In a critical milestone for the 2024 Democratic primary season, President Joe Biden won the South Carolina Democratic primary. The state’s voters went to the polls for the first official primary to determine delegates. However, this struggle was more than just a race for delegates, it was a litmus test of Biden’s popularity among Black voters, who played an important part in his 2020 primary triumph and eventual rise to the presidency.
President Joe Biden poses for his official portrait Wednesday, March 3, 2021, in the Library of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz)
The Significance of South Carolina
South Carolina, a state with a diverse population, holds immense importance in the Democratic primary process. Historically, it has served as a bellwether for candidates seeking the party’s nomination.
- In 2024, Democrats strategically placed South Carolina at the forefront of the primary calendar to better reflect the nation’s diversity and values.
- Biden recognized this significance and campaigned vigorously in the state, aiming to secure crucial support from its voters.
Biden’s Mission and Message
- On the day of the primary, Biden addressed his campaign staff with a sense of urgency. He emphasized that this endeavor was not merely a campaign—it was a mission.
- His words resonate beyond personal ambition; they underscored the stakes for the entire country. “It’s about the country,” Biden asserted. “And I think everybody knows it, and I think it’s beginning to dawn on people.”
- His aspiration extended beyond electoral victory; it was about safeguarding democracy itself.
Black Voters and Biden’s Coalition
- Biden’s victory in South Carolina was anchored by the unwavering support of Black voters. He secured an impressive 61% of the Black vote across all 46 counties in the state.
- These voters had played a pivotal role in his 2020 primary victory and subsequent ascent to the presidency. Their continued backing is essential for his re-election bid.
The Potential Rematch with Trump
- The current president, Biden, has no significant Democratic challenger. The primary was a test of his popularity among those who helped him win the election.
- Beyond the primary, there is a possible rematch with former President Donald Trump in the general election. Trump, too, stays politically active.
The Road Ahead
- Biden’s victory in South Carolina gives him vital momentum as the race progresses. Super Tuesday will test the current president’s ability to rally various groups.
- As he seeks to rebuild the coalition that brought him to the White House, Biden’s mission remains clear: to secure a future where democracy thrives.
- In this high-stakes political landscape, his victory sends a resounding message—one that echoes far beyond the Palmetto State. The battle lines are drawn, and the clash between Biden and Trump awaits on the national stage.
Biden’s Mission
Addressing his campaign workers on the day of the primaries, Biden underscored that this was more than just a campaign—it was a mission. “We can not, we can not, we can not lose this campaign,” he said. His statements went beyond personal ambition, emphasizing the stakes for the entire country. “It’s about the country,” Biden declared. “And I think everybody knows it, and I think it’s beginning to dawn on people.” His aspiration? To help safeguard democracy itself.
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