One of the most prominent speeches at the first day of former President Donald Trump's Republican National Convention in Milwaukee was given by Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), a former primary rival to Trump who was considered and ultimately passed over for Trump's 2024 running mate.
Many Trump supporters cheered on the speech as inspirational. But it landed with a thud among many other commenters on social media.
"Tim Scott opens with some cringe," wrote independent liberal journalist Aaron Rupar, who played a short clip of Scott beginning his speech by shouting, "Wow, wow, wow!"
One of the main points of controversy in the speech was Scott's proclamation that "America is not a racist country" — a statement that quickly led many on X to point out a key piece of irony.
"Tim Scott: America is not a racist country. He's one of three Black people in that building tonight," wrote the account @DavidEmmerson_D. "Cue the camera shots of only white people lol," wrote the account @MrJeffSchwartz0.
Others weighing in on Scott's speech compared his demeanor to that of an overzealous evangelical preacher. "I’m kind of feeling embarrassed for Tim Scott," wrote the account @mdmaresca. "After his efforts to be named VP failed, he’s onstage trying to sound like a televangelist pimping his roaring lion savior Donald Trump."
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"Everything Tim Scott just said was vomit and delusion," wrote the account @jm_dent. "And everything he talked about being created was created. Thanks to Joe Biden. Donald Trump mismanaged the Covid pandemic and is responsible for a lot of unnecessary suffering of the American people."
"There is no bigger hack than Tim Scott," wrote the account @peterbradyvlcno. "Nobody believes a single word the guy says. #RNCConvention"
"The only thing Tim Scott inspires me to do is go to bed," wrote the account @MichaelKelberg.
