Republican Race
The endorsement of Trump by Scott, a prominent Republican figure and respected senator, is a significant development in the 2024 presidential race. It remains to be seen what impact this endorsement will have on the New Hampshire primary and the broader Republican race.
Call to Action: With the New Hampshire primary just days away, the race for the Republican presidential nomination is heating up. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the race unfolds.