Biden is making major moves but can he pull it off?
In preparation for the upcoming 2024 election cycle, President Joe Biden is strategically focusing on South Carolina as a crucial battleground state to officially launch his reelection bid on February 3. Recognizing the significance of the Palmetto State, Biden aims to secure substantial support, particularly among black voters, to address concerns about his age, economic policies, and border management.
To bolster momentum for the primary, Biden is planning a visit to Columbia, South Carolina, a week before the voting begins. This move comes after the state played a pivotal role in rejuvenating his 2020 campaign, providing a much-needed boost following lackluster performances in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada.
Having proposed the advancement of South Carolina in the primary order, Biden’s campaign sees the state as a key backdrop to counter narratives regarding declining support from black and young voters. The visit also serves to downplay the potential resurgence of former President Donald Trump within the Republican Party.
Quinton Fulks, the principal deputy campaign manager for Biden, expressed the president’s excitement to return to South Carolina, emphasizing the state’s historic role in the national Democratic primary. Fulks highlighted Biden’s commitment to reflecting the party’s diversity and acknowledging the importance of black voters, considered the backbone of the Democratic Party.
However, the stakes are high, as a failure to secure a decisive victory in South Carolina could signal an enthusiasm problem for Biden, especially with a likely rematch against Trump looming in November. Concerns about Biden’s age, economic policies, and handling of the border crisis have been voiced by voters, making South Carolina’s support crucial for his reelection prospects.
Despite a recent victory in the New Hampshire primary, where Biden defeated Rep. Dean Phillips, the lack of delegate awards raises questions about the president’s broader appeal. Representative Jim Clyburn, a co-chairman of Biden’s 2024 campaign, emphasized the importance of a demographic like that found in South Carolina for success in the November election.
Biden’s upcoming visit includes participation in the South Carolina Democratic Party’s “First in the Nation” celebration and dinner. The president’s engagement in the state is crucial not only for his reelection but also for revitalizing support among black voters, a demographic that has shown some decline in recent polls.
As Biden navigates the complex political landscape, South Carolina serves as a critical test for both his Democratic opponents, such as Rep. Dean Phillips, and potential Republican rivals, notably Nikki Haley, who is vying for the GOP nomination. The outcome in South Carolina could significantly shape the trajectory of the 2024 election cycle for both parties.