President Joe Biden secured a decisive win in the South Carolina primary on Saturday, a triumph that echoed his pivotal victory four years prior and set the stage for a potential rematch against former President Donald Trump.
Despite Biden’s absence in the state during the announcement, his early lead over challengers, including Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips and self-help guru Marianne Williamson, underscored the continued strength of his political influence.
Biden’s Historic Win and Absence:
Biden’s victory in South Carolina carried echoes of the transformative impact it had on the Democratic primary race in 2020.
This time, however, the result lacked the fanfare of his earlier win, as the president found himself on the west coast engaged in a fundraising swing.
Speaking after the confirmation of his victory, Biden emphasized the inclusivity of his campaign, noting economic achievements and the promise of leaving no one behind.
Biden’s Visit and Appeal to Black Voters:
In an effort to fortify support among black voters, crucial to his success in the 2020 election, Biden visited South Carolina the weekend before the primary.
Acknowledging their pivotal role in his presidency, Biden addressed attendees at a state party fundraising dinner, attributing his victory and Kamala Harris’s historic vice presidency to their support.
He took the opportunity to position Trump as a threat to democracy and set the stage for a potential electoral face-off.
Challengers and the Next Generation:
Challenger Dean Phillips, a 55-year-old congressman from Minnesota, voiced concerns about Biden’s prospects, urging the president to pass the torch.
Andrew Yang, a 49-year-old next-generation Democrat and former presidential candidate, endorsed Phillips, who announced his intention to stay in the race after a surprisingly strong performance in New Hampshire.
Final polling had underestimated Phillips’ support, indicating a potential shift in dynamics.
Democratic Primary Reordering:
The reordering of the Democratic primaries, endorsed by Biden and orchestrated by the Democratic National Committee, placed South Carolina first, followed by New Hampshire, Nevada, and the elimination of the Iowa caucuses.
Biden’s absence from the New Hampshire ballot, a result of this reshuffling, created an opportunity for Phillips and Williamson to challenge the incumbent president.
However, a write-in campaign organized by Biden allies secured a resounding victory for the president in the Granite State.
Williamson’s Continued Campaign:
Marianne Williamson, a 2020 Democratic primary contender against Biden, pursued her 2024 bid but garnered only 4 percent of the New Hampshire vote.
Despite a lower-than-expected performance, Williamson remains active in the race, focusing her efforts on Nevada, which holds its Democratic primary on Tuesday.
Upcoming Republican Vote in South Carolina:
As South Carolina Democrats cast their votes, the spotlight now shifts to the state’s Republicans, set to vote later this month on February 24.
The results will contribute to the evolving political landscape as the nation watches the unfolding dynamics leading up to the 2024 elections.
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