The selection of J. D. Vance for Vice President is good, but I don’t feel it was a great one. Vance brings an impressive resume and fascinating life experience, but I think a much better candidate was available: South Carolina’s own Tim Scott.
Senator Scott has a life experience that supersedes Senator Vance’s. Tim Scott was raised by a single mother and had the additional disadvantage of being a person of color in the Deep South. Inspite of these odds, with the guidance of a magnificent mentor, Tim Scott could construct a career that would be the envy of any person. His rise to become the only black Republican United States Senator since Reconstruction speaks volumes of his character and drive for success.
The Republican Party has been unfairly labeled as the party of racists by the true racists, the Democrats. The nomination of Tim Scott for Vice-President would not only put that lie to rest forever but also serve as a beacon of hope. Further, Tim Scott’s background as a businessman, not a lawyer, underscores his understanding that business and commerce have built America, not the practice of law.
The Republican Party has missed a chance to prove to all Americans that we are the actual party of the people. This is a mistake that I hope will not prove to be detrimental in the future.