By The Smartencyclopedia Staff

Palmetto State Holds Key to Early Momentum

Today marks Election Day in South Carolina, signaling the commencement of the Democratic race for the presidency. Voters will decide their candidate in the party’s first officially sanctioned primary for the 2024 election. President Joe Biden is expected to secure an easy win, facing no significant opposition and leveraging his historical connection with South Carolina voters, who played a crucial role in revitalizing his campaign four years ago.

While the outcome is largely predictable, the primary serves as a litmus test for Biden’s standing within the party’s base. The extent to which he energizes Black voters in South Carolina could offer insights into his broader appeal and identify areas where he may need to enhance support.

Primary Schedule and South Carolina’s Strategic Position

Traditionally, New Hampshire claimed the honor of hosting the first-in-the-nation primary, but this year, South Carolina takes precedence. National Democrats strategically moved up South Carolina’s primary, making it the nation’s first official contest. This decision is attributed in part to the state’s diverse population, with Black individuals constituting nearly 30%, compared to New Hampshire’s predominantly white population of nearly 93%.

The move followed a dispute with New Hampshire, which scheduled its contest earlier than allowed. Consequently, President Biden did not appear on the ballot there. However, South Carolina’s primary holds more significance as the first officially sanctioned primary of the 2024 presidential contest.

Biden’s Previous Success in South Carolina

In the 2020 elections, Biden’s campaign was at a crossroads when he turned to South Carolina. After placing fourth in the Iowa caucuses and fifth in the New Hampshire primary, he strategically shifted his focus to the Palmetto State. The move paid off, with Biden securing a decisive victory, carrying all 46 counties and capturing 61% of the state’s crucial Black vote. This win propelled him into Super Tuesday, eventually clinching the Democratic nomination and triumphing over incumbent Trump in the general election.

Current Dynamics and Biden’s Appeal Among Black Voters

In the current landscape, polls, including one from USA TODAY, suggest that some Black voters may not be as enthusiastic about Biden’s candidacy. Criticism surrounds Biden’s response to the Israeli/Hamas conflict, with young voters of color expressing dissatisfaction. A mid-January Pew Research Center survey revealed that nearly half of Black voters approved of Biden’s job performance, with a similar number expressing disapproval.

Key Biden supporter Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., is tempering expectations for high Black voter turnout this year. The Democratic National Committee and the Biden reelection campaign are intensifying efforts to mobilize Black voters in the uncompetitive primary, with multiple visits from top figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris, First Lady Jill Biden, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.

Other Candidates and the Republican Contest

Aside from Biden, other Democrats on the ballot include Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota and Marianne Williamson. However, neither poses a serious threat to Biden’s candidacy. On the Republican front, voters eagerly anticipating the contest between Donald Trump and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley will need to wait until February 24th when the state’s Republican primary is scheduled.

Open Primary System and Voter Eligibility

South Carolina operates an open primary system, allowing any registered voter to participate in any party’s primary. However, voters can only participate in one party’s presidential primary, meaning those voting in the Democratic primary today may not cast ballots in the Republican contest in three weeks.

As the nation watches South Carolina, Biden’s performance and support, particularly among Black voters, will provide crucial insights into the trajectory of the 2024 Democratic primary season.