Joe Biden Seeks Major Triumph in South Carolina Primary After Advocating for State Precedence
As the Democratic primary season kicks off in South Carolina, President Joe Biden is looking for an easy win, aiming to validate the new lineup championed by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to empower black voters.
Biden is overwhelmingly favored against competitors Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson in a state where 26% of residents are black.
Signifying the Strategic Emphasis on Black Voters in Biden’s Campaign
The DNC officially replaced Iowa with South Carolina as the leadoff state in the presidential primary, emphasizing the importance of voters of color in determining the Democratic nominee.
Biden’s campaign strategy focuses on energizing South Carolina’s black voters, a demographic that played a significant role in reviving his 2020 campaign.
The 2020 general election saw black voters comprising 11% of the national electorate, with 9 in 10 supporting Biden, according to AP VoteCast. Biden pushed for South Carolina to lead the primary calendar, with the state serving as a crucial battleground to demonstrate his support among black Democrats.
The new primary calendar, proposed by Biden, places South Carolina first, followed by Nevada three days later.
The shift also brings Michigan’s Democratic primary forward to February 27, preceding the Super Tuesday states on March 5. South Carolina holds particular significance for Biden, as it was where he secured a pivotal victory in the 2020 Democratic primary, turning the tide after early defeats.
Loyalty of Black Democrats in South Carolina
Despite concerns about Biden’s age, loyalty among black Democrats in South Carolina remains strong. Democratic Congressman Jim Clyburn, a powerful black leader, continues to support Biden, emphasizing the president’s close ties with the state.
The DNC has sponsored a significant ad campaign in South Carolina and Nevada, targeting black and Latino voters to boost enthusiasm for Biden.
Interviews with black voters during the early voting period revealed support for Biden’s defense of abortion rights, appointments of diverse jurists, and concerns about the threat posed by former President Donald Trump.
Biden’s campaign is already looking ahead to the general election, with Vice President Kamala Harris highlighting the stakes in defending democracy against Trump’s threats.
Despite concerns about Biden’s age, the Democratic establishment has rallied behind him, signaling confidence in his ability to secure a second term.
Biden’s focus on South Carolina highlights the importance of black voters in shaping the Democratic nomination process, solidifying his strategy to garner broad support within the party.
