USF Road to the White House 2024 Maddox Johnson

Heading back to Florida! It's been an honor working with the South Carolina Democratic Party and all of my amazing classmates over this trip. It's a long ride home, so I'll have plenty of time to appreciate the incredible things we've accomplished this week. Go Bulls!  

Words cannot describe how lovely the University of South Charleston campus is! I felt right at home and every twist and turn felt natural and welcoming. Go Gamecocks!  

I had a lovely breakfast at Lizard's Thicket where Fox and Friends was filming a live segment! Though I was not filmed, it was fascinating to see various Fox News icons talking to ordinary people like me.   

Attending Nikki Haley's rally at the USS Yorktown was fascinating. The view was like no other with the South Carolina sunset providing a perfect backdrop to the presidential candidate's speech. A cozy crowd only added to the wonderful atmosphere.  

Charleston is a one-of-a-kind city! The college was immaculate and there was innumerable stores and sights to take in throughout the day.   

After my visit to SC's Congress, having lunch in the park was a lovely treat.   

Visiting South Carolina's Congress was a rare chance to get an inside look at how the state conducts and manages politics. Two fascinating members of the House of Representatives also came out to meet our class!  

Attending the Benny's Brews episode featuring Vivek Ramaswamy was a singular opportunity to hear the perspective of the former presidential candidate after his departure from the race. It's clear that he has no plans of stopping and is highly mission-driven at the moment.  

Though I'm not in this picture, I was certainly living the inviting vibe of the South Carolina Republican Party headquarters! Meeting with the incredible people present there that day was a fascinating look into party operations and helped me connect more with the people keeping the Republican party up and running.   

The South Carolina governor's mansion was an incredible place! The architecture and historical value of such a location cannot be overstated, and it was all experienced as parts of a lovely tour. I would jump at the opportunity to visit again.  

I took this photo after phone banking for the South Carolina Democratic Party! Great work is happening in the great state of South Carolina.  

 Eating at the culturally important Lizard's Thicket! This is an essential stop if you're ever in South Carolina, be it for politics or pleasure. Be sure to order the chicken and waffles. 

Meeting at the South Carolina Democratic Party headquarters! Those working here are a well of knowledge.

It was an honor seeing candidate Nikki Haley and the inner workings of the FOX broadcast in person! People asked some valuable questions we all want to ask the candidates running for office in our country.   

Waiting in line for Nikki Haley! Excited to see such a talked about candidate live!  

It was great meeting presidential candidate Nikki Haley, who gave a great speech last night in South Carolina! Tracking her campaign will be exciting going forward.   

Seeing the Black History Month Parade was inspiring! It was an incredible showing with lovely percussion and a highly impassioned group of people putting on a fantastic show.   

It was enlightening meeting with the Aiken County Democratic Party! Much knowledge and experience was shared and I feel inspired to match their hard work.   

  This photo was taken on Tuesday, the 13th of February, which is only three days out from the beginning of our trip to South Carolina! Here's to an amazing experience.