The Republican Party is not out of step with the public and, in fact, welcomes diverse views, Sen. Tim Scott said Wednesday. At the same time, he declined to endorse fellow South Carolina GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Appearing on
CNN's "Crossfire," Scott was pressed on whether the GOP might someday look as if it were out of the loop on
gay marriage and other issues.
"Most of us still believe marriage is between a man and a woman," Scott said, adding that "our party is big enough for people who disagree with my opinion to be a part of the party."
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Scott said the GOP should focus on issues that bring people together, such as the economy and job creation.
"Crossfire" co-host Van Jones noted that
Faith and Freedom Coalition Chairman Ralph Reed appeared on the show the previous night and was not as open and welcoming.
"I think in America, we have communities that have voices that sound less welcoming," Scott replied. "That's just a part of the construct of who we are as a people. Of course, that filtrates into party politics, but at the end of the day, what we all want is for America to move forward together."
Jones noted that Graham, who also represents South Carolina in the Senate, has been under attack for working with Democrats.
Jones asked Scott whether he was willing to endorse Graham, but Scott sidestepped the issue, saying he is running himself in 2014 and is concentrating on his own re-election.
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