U.S. President Joe Biden’s re-election bid goes before voters for the first time on Saturday in South Carolina, as Democrats hold their inaugural 2024 primary. The primary will serve as a test of Biden’s support with Black voters, who make up more than half of the Democratic electorate in the state. Biden, hoping for an overwhelming victory, aims to address doubts about his age and concerns about consumer costs and border security. Democratic officials expect 100,000 to 200,000 primary votes, following a series of events featuring Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Who sits in the White House, it matters, and in this election we each – each one of us – we face a question: ‘What kind of country do we want to live in?’ Harris said, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming primary.
South Carolina has not supported a Democrat for president in the general election since 1976. However, Biden’s appeal with Black voters, who traditionally support Democrats in presidential races, will be crucial in understanding his overall support in the upcoming election.
Some voters in South Carolina expressed concerns about Biden’s re-election bid, questioning his presence and lack of visibility. Martin Orr, a school administrator, voiced his concerns, wondering if Biden’s age and physical condition were contributing factors. Despite his concerns, Orr plans to support Biden in the election.
The primary results are expected to be announced after 7 p.m. ET.
Former President Donald Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, is likely to challenge Biden in the general election. South Carolina will also serve as the next major Republican presidential nominating battleground on February 24.
Biden strategically moved the South Carolina primary ahead of Iowa and New Hampshire, reshuffling the Democratic calendar. This move not only increased the influence of Black voters but also minimized potential competition for the nomination.
In 2020, Biden secured a significant win in the South Carolina primary, rescuing his struggling campaign. Black voters played a key role in propelling Biden to victory, with their large turnout and support. However, this time around, there are concerns about enthusiasm among minority voters, particularly Black men, and whether they will turn out to vote.
During the previous primary, Biden garnered 49% of the votes cast in South Carolina’s seven-person Democratic race. Democratic officials in the state expect him to capture an even larger share of the electorate this time, as he faces fewer opponents in the primary.
While speaking to state Democrats, U.S. Representative Dean Phillips expressed his expectation that 95% of the state would vote for Biden in the primary. However, Phillips believes he has a role to play, highlighting the importance of having multiple candidates on the ballot to maintain the first-in-the-nation primary tradition.
As the primary draws near, all eyes are on South Carolina to gauge voter sentiment and Biden’s support among Black voters. The results will provide meaningful insights into the trajectory of Biden’s re-election campaign and his standing with key voting demographics.
In summary, the South Carolina primary serves as a crucial test for President Joe Biden’s support with Black voters. With the hopes of an overwhelming victory, Biden aims to address concerns about his age, consumer costs, and border security. The primary results, expected after 7 p.m. ET, will provide valuable insights into Biden’s appeal with Black voters and his overall standing in the 2024 election.
