Joe Biden, the current President of the United States, has won his first official primary victory in South Carolina for his 2024 campaign, according to CNN. This victory holds significant importance for Biden, as South Carolina was the state that propelled him to secure the Democratic nomination four years ago. The decision to place South Carolina at the forefront of the official Democratic nominating calendar was primarily influenced by Biden’s insistence.
In order to solidify South Carolina’s position as the inaugural primary of the 2024 Democratic race, Biden personally visited the state twice last month. Additionally, Vice President Kamala Harris took center stage at a get-out-the-vote event held at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg on Friday. The efforts put forth by the Biden campaign and its supporters in South Carolina showcased their determination to secure victory in this crucial primary.
During a Sunday lunch gathering at Brookland Baptist Church in Columbia, Biden expressed his gratitude to the people of South Carolina, stating, “You’ve had my back, and I hope I’ve had yours.” This sentiment reflects the strong bond between Biden and the residents of South Carolina, which was established during his 2020 presidential campaign.
It is worth noting that Biden’s performance in the South Carolina primary in 2020 was pivotal in securing his nomination. Prior to that primary, he had faced disappointing results in the Iowa caucuses, New Hampshire primary, and Nevada caucuses. However, the significant endorsement of influential Democratic Representative Jim Clyburn and the support from South Carolina’s sizable Black population propelled Biden to a resounding victory. This win demonstrated his strength within a core Democratic constituency that no other contender could match.
Four years later, Biden’s campaign and its allies in South Carolina focused on strengthening support among Black voters. This demographic plays a crucial role in Biden’s prospects for reelection, particularly in battleground states such as Georgia and the “blue wall” states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. By prioritizing South Carolina and its Black population, Biden aims to solidify his standing within this key voting bloc.
The victory in South Carolina marks an important milestone for Joe Biden’s 2024 campaign. It not only symbolizes his strong connection with the state but also highlights his strategy to secure support among Black voters, a critical constituency for his reelection. As the campaign progresses, Biden will continue to rely on the support he has garnered in South Carolina as he seeks to secure victory in future primaries and ultimately secure another term as President of the United States.