US Election 2024: President Joe Biden secured a significant victory in South Carolina’s Democratic primary this Saturday, a state he had advocated to be the starting point for his party’s nomination process following its pivotal role in rejuvenating his presidential campaign four years prior.
In the race, Biden emerged victorious over several underdog candidates, including Minnesota Representative Dean Phillips and author Marianne Williamson. His campaign focused substantial efforts on increasing voter turnout, particularly among Black voters—a crucial demographic for the Democratic Party and vital for Biden’s potential rematch against former President Donald Trump in November.
“Back in 2020, it was South Carolina’s voters who defied the expectations, infused our campaign with new vigor, and led us on the path to the presidency,” Biden remarked in a statement. “Now, in 2024, South Carolina has once again made its voice heard, and I am confident that this victory puts us on track for another presidential win—defeating Donald Trump once more.” The Associated Press announced Biden as the winner at 7:23 p.m., after initial vote counts revealed his commanding lead across strategic locations in the state, earning him all 55 of the Democratic delegates available.
This triumph follows Biden’s involvement in persuading the Democratic National Committee to position South Carolina as the inaugural state in the primary sequence. He argued that South Carolina’s more diverse demographic makeup offered a more representative starting point than the historically first states of Iowa and New Hampshire, which have predominantly white populations.
With 26% of its population being Black, South Carolina stands out in contrast to its generally Republican leaning. During the 2020 general election, Black voters represented 11% of the national electorate, with nine out of ten supporting Biden, as per AP VoteCast’s comprehensive survey.
The newly revised primary schedule now places Nevada second, with its primary happening on Tuesday. Additionally, the schedule advances the Michigan primary to February 27, positioning it ahead of Super Tuesday on March 5. Michigan’s inclusion as a large, diverse swing state reflects the Democratic Party’s strategic adjustments to the primary calendar.
Despite the DNC’s plans, New Hampshire proceeded to hold its primary first last month. Without campaigning or appearing on the ballot, Biden still secured a notable victory through a successful write-in campaign by his supporters. In South Carolina, Biden’s strong ties with the local community and significant donor support played a crucial role in his 2020 campaign, revitalizing his prospects in other early-voting states and setting him on the path to securing the nomination.
The support of South Carolina Representative Jim Clyburn was instrumental in 2020, signaling to the state’s Black voters that Biden was a favorable candidate for their interests. Clyburn, who continues to support Biden closely, advocated on Saturday night for the inclusion of New Hampshire’s delegates at the summer party convention, urging unity within the Democratic Party.
Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have consistently acknowledged the critical support from South Carolina’s Democrats. Over the weekend, while in California and Nevada, Biden engaged with Black radio audiences in South Carolina, emphasizing the state’s pivotal role in his presidency. He highlighted South Carolina’s impact on defeating Donald Trump and expressed confidence in a repeat victory in the upcoming election.
DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison, reflecting on the historical voting challenges faced by African Americans, praised Biden for initiating the primary process in South Carolina, a move no previous president had dared to undertake. This shift was seen as a significant acknowledgment of the state’s importance and the value of its voters.
Black voters during the early voting period cited various reasons for backing Biden, including his stance on abortion rights, the appointment of Black and minority judges, and the defense of democracy against Trump’s unfounded claims about the 2020 election. Concerns about Biden’s age were noted, similar to apprehensions about Trump, with some voters expressing difficulty in choosing between the two but ultimately preferring Biden for his leadership qualities.
