Sen. Tim Scott closes out first night of RNC with inspiring speech: 'Our family went from cotton to Congress in one lifetime'
South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott (R) gave a rousing and inspiring speech to close out the first night of the Republican National Convention and drew high praise from online viewers.
Scott gave his own life as an example of how America gives anyone an opportunity as long as they work hard.
"You may be asking yourself how does a poor black kid, from a single-parent household, run and win in a race crowded with Republicans against a Thurmond?" he said, referring to his electoral victory against the son of former powerful Sen. Strom Thurmond.
"Because of the evolution of the southern heart in an overwhelmingly white district, the voters judged me on the content of my character, not the color of my skin. We live in a world that only wants you to believe in the bad news. Racially, economically and culturally-polarizing news," Scott continued.
"The truth is, our nation's arc always bends back toward fairness," he added. "We are not fully where we want to be, but I thank God almighty we are not where we used to be! We are always striving to be better. When we stumble, and we will, we pick ourselves back up and try again."
An appeal to blacks
Scott also went headlong into the debate about which candidate would be better for African Americans.
"This election is about your future, and it's critical to paint a full picture of the records of Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Joe Biden said if a black man didn't vote for him, he wasn't truly black. Joe Biden said black people are a monolithic community. Joe Biden said poor kids can be just as smart as white kids," Scott said.
"And while his words are one thing, his actions take it to a whole new level," he continued.
"In 1994, Biden led the charge on a crime bill that put millions of black Americans behind bars. President Trump's criminal justice reform law fixed many of the disparities Biden created and made our system more fair and just for all Americans," said Scott, who went on to list more acts the president made to improve the lives of black Americans.
'From cotton to Congress'
Scott concluded with an inspiring anecdote from his personal life.
"My grandfather's 99th birthday would have been tomorrow. Growing up, he had to cross the street if a white person was coming. He suffered the indignity of being forced out of school as a third grader to pick cotton, and never learned to read or write," Scott said.
"Yet, he lived long enough to see his grandson become the first African American to be elected to both the United States House and the United States Senate," he added.
"Our family went from cotton to Congress in one lifetime. And that's why I believe the next American century can be better than the last," Scott said.
"There are millions of families just like mine all across this nation, full of potential seeking to live the American dream," Scott concluded. "And I'm here tonight to tell you that supporting the Republican ticket gives you the best chance of making that dream a reality."
Here's the video of his full remarks:
Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) full remarks at the 2020 Republican National Conventionwww.youtube.com
Former NFL star Herschel Walker defends President Trump against racism charges in powerful RNC speech
Former NFL legend Herschel Walker gave a heartfelt speech defending his 37-year friendship with President Donald Trump on the first night of the Republican National Convention.
The iconic football star tackled accusations of racism against the president head on.
"I am not an actor, a singer, or a politician. I'm Herschel Walker. Most of you know me as a football player. I'm also a father, a man of faith, and a very good judge of character," Walker said. "I have known Donald Trump for 37 years. And I don't mean we just casually ran into each other from time to time. I'm talking about a deep personal friendship."
Walker recounted Trump's life from his point of view as one of his closest friends.
"I watched him treat the janitors, security guards, and waiters the same way he would treat a VIP. He made them feel special because he knew they were. He understands that they are the people who make this country run. They clean. They cook. They build. They drive. They deliver. He told me, 'Herschel, make an effort to get to know people. Remember their names.' That stuck with me," Walker continued.
Social justice
Walker also dismantled claims that the president was against social justice.
"Just because someone loves and respects the flag, our national anthem, and our country doesn't mean they don't care about social justice. I care about all of those things, and so does Donald Trump," Walker said.
"He shows how much he cares about social justice and the black community through his actions. And his actions speak louder than any stickers or slogans on a jersey," he added.
'Some people don't like his style'
Walker addressed concerns from the president's critics that his tone often did not match the honor of the office he held.
"He keeps right on fighting to improve the lives of black Americans and all Americans. He works night and day. He never stops. He leaves nothing on the field," said Walker.
"Some people don't like his style," he added, "the way he knocks down obstacles that get in the way of his goals. People on opposing teams didn't like it when I ran right over them either. But that's how you get the job done."
'Donald Trump is your President'
Walker concluded to high praise on social media for the heartfelt speech.
"I pray every night, 'God, give him some more time. Give him four more years.' He has accomplished so much, almost all by himself and under constant attack. But there is more work to do," he continued.
"If you love America and want to make it better, Donald Trump is your President," Walker concluded. "He's my President and I'm blessed to call him friend."
Here's the full speech from Herschel Walker:
Herschel Walker's full remarks at the GOP Conventionwww.youtube.com
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