Tim Scott launches new video series featuring Black GOP congressmen

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) has launched a new video series spotlighting the five Black Republican congressional lawmakers.

The series, which aired its inaugural video Friday, delves into what it means to be a Black Republican in the context of the 2024 presidential election and the political world. 

The series is called “America’s Starting Five,” and the roundtable discussion featured Scott and Reps. Burgess Owens (Utah), John James (Mich.) and Wesley Hunt (Texas).

Rep. Byron Donalds (Fla.) is credited to be part of the series but was not part of the roundtable aired Friday.

The group focused on previous comments made by President Biden, including his controversial comments that if Black voters did not vote for him then they “ain’t Black.”

“It’s sometimes frustrating as well as entertaining,” Scott tells the others in the video. “Frustrating in that Democrats and Joe Biden get away with saying the darnedest things and never held accountable by anyone for the things they say so salaciously. Entertaining because that is funny. I mean, seriously that’s the thing that you can’t be Black? An old white dude telling me I can’t be Black if I don’t vote for him?”

Scott also shared that his grandmother was a conservative. 

“She may never have said the word ‘conservative,’ she may never have voted for a conservative, but everything she taught me was conservative,” Scott said. 

The participants then moved on and listened to Biden’s comments that “poor kids are just as bright and talented as white kids.”

The comments, which received backlash at the time, were not gaffes, James said. 

“I think Joe Biden is as serious as a heart attack,” James said, as Hunt emphatically agreed next to him.

“The arrogance of these white liberals condescending not just African Americans, but poor kids in general,” James continued. “He’s talking about a social economic divide. He’s talking about elites against working class and poor people. And this can explain why a lot of their policies are beginning to move things away from where they’re most needed.”

Scott, who suspended his own bid for the White House earlier this year, is a strong contender for former President Trump’s running mate. 

Trump, who has been working to boost his support among Black Americans, indicated in February that he is considering both Scott and Donalds for vice president. Many conservatives hope such a move could pull Black voter support from Biden come November.  

The second installment of “America’s Starting Five” airs April 12.