Biden’s Victory in South Carolina Sets Path to Presidency
Joe Biden has emerged victorious in the South Carolina primary, solidifying his position as the Democratic Party’s nominee for the 2024 presidential election. This decisive win was widely expected, as Biden faced little competition from his two long-shot challengers, Representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota and bestselling author Marianne Williamson.
In a statement following the race, Biden expressed gratitude to the voters of South Carolina, who had also played a crucial role in his 2020 election victory. He confidently declared that their support would once again lead him to the presidency, ensuring that Donald Trump would be defeated once more.
South Carolina’s Key Role in the Nominating Calendar
South Carolina holds significant importance in the Democratic Party’s official presidential nominating calendar. With its substantial Black voter population, the state’s primary serves as an early indicator of candidate viability. Biden strategically orchestrated a change in the long-running nominating calendar, placing South Carolina at the forefront to leverage his strong support among minority voters.
The shift in the calendar was seen as a recognition of the state’s influence and a gesture of appreciation from Biden to longtime Democratic Representative James Clyburn and South Carolina for their instrumental role in his previous election triumph.
Acknowledging the Power of South Carolina Voters
Biden, recognizing the significance of South Carolina’s primary, emphasized the power of voters to shape the future of America during a recent Democratic Party gathering in the state. He credited the people of South Carolina for his presidency and Kamala Harris’s historic vice presidency, rallying their continued support.
Four years ago, Biden faced setbacks in Iowa and New Hampshire but rebounded with a resounding victory in the South Carolina primary. Bolstered by the endorsement of Representative Clyburn, he then went on to secure the Democratic nomination and ultimately claim the White House.
Empowering Minority Voters
National Democrats, including Biden, have criticized the nominating calendars of Iowa and New Hampshire for their lack of diversity and limited representation of the broader Democratic Party. By prioritizing South Carolina, a more diverse state, Biden aimed to empower minority voters who have long been integral to the party but sometimes taken for granted.
Acknowledging Biden’s Nomination
While the Iowa caucuses eventually complied with the Democratic National Committee’s calendar change, New Hampshire adhered to a decades-old state law that required it to hold its primary first. As a result, the Democratic contest in New Hampshire was unsanctioned by the DNC, with no delegates at stake. Nevertheless, Biden secured an impressive 64% of the vote through a well-funded write-in effort by prominent Granite State Democrats.
With Biden enjoying a commanding lead in the South Carolina primary, it became clear that his challengers, Phillips and Williamson, faced an uphill battle. When asked about their campaigns, DNC chair Jaime Harrison refrained from suggesting they drop out but stated the obvious: Joe Biden was on track to become the Democratic Party’s nominee.
Biden’s Strong Ties to South Carolina
The significance of South Carolina’s new leadoff position in the nominating calendar was underscored by Vice President Kamala Harris during a campaign event at South Carolina State University. Both Biden and Harris relied on the state’s crucial support, particularly from Black voters, to propel their campaign forward.
Biden, calling into a South Carolina Democratic Party celebration, expressed his gratitude to the voters and promised to return to the state. The president’s visit to South Carolina, despite his expected victory, was viewed as a gesture to affirm his commitment to the Black community and recognize their importance in the Democratic Party.
Biden’s mission in the primary was clear: solidify support from Black voters not just in South Carolina but across the nation. DNC chair Jaime Harrison highlighted the president’s efforts to send a powerful message that the party sees, hears, and values Black voters. By showing up and campaigning vigorously, even in states where victory seemed certain, Biden aimed to reaffirm his commitment to the people who played a pivotal role in his previous election triumph.
