Republican Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina made a surprise announcement on Sunday evening, declaring that he is withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race. In an interview on Fox News with Trey Gowdy, Scott revealed his decision to suspend his campaign, citing feedback from voters as the driving force behind his choice.
“When I go back to Iowa, it will not be as a presidential candidate. I am suspending my campaign,” Scott said. “I think the voters, who are the most remarkable people on the planet, have been really clear that they’re telling me: not now.”
The news of Scott’s exit from the race caught many by surprise, including his own staffers, who were reportedly unaware of the senator’s decision to end his campaign.
Throughout his campaign, Senator Scott struggled to gain momentum, particularly after facing criticism from conservative TV host Tucker Carlson, who accused Scott of being a Ukraine hawk. In a controversial segment over the summer, Carlson questioned Scott’s hawkish stance toward Russia, pointing out that Russia had not caused any American casualties, while Mexico’s fentanyl trade had resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans. Carlson questioned why Mexico was considered an ally despite these statistics, while Russia was labeled as a sworn enemy.
During the tense exchange, Scott defended his stance by mentioning legislation he had sponsored to freeze the assets of Mexican cartels. However, the exchange with Carlson and the subsequent fallout may have contributed to Scott’s difficulty in gaining traction in the 2024 race.
In a clip shared on Twitter, Tucker Carlson can be seen challenging Senator Scott on his position regarding Mexico and Russia, emphasizing the issue of fentanyl trafficking and its impact on American lives. Scott’s response appeared to pivot to the need for sending more weapons to Ukraine, which may not have resonated with all voters.
Scott’s decision to drop out of the race comes as a surprise to many, signaling a shift in the landscape of the 2024 Republican presidential field. The announcement also raises questions about the factors that led to his exit and the impact it may have on the remaining candidates in the race.
As the 2024 presidential race continues to unfold, Senator Tim Scott’s decision to suspend his campaign will undoubtedly have ripple effects within the Republican party. The reasons behind his withdrawal and the subsequent implications are yet to be fully realized, but with the field now without one of its prominent candidates, the dynamics of the race are sure to evolve in the coming months.
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