Yesterday, a bombshell excerpt was leaked from Senator Tim Scott’s soon-to-be-released memoir.
According to a new report out today from the Charleston Post-Courier, Scott’s book, “America: A Redemption Story“, features an excerpt in small font on the copyright page alongside information about how the work should be cataloged in the Library of Congress, reads: “Senator Scott is a rising star who sees and understands the importance of bipartisanship to move America forward. This book is a political memoir that includes his core messages as he prepares to make a presidential bid in 2022.”
Thomas Nelson, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, said it was working to correct the error after a line was added in fine print to the bottom of the copyright page in America, a Redemption Story, as reported by the Post and Courier.
Obviously, the publisher’s retraction has been viewed with some skepticism, even with Sen. Scott himself claiming that the quote is wrong, but the timing couldn’t be more suspect. In light of the gauntlet of damaging press that has been plaguing Donald Trump, especially Cassidy Huthcinson’s testimony and the revelation of secret service permanently deleting texts from January 6, there has been an upswell in demand for alternatives, based on donor quotes and meetings with other high profile Republicans, including Tim Scott.
WHY WOULD TIM SCOTT USE THIS METHOD AS A TRIAL BALLOON?
On the surface, the publisher’s mistake is easily interpreted incompetent editing, but when you consider the high risks posed to any high-profile Republican who even hints at a possible consideration of running in 2024, it’s easy to see why Tim Scott’s campaign would use an apparent public relations fumble to test the waters. This could have very well been a strategy to put the idea of his candidacy out there without declaration that would upset the most avid supporters of Trump who Scott needs if he ever has a chance at elevating from the Senate to the White House.
Only time will tell if the alleged error was indeed an honest mistake.
Since 2004, O’Hern has worked with political campaigns in roles ranging from major projects involving nationwide digital marketing for U.S. Presidential candidates, U.S. Congressmen, state governors, and state representatives. O’Hern’s journalism background includes news reporting and editing for various organizations and news publications in Alabama and Florida since 2002. O’Hern graduated from Samford University in Birmingham, Ala with a degree in journalism and a minor in political science.