President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign is set to register for the South Carolina Democratic primary, marking the party’s initial clash and a crucial early assessment of the president’s enduring support. Recent polls indicate a decline in Biden’s backing among Black voters, making the state’s Feb. 3 primary a pivotal moment.
For Biden, this primary is the first contested election since 2020, pitting him against contenders like Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips and self-help guru Marianne Williamson. Returning to a state pivotal to his 2020 victory, Biden aims to demonstrate enthusiasm and secure a strong primary turnout, particularly among Black voters, to reinforce his electability for 2024.
While Biden is expected to secure victory, the decision to kick off the primary season in South Carolina, bypassing Iowa and New Hampshire, underscores the significance of the Black vote. Derrick Johnson of the NAACP sees this move as an acknowledgment of the strength of the Black vote.
Although South Carolina is not anticipated to be competitive in the general election, Biden’s campaign plans to invest in a robust get-out-the-vote operation in the state. Additionally, early primaries in Nevada and Michigan, both battleground states, are on the campaign’s investment radar.
Recent polls revealing a fraying multi-racial coalition that propelled Biden to the White House add complexity to the re-election landscape. The president’s approval ratings, especially in South Carolina, face scrutiny, with the campaign mobilizing efforts to address concerns and solidify support among Black voters.
