Joe Biden emerged victorious in the South Carolina Democratic primary, marking the first official contest in the US presidential race. US media projections declared President Biden the winner in the southern state, where the Democratic primary took place to determine the party’s candidate for the November election. The incumbent, aged 81, secured a decisive win over two distant competitors, as reported by US media projections.
In a statement, Biden confidently asserted, “Now in 2024, the people of South Carolina have spoken again, and I have no doubt that you have set us on the path to winning the presidency again—and making Donald Trump a loser—again.” South Carolina played a pivotal role in Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign turnaround, overcoming earlier setbacks in other primaries.
The primary results are under scrutiny by Democrats, particularly concerning Biden’s support among Black voters, who played a crucial role in his 2020 victory. Despite concerns about low approval ratings, Biden expressed optimism about the future, already looking ahead to the upcoming primary in Nevada.
Biden faced minimal competition in the primary, with only two contenders—Minnesota congressman and gelato magnate Dean Phillips and best-selling self-help author Marianne Williamson. Some voters expressed concerns about turnout, perceiving Biden’s victory as a foregone conclusion.
While South Carolina is expected to remain in Republican hands in November, Biden considers it a significant battleground to showcase his support among Black voters. Some voters acknowledged satisfaction with Biden’s presidential record but expressed a lack of enthusiasm for his second-term bid, driven by a preference to prevent a Trump victory.
Despite recent polls indicating a decline in support among Black voters, especially the youth, Biden remains competitive against Trump in various polls. Voters emphasized the pragmatic choice of Biden as the “lesser of two evils” due to his perceived viability.
Biden, recognizing the importance of South Carolina in the primary calendar, advocated for it to lead this year, emphasizing its diverse population. The president has actively campaigned in the state, with recent efforts focusing on addressing voters’ concerns.
As Biden looks forward to the future, the Republican primary on February 24 promises heightened drama, with Trump aiming to secure victory over former South Carolina governor and UN ambassador Nikki Haley on her home turf.
