President Joe Biden has clinched a significant victory in the South Carolina primary, marking a crucial step in his aspirations for the 2024 US Presidential Election. According to projections by Edison Research, Biden emerged victorious, overcoming competition from Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips and author Marianne Williamson on South Carolina’s ballot.
The South Carolina primary holds particular significance for Joe Biden, as it was in this state four years ago that he experienced a turning point in his campaign. Back then, it was the overwhelming support from South Carolina’s Black voters that ignited Biden’s momentum and eventually propelled him to the White House. The primary win in 2016 served as a springboard for Biden, emphasizing the state’s crucial role in shaping his political trajectory.
This year, concerns lingered about whether South Carolina’s Black electorate would be as energized as before. Questions about Biden’s age, coupled with worries about high consumer prices and security issues along the US-Mexican border, added a layer of uncertainty to the primary. The closely watched vote was seen as a litmus test for Biden’s popularity, particularly among Black voters, a demographic that played a pivotal role in his 2020 electoral success.
While South Carolina is traditionally a Republican stronghold, its demographics make it a state where Black voters hold substantial influence. Approximately 26% of the state’s population is Black, providing a critical voting bloc in the Democratic primary. In the 2020 general election, Black voters constituted 11% of the national electorate, with a remarkable 9 in 10 supporting Joe Biden, according to AP VoteCast.
The endorsement from South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn played a pivotal role in solidifying Biden’s standing among Black voters. In 2020, Clyburn’s endorsement sent a powerful signal to the state’s Black electorate, indicating that Biden was the candidate who could best advocate for their interests. The synergy between Biden and Clyburn was evident in the 2024 primary, reinforcing the bond between the President and the influential South Carolina congressman.
Both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have consistently expressed gratitude to South Carolina Democrats for their unwavering support. Biden, acknowledging the pivotal role of the state’s voters, asserted at a recent party fundraiser that they were instrumental in his presidency. He credited them as the reason he triumphed over Donald Trump in 2020 and confidently declared that they would play a key role in defeating Trump again.
Last month, Biden secured a resounding victory in the New Hampshire primary, even as a write-in candidate. He garnered a commanding 44-point lead over Dean Phillips, the closest competitor. The momentum from New Hampshire, coupled with the triumph in South Carolina, positions Biden as a formidable force within the Democratic Party, solidifying his status as the front-runner for the 2024 Presidential Election.
As Biden navigates the complex landscape of American politics, his ability to maintain and expand support from key demographics, particularly Black voters, will be crucial. The South Carolina primary victory serves not only as a testament to his resilience but also as an indicator of the enduring appeal he holds within the Democratic Party. With the 2024 Presidential Election on the horizon, Biden’s strategic focus on pivotal states and key voter demographics will likely shape the trajectory of his political journey in the coming years.