US President Joe Biden secured a decisive victory in the South Carolina Democratic primary, affirming his commitment to defeating Republican rival Donald Trump in the upcoming November election. The 81-year-old incumbent began his journey toward his party’s nomination with a commanding win over two distant competitors, as per projections by US media.
In a statement following the triumph, Biden declared, “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 propelling Biden to the White House in 2020, marking a turning point in his campaign. Despite facing minimal competition in the primary from challengers Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson, Biden’s focus remains on gauging support, particularly among Black voters who played a crucial role in his previous victory.
While voter turnout was a concern, Biden urged South Carolinians to cast their votes, emphasizing the importance of their participation. The state, traditionally Republican, holds significance as a testing ground for Biden’s standing among Black voters.
As Biden looks ahead to the November elections, he acknowledges challenges, including criticisms and low approval ratings. Despite concerns about enthusiasm for his second term, voters express a pragmatic approach, with one stating, “It’s the lesser of two evils.” Biden’s campaign is adapting its strategy, with an eye on the next primary in Nevada.
Recent polls indicate a slip in support among Black voters, particularly the youth, who express frustration over unaddressed priorities. However, other polls show Biden in a competitive position against Trump, despite his personal approval ratings reflecting historical lows for a sitting president.
Biden’s victory in South Carolina further sets the stage for the upcoming primaries, with the Republican contest on February 24 poised to be more intense as Trump seeks to secure a decisive win on former South Carolina governor and UN ambassador Nikki Haley’s home turf.