MANCHESTER, New Hampshire — Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) teased his 2024 message after learning from his tour of the country that the public has a "strong desire for optimism."

"The biggest lesson on my 'Faith in America' tour stories is really how [the] important, optimistic, positive message that galvanized ... the American people is really important," Scott told the Washington Examiner. "Most conservative audiences have a strong desire for optimism, that we are talking about what we're for, and not just what we're against."

Since February, Scott has swung through early primary states such as Iowa, South Carolina, and New Hampshire to gauge voter needs. During his visit to Iowa on Wednesday, he announced the formation of a presidential exploratory committee, lurching closer to a 2024 debut.

"My exploratory committee on running for president really comes down to the hope that my American dream pales in comparison to the next generation of the American dream because we get the policies right so that human flourishing continues," Scott said.

Many voters expressed worries to Scott about the outlook for future generations, with problems ranging from education quality to inflation. They are in desperate search of solutions, according to Scott.

"One of the things I've heard is that President Biden's blueprint for ruining America seems to start with patriotism. But then it moved very quickly to education, where too many of our kids today really wonder if this culture is a culture of grievance or are we a culture of greatness," Scott said. "We are, of course, a culture of greatness."

While speaking to New Hampshire voters at the Red Arrow Diner on Thursday, voters peppered him with questions and suggestions about education, taxes, and other hot-button issues. Scott said many of those topics were broached on other stops as well.

"We hear so much on the 'Faith in America' tour about the issues of the economic realities facing Americans today. Whether you're on the Left or Right or in the middle. Thirteen and a half percent inflation for the average American who makes under $40,000 a year is a weight too heavy to bear," Scott added.

After popping by the diner, where he gave autographs and took photos with spectators, Scott met with local pastors and officials.

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New Hampshire is one of the least religious states in the country, according to some surveys. Despite that, Scott was resolute that his message could resonate with Granite State voters.

"Certainly, we all should celebrate the foundation of this country being a Judeo-Christian foundation — that's just historically factual," Scott said. "But the 'Faith in America' tour has really focused on faith in each other."