Will Tim Scott Disrupt the Trump-DeSantis Rivalry?

With Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) announcing his candidacy for President in 2024, the Republican primary is getting pretty crowded. While former President Donald Trump is the assumed frontrunner in the race, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) will likely make it a real race once he announces his run. Can we say the same about Sen. Scott? How will Trump and Gov. DeSantis respond to him?

Fox reported that Sen. Scott intended to run a campaign focused on positive messaging. However, he made an indirect swipe at Trump and his claims of voter fraud in the 2020 Election, asking supporters if they chose "victimhood or victory? Grievance or greatness?"

Scott further expressed optimism his standings in the polls will rise as his campaign gains momentum, meaning he could take support away from Gov. DeSantis. Scott has also accumulated an impressive war chest at $22 million by the end of March, which Fox stated can give him a head start.

But the key word here is "war."

While Scott has already drawn ire from Democrats, DeSantis has already weathered blistering attacks from the Trump camp. Most recently, pro-Trump influencers like Alex Bruesewitz and former Congressional candidate Laura Loomer have accused DeSantis of being a "career politician."

Specifically, Bruesewitz said DeSantis "is beholden to his donors and the ruling class." Loomer similarly claimed the Deep State "loves DeSantis" because he "is one of them."

While DeSantis has done very little in personally addressing these criticisms, pro-DeSantis figures have pointed out Trump's flaws, most notably his fiery attitude and penchant for insults that can alienate potential voters and donors, which has already started happening.

Time will tell who ends up the Republican nominee, but little doubt remains that the 2024 Republican primary will be one of the most vicious in history, not just for the GOP but possibly in the United States.

Buckle up, folks. We're in for a wild ride.