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To Challenge Biden, Governor Kim Reynolds Should Channel Tim Scott in State of the Union Response

Posted on Monday, February 28, 2022
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AMAC Exclusive – By Andrew Abbott

Reynold

Every year following the State of the Union Address, one member of the party that doesn’t control the White House is charged with giving the response to the State of the Union. This year, that responsibility falls to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, a rising star within the Republican Party. When Reynolds takes the stage this year, she would do well to follow the powerful example set by last year’s Republican speaker, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott.

Following Biden’s Address to a Joint Session of Congress last year, Scott gave what was widely considered one of the best GOP responses to a presidential address in recent memory. Scott, the first and only African American to serve in both chambers of Congress, presented a striking contrast to a president in Joe Biden who at times struggled to even make it through his speech. Scott rejected the allure of hyperbole or blind partisanship and, in doing so, delivered a speech that was as devastating to Biden as it was resonant to ordinary Americans.

In his speech, Senator Scott effectively articulated what has undoubtedly become one of the voters’ most enduring frustrations with President Biden: the gulf between his rhetorical promises and his actual policies. As Scott noted, Biden “promised to unite a nation, to lower the temperature. To govern for all Americans, no matter how we voted. That was the pitch.” Yet, as Scott noted, from the American Rescue Plan to the For the People Act to Build Back Better and beyond, Biden has championed legislation that even Democrats describe as the “most liberal bill(s) in American history.” Scott deftly juxtaposed Biden ramming through massive spending increases on party-line votes with the five successful bipartisan COVID bills passed in 2020 under President Trump’s leadership.

More than pointing to any single policy failing, Sen. Scott succeeded in succinctly stating the facts without malice, cruelty, or snark. “I won’t waste your time tonight with finger-pointing or partisan bickering,” Scott said. “I want to have an honest conversation. About common sense and common ground. About this feeling that our nation is sliding off its shared foundation, and how we move forward together.”

After President Biden preached division during his Address last year, alleging “systemic racism in our criminal justice system,” Scott set the record straight on race relations in America. As he pointed out, “Just before COVID, we had the most inclusive economy in my lifetime. The lowest unemployment ever recorded for African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans. The lowest for women in nearly 70 years.”

Contrary to the baseless mainstream media narrative that conservative policies are actually designed to disadvantage minority Americans, Scott pointed out that the great economic gains seen by minority groups under President Trump – which have been almost entirely erased by President Biden – “happened because Republicans focused on expanding opportunity for all Americans.”

“Our best future won’t come from Washington’s schemes or socialist dreams,” Scott continued. “It will come from you — the American people. Black, Hispanic, white, and Asian. Republican and Democrat. Brave police officers and Black neighborhoods. We are not adversaries. We are family! We are all in this together.”

Arguably the most powerful portion of Scott’s speech was his conclusion. Scott reflected on how it was timeless American values – family, faith, and freedom – that had allowed him to succeed. “I am standing here because my mom has prayed me through some really tough times,” he said. “I believe our nation has succeeded the same way because generations of Americans, in their own ways, have asked for grace, and God has supplied it.” Scott then closed with words from one of his favorite worship songs – a display of faith that is perhaps out of step with most media elites but again reflected Scott’s deep roots in traditional American principles.

While Scott spoke passionately, it was his strict adherence to the facts that made his speech so powerful. Thankfully for Governor Reynolds, the facts are just as damning for Biden in 2022 as they were in 2021. Biden has, thus far, failed to deliver on his core promises: easing political tensions, rebuilding the economy, and ending the COVID-19 pandemic. His approval rating is hovering below 40%, and his party faces a complete rout in the upcoming midterms. Of course, this is all now on top of a world teetering on the brink of World War III as Russia continues its invasion into Ukraine. Needless to say, Americans appear ready for a fresh vision for the future of their country.

By all accounts, Governor Reynolds is just the right person to do that. Reynolds started to gain more attention throughout the pandemic for rejecting many of the most stringent COVID lockdown orders, instead of pursuing a strategy of protecting the vulnerable while allowing most people to continue living relatively normally. Despite this, she managed to keep case and death numbers low. More than half of Iowans approve of her job performance – no easy task in today’s hyper-partisan political climate. She’s helped pass popular policies on banning Critical Race Theory, school choice, and support for law enforcement, as well as lowering taxes and running a $1.2 billion surplus in 2021 (almost unheard of in today’s world of bloated government budgets and endless deficit spending). 

In short, Reynolds is everything Biden is not – strong, competent, and committed to common-sense policies that are in the best interests of her constituents. All she needs do is, like Senator Scott, stick to the facts. For Biden’s presidency, there’s nothing more devastating.

Andrew Abbott is the pen name of a writer and public affairs consultant with over a decade of experience in DC at the intersection of politics and culture.

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PaulE
PaulE
2 years ago

All the Governor has to do to successfully challenge Biden’s SOTU string of lies and fairy tales is to deliver a set of bullet points that reflect the reality of what the Biden administration has actually produced compared to what the previous administration delivered. You really don’t need to over think this a whole thing or try to make it overly complicated. The KISS (keep it simple stupid) approach is usually the best route to go. Simply go down the very long list of economic and societal destruction, along with the string of national embarrassments, that this administration has inflicted on the American people in the past year, both domestically and on the world stage, and you’re all set. This should be like shooting ducks in a barrel, because the Biden administration has just been one disaster after another.

I’m more interested in seeing what the unhinged Talib will say rant about in her response to the Governor. As she reflects the true values and ideals of America’s Socialist Party today. You know, the Party that still refers to itself as the Democrat Party. I’m sure Talib will throw out the usual string of Democrat talking points, interspersed with the usual insults and slurs designed to try and intimidate most Americans into submission. Yet another national embarrassment for the United States being broadcast live for all the world to see.

Tory
Tory
2 years ago

Entirely with you AMAC. A strong response, like Sen. Tim Scott is imperative. I am interested in
Biden opening a pipeline to reduce the leverage of Russia and waive off some inflation. This administration is comprising our nation, our world with ineptitude.

Rik
Rik
2 years ago

Tim Scott for President! . . . 10x better than ANY so-called Democrat!

Nobody’s Business
Nobody’s Business
2 years ago

She should tell everyone that our esteemed leader shits his pants in front of other dignitaries. That Biden is the cause of Russia attacking Ukraine cause of shutting down our oil pipelines and now we buy Russian oil which gives Russia the money to do it. That inflation is caused by paying people not to work and now when the time is ripe to get going no one can get anyone to work because it’s easier to take money from the people that want to work and be productive and be a Democrat lazy ass!

Honey
Honey
2 years ago

There is no compromising with THIS Dem party. There are no common values. The Dems now in office must be voted out and replaced with people who love this country more than they have incessant power.
So there had to be a clean sweep of these democrats.

I also want to see more conservatives and fewer lazy Republicans.

ART
ART
2 years ago

SORRY FOR THIS ONE==== HOW CAN YOU CHALLENGE AN UNARMED PERSON OR AGENDA ?????

Xtech
Xtech
2 years ago

It was a powerful speech, but his words were forgotten in a week. We need CONSERVATIVES, wherever they are found, pounding home a constant, unified message exposing the destruction being inflicted on the nation by Marxist Democrats and RHINO Republicans!

Rick
Rick
2 years ago

I wish she’d contrast the difference in Trump (MAGA) and Brandon (MRGA- Make Russia great again)

Gregg H Lambert
Gregg H Lambert
2 years ago

Hate to keep flogging a dead mule, but pleading for perspective – if you accept the premise that today’s democrat party cares about maintaining America as founded, you’re halfway to defeat.

Ironmike
Ironmike
2 years ago

Senator Scott was dead on about the left wing socialist party.
I would hope that he would run for the office of POTUS. We need someone well aware of all the issues and problems going on now. Senator Scott is well qualified and capable of leading the conservative people of the US to a brighter future.
I would definitely endorse him if he chose to do so.

Ironmike
SC

Philip Hammersley
Philip Hammersley
2 years ago

Gov. Reynolds, still having her full faculties, should run rings around Senile Joe. Will Joe use a teleprompter or hidden earphone? No way can he talk even semi-intelligently on his own for more than 10 minutes!

Steven
Steven
2 years ago

Before Governor Kim Reynolds even begins to address Biden’s total failure as a President she should ask the same question Ronald Reagan asked the American people when he was running for President against Jimmy Carter. “Are you better off today then you were before Jimmy Carter became President?” Very few Americans can say that they are better off with Biden over President Donald Trump’s time in office. Then she can answer that question point by point in her response to Biden’s non-sensical speech.

D.P.
D.P.
2 years ago

Here’s a preview of the President’s “state of the union ” address…”.Blah, Blah blah blah blah, blah blah.
blah, blah blah, blah blah blah, blah. Blah, blah blah, blah blah blah blah. Blah blah.” Nuf said.

Enuf Said
Enuf Said
2 years ago

As a South Carolinian, we are fully supportive of and PROUD of Tim Scott. As for Tom Rice and Graham–Rice will be gone in November and we WILL primary Graham OUT in 2026– I know it, South Carolina knows it and so DOES Rice and Graham.

Becky
Becky
2 years ago

A reasonably alert 10 year old could destroy that stinking, dead, lump in the White House. I sincerely hope she smokes and destroys Biden.

Theo Prinse
Theo Prinse
2 years ago

Tim Scott is a rino, pro reparation and pro-affirmative action racist. Vote Tim Swain instead

Thomas
Thomas
2 years ago

Biden will tell his usual lies. I will not watch him. Because of the documentary on ACC basketball I watched that and taped both NCIS shows which I will watch instead of the Biden circus. When it’s over I will switch to Newsmax for the truth.

Ron Howard
Ron Howard
2 years ago

I always look forward to the rebuttal to the State of Th Union Address because while it may not change anything immediately it does at least give hope to those of us who are opposed to the current administration. Those who feel it is a waste of time are missing the point. It encourages hope for action and change.

Henry
Henry
2 years ago

I am hoping that this year the voters will not pay any attention to the propaganda we saw in 2020! Vote with common sense and vote in for those who will make a difference for our country! I pray that everyone will vote in November!

Matt
Matt
2 years ago

Oh, for a new day of truth, honestly, and genuine strength of character in the leadership of our country!

Karen
Karen
2 years ago

Couldn’t watch the SOTU. Looking at Biden, Harris and Pelosi would make me throw up! And, what Biden said was all lies.

PaulE
PaulE
2 years ago

All the Governor has to do to successfully challenge Biden’s SOTU string of lies and fairy tales is to deliver a set of bullet points that reflect the reality of what the Biden administration has actually produced compared to what the previous administration delivered. You really don’t need to over think this a whole thing or try to make it overly complicated. The KISS (keep it simple stupid) approach is usually the best route to go. Simply go down the very long list of economic and societal destruction, along with the string of national embarrassments, that this administration has inflicted on the American people in the past year, both domestically and on the world stage, and you’re all set. This should be like shooting ducks in a barrel, because the Biden administration has just been one disaster after another.

I’m more interested in seeing what the unhinged Talib will say rant about in her response to the Governor. As she reflects the true values and ideals of America’s Socialist Party today. You know, the Party that still refers to itself as the Democrat Party. I’m sure Talib will throw out the usual string of Democrat talking points, interspersed with the usual insults and slurs designed to try and intimidate most Americans into submission. Yet another national embarrassment for the United States being broadcast live for all the world to see.

Tory
Tory
2 years ago

Entirely with you AMAC. A strong response, like Sen. Tim Scott is imperative. I am interested in
Biden opening a pipeline to reduce the leverage of Russia and waive off some inflation. This administration is comprising our nation, our world with ineptitude.

Rik
Rik
2 years ago

Tim Scott for President! . . . 10x better than ANY so-called Democrat!

Nobody’s Business
Nobody’s Business
2 years ago

She should tell everyone that our esteemed leader shits his pants in front of other dignitaries. That Biden is the cause of Russia attacking Ukraine cause of shutting down our oil pipelines and now we buy Russian oil which gives Russia the money to do it. That inflation is caused by paying people not to work and now when the time is ripe to get going no one can get anyone to work because it’s easier to take money from the people that want to work and be productive and be a Democrat lazy ass!

Honey
Honey
2 years ago

There is no compromising with THIS Dem party. There are no common values. The Dems now in office must be voted out and replaced with people who love this country more than they have incessant power.
So there had to be a clean sweep of these democrats.

I also want to see more conservatives and fewer lazy Republicans.

ART
ART
2 years ago

SORRY FOR THIS ONE==== HOW CAN YOU CHALLENGE AN UNARMED PERSON OR AGENDA ?????

Xtech
Xtech
2 years ago

It was a powerful speech, but his words were forgotten in a week. We need CONSERVATIVES, wherever they are found, pounding home a constant, unified message exposing the destruction being inflicted on the nation by Marxist Democrats and RHINO Republicans!

Rick
Rick
2 years ago

I wish she’d contrast the difference in Trump (MAGA) and Brandon (MRGA- Make Russia great again)

Gregg H Lambert
Gregg H Lambert
2 years ago

Hate to keep flogging a dead mule, but pleading for perspective – if you accept the premise that today’s democrat party cares about maintaining America as founded, you’re halfway to defeat.

Ironmike
Ironmike
2 years ago

Senator Scott was dead on about the left wing socialist party.
I would hope that he would run for the office of POTUS. We need someone well aware of all the issues and problems going on now. Senator Scott is well qualified and capable of leading the conservative people of the US to a brighter future.
I would definitely endorse him if he chose to do so.

Ironmike
SC

Philip Hammersley
Philip Hammersley
2 years ago

Gov. Reynolds, still having her full faculties, should run rings around Senile Joe. Will Joe use a teleprompter or hidden earphone? No way can he talk even semi-intelligently on his own for more than 10 minutes!

Steven
Steven
2 years ago

Before Governor Kim Reynolds even begins to address Biden’s total failure as a President she should ask the same question Ronald Reagan asked the American people when he was running for President against Jimmy Carter. “Are you better off today then you were before Jimmy Carter became President?” Very few Americans can say that they are better off with Biden over President Donald Trump’s time in office. Then she can answer that question point by point in her response to Biden’s non-sensical speech.

D.P.
D.P.
2 years ago

Here’s a preview of the President’s “state of the union ” address…”.Blah, Blah blah blah blah, blah blah.
blah, blah blah, blah blah blah, blah. Blah, blah blah, blah blah blah blah. Blah blah.” Nuf said.

Enuf Said
Enuf Said
2 years ago

As a South Carolinian, we are fully supportive of and PROUD of Tim Scott. As for Tom Rice and Graham–Rice will be gone in November and we WILL primary Graham OUT in 2026– I know it, South Carolina knows it and so DOES Rice and Graham.

Becky
Becky
2 years ago

A reasonably alert 10 year old could destroy that stinking, dead, lump in the White House. I sincerely hope she smokes and destroys Biden.

Theo Prinse
Theo Prinse
2 years ago

Tim Scott is a rino, pro reparation and pro-affirmative action racist. Vote Tim Swain instead

Thomas
Thomas
2 years ago

Biden will tell his usual lies. I will not watch him. Because of the documentary on ACC basketball I watched that and taped both NCIS shows which I will watch instead of the Biden circus. When it’s over I will switch to Newsmax for the truth.

Ron Howard
Ron Howard
2 years ago

I always look forward to the rebuttal to the State of Th Union Address because while it may not change anything immediately it does at least give hope to those of us who are opposed to the current administration. Those who feel it is a waste of time are missing the point. It encourages hope for action and change.

Henry
Henry
2 years ago

I am hoping that this year the voters will not pay any attention to the propaganda we saw in 2020! Vote with common sense and vote in for those who will make a difference for our country! I pray that everyone will vote in November!

Matt
Matt
2 years ago

Oh, for a new day of truth, honestly, and genuine strength of character in the leadership of our country!

Karen
Karen
2 years ago

Couldn’t watch the SOTU. Looking at Biden, Harris and Pelosi would make me throw up! And, what Biden said was all lies.

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