President Joe Biden emerged victorious in South Carolina’s Democratic primary, securing a state that had propelled his struggling White House bid four years ago. Biden easily defeated other long-shot Democratic candidates, including Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips and author Marianne Williamson. His campaign had invested heavily in mobilizing Black voters, a crucial Democratic constituency, and viewed the primary as a test drive for their efforts. Biden expressed gratitude to South Carolina voters for breathing new life into his 2020 campaign and setting him on the path to winning the presidency. The Associated Press declared Biden the winner based on initial vote results showing a significant lead throughout the state. He secured all 55 of South Carolina’s Democratic delegates.
Biden had actively advocated for South Carolina to lead the party’s primary, citing its racially diverse population compared to traditionally white states like Iowa and New Hampshire. Despite being a reliably Republican state, South Carolina boasts a substantial Black population, which played a pivotal role in Biden’s 2020 campaign. Support from influential figures like longtime South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn helped solidify Biden’s appeal among Black voters. Clyburn, a close ally of the president, also called for unity within the Democratic Party and urged the seating of New Hampshire’s delegates at the party’s convention.
Both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have consistently expressed gratitude to South Carolina Democrats for their support. Biden attributed his current position as president to the state’s voters and emphasized their significance in the upcoming general election against the Republican frontrunner, Donald Trump. The president campaigned in South Carolina last week, stating that the state was responsible for Trump’s loss in 2020 and would play a crucial role in defeating him again.
Black voters in South Carolina cited various reasons for their support of Biden, including his defense of abortion rights and his commitment to appointing diverse candidates to federal courts. They also expressed concerns about Trump’s threats to democracy and his baseless claims of election fraud. While some voters acknowledged concerns about Biden’s age, they still considered him a preferable choice compared to his 77-year-old opponent.
