South Carolina is hosting its primary, marking the first official test for President Biden, who has invested significantly in the state.
Fresh from a write-in win in New Hampshire’s unsanctioned primary, Biden is expected to secure a major victory against his two long-shot opponents, according to Democratic strategists.
The South Carolina primary played a pivotal role in resurrecting Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign. After setbacks in Iowa and New Hampshire, he received a crucial endorsement from Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) and secured a comfortable win, setting the stage for Super Tuesday and ultimately leading him to the White House.
Biden Seeks Primary Payoff (Credits: The Hill)
The primary schedule was reshuffled in 2022, with Biden’s request to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to place South Carolina first, followed by Nevada and New Hampshire on the same day, then Georgia, and finally, Michigan.
Although this change sparked backlash from New Hampshire Democrats, the state went ahead with its primary last month, where Biden secured a victory through an intensive write-in campaign.
Strategists believe Biden’s emphasis on South Carolina sends a strong message of unified Democratic support for his candidacy.
Notably, Biden has been successful in articulating his plans to voters on key issues, resonating particularly with Black South Carolinians who constituted a significant portion of his 2020 support. The strategists argue that these efforts can be replicated in other pivotal states for the general election, such as Georgia and North Carolina.
Biden’s focus on South Carolina is seen as a gesture of appreciation for the state’s position as the first in the nation. Democratic strategist Clay Middleton emphasizes the importance of showing strong support for Biden to reciprocate his backing of the state’s primary schedule change.
Middleton expects a high voter turnout following extensive organizing efforts, including a state party bus tour and visits from Biden surrogates.
With around 50,000 early votes already cast, Middleton anticipates that Biden will receive a higher percentage of votes than in New Hampshire, where he won by over 40 points.
The South Carolina primary is seen as a symbolically significant investment in the diversity of the party, with more than a quarter of the state’s population being Black.
While South Carolina has traditionally been a reliably red state in presidential elections, the strategists view the new primary calendar as a step toward creating a more inclusive process with greater input from Black and brown voters.
Despite the state’s red leaning, the primary is an opportunity for Biden to drive a message that resonates with voters and creates awareness of his record and the contrasting choice between him and former President Trump in the 2024 race.
