Biden’s Victory in South Carolina a Foregone Conclusion
As the polls closed in South Carolina’s first official Democratic presidential primary, President Biden was already in Los Angeles, stepping off Air Force One. Biden’s victory in the Palmetto State was expected, as his campaign invested significant time there leading up to the primary. Hence, Biden headed west, landing at LAX around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.
An Unpublicized Visit to Los Angeles
Upon landing in Los Angeles, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden were greeted by Senator Alex Padilla and Representative Maxine Waters. Biden then choppered to the Santa Monica Airport while his wife left separately for an event. The details of their activities in Los Angeles remain unclear as they had no public events or known fundraisers taking place. However, Biden had a campaign meeting at a historic Bel Air estate owned by director George Lucas, and Jill Biden spoke at a gala at Paramount Studios in Hollywood in support of a nonprofit.
Republican Criticism
Republicans voiced their dissatisfaction with Biden’s decision to skip South Carolina on primary day, claiming it was a slight by the incumbent. Abby Zilch, spokeswoman for the South Carolina Republican Party, expressed her disappointment, saying, “It just goes to show you how much he cares about actually coming and how serious he’s taking it.”
South Carolina’s Impact on Biden’s Campaign
The state of South Carolina played a significant role in saving Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign after disappointing performances in Iowa and New Hampshire. With an endorsement from Rep. James E. Clyburn and overwhelming support from Black voters, Biden secured a crucial victory that propelled him into the Super Tuesday primaries. In return, at Biden’s request, the Democratic National Committee officially made South Carolina the first state to hold a primary in the 2024 nominating calendar.
A Strong Relationship with South Carolina
President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and other Democrats have actively campaigned in South Carolina to promote the Biden campaign. The frequency of visits and the warm relationship between the Democratic Party and the state is seen as repayment for what South Carolina did for Biden in the 2020 campaign. Despite Biden spending primary night in Los Angeles, political experts believe that most Palmetto State Democrats understand the realistic chances of a Democratic victory in South Carolina’s general election.
Looking Ahead to Nevada
On Sunday, President Biden will head to campaign events in Nevada, a crucial state for his reelection bid. The Democratic primary in Nevada is scheduled for Tuesday, and Biden’s campaign recognizes its significance in securing the party nomination.
