Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., is launching a new video series called “America’s Starting Five” with several Black House Republican lawmakers, including Reps. Burgess Owens, Byron Donalds, John James, and Wesley Hunt. The series aims to highlight the perspectives of Black Republicans and their views on race and politics in America. In the first episode, the lawmakers react to infamous clips of President Biden discussing Black people, with Scott joking about being told he can’t be Black if he doesn’t vote for Biden. The video series is part of a larger GOP effort to reach Black voters and challenge divisive narratives surrounding Black conservatives.
The videos are designed to replicate the atmosphere of a casual meeting place among Black men, drawing inspiration from the role that barbershops play in the Black community as spaces for social interaction. The series showcases the Republican lawmakers discussing current events and joking among each other. Scott has also put a focus on reaching Black voters in the lead up to his potential 2024 presidential campaign, releasing a video in February 2023 that showcased his lifelong barbershop in North Charleston, S.C. Trump has expressed consideration of Scott as a potential running mate in the 2024 race, citing his defense and support of Trump.
Scott’s series comes at a time when President Biden’s support among Black voters is receding, providing an opportunity for Republicans to reach out to this demographic. Black conservatives have been labeled as “oxymorons” and “tokens” by leftists for their beliefs in secure borders, a strong economy, good schools, and safe communities. Owens, one of the lawmakers in the series, has emphasized the importance of returning the country to its values of faith, family, free market, and education. The videos aim to challenge divisive narratives and showcase the perspectives of Black Republicans.
The series features informal roundtable conversations among the Black House Republican lawmakers as they discuss various topics related to race and politics in America. Hunt remarked in an episode that he has been Black for a very long time, to which Scott jokingly replied that he had been Black longer. The series aims to highlight the diversity of perspectives within the Black community and challenge stereotypes of Black conservatives. The Republican National Committee has been collaborating with the lawmakers’ teams on the series for several weeks.
Scott’s potential role as Trump’s running mate in the 2024 race adds another layer of significance to the video series, as Trump has expressed admiration for Scott’s defense and support of him. Scott’s focus on reaching Black voters and challenging divisive narratives aligns with the larger GOP effort to expand its outreach to minority communities. The videos offer a platform for Black Republican voices to be heard and provide a space for open dialogue and discussion on important issues facing the Black community. The series serves as a unique and engaging way to connect with voters and share perspectives on race and politics in America.
