Republican South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott hit back at NBC host Kristen Welker on Sunday after being challenged about his involvement in the results of the 2024 presidential election.
Scott appeared on “Meet the Press” to discuss the upcoming campaign between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, the sure-to-be Republican nominee. Scott is rumored to be on Trump’s running mate list, and Welker told Republican senators there are “fundamental differences” between Scott and Trump in their beliefs regarding the 2020 election results. I asked him why he wanted to consider Mr. Scott, given that there was a (Related: Tim Scott suspends presidential campaign)
“There are clear facts here. President Trump himself has said that he expects this election to be fair. He expects it to be honest and that he expects to win.” That’s what a presidential candidate should expect. Frankly, the American people agree with him. “I’m not going to make that an issue,” Scott said.
“So, senator, the bottom line is, can you commit to accepting the results of the 2024 election?” Welker asked.
“At the end of the day, the 47th president of the United States will be President Donald Trump. We’re excited to get back to low inflation, low unemployment,” Scott said.
“Wait, wait, Senator, yes or no? Are you going to accept the results of the 2024 election no matter who wins?” Welker interjected.
“That’s my statement,” Scott said.
“It’s just yes or no. Do you accept the results of the 2024 election?” Welker asked.
“I’m looking forward to President Trump becoming the 47th president. You can ask me as many times as you like, Kristen. But–” Scott said.
“Senator, just say yes or no,” Mr. Welker interjected.
While Scott doubled down on his expectations for the second Trump administration, Welker continued to urge Republican senators to remain committed to this year’s election cycle.
“The American people will make the decision, and the decision will be made by President Trump,” Scott said.
“I haven’t heard you commit to the election results, but are you committed to accepting the election results?” Welker asked.
“This is the deal. This is why so many Americans believe NBC is an extension of the Democratic Party. At the end of the day, I said what I wanted to say. My fellow Americans, their voices are heard. I know that. I believe President Trump will be our next president. It’s that simple,” Scott pushed back.
“But, Senator, you know, the hallmark of our democracy is that both candidates agree to a peaceful transfer of power. I ask you as a potential vice presidential nominee, Do you accept committing to the outcome of the election this election cycle, no matter who wins? Just a simple yes or no,” Welker continued to press.
“I predict that President Trump will win the next election. Listen, I’m not going to answer your hypothetical question, but the fact is that I predict that the American people are talking about the election results today. I believe that if this situation continues over the next six months, we will be in a great position to return to another century of American prosperity,” Scott said.
The South Carolina senator endorsed Trump about two months after Scott withdrew from the 2024 Republican presidential nomination race in mid-November. Since Scott’s endorsement, reports have continued to speculate that Scott could be considered as Trump’s running mate.
Polls between Trump and Biden show a hypothetical close race between the two rivals, with many pointing to a likely Republican victory. A recent poll by Redfield & Wilton Strategies released Friday found the following: Indicated Of the 1,133 registered voters surveyed, 43% said they supported Trump, and 41% said they supported Biden.
