The incumbent President of the United States, Joe Biden, has clinched a resounding victory in the Democratic presidential primary in the pivotal state of South Carolina. This marks his initial official triumph in his largely unopposed journey to secure the Democratic nomination for a potential rematch against Donald Trump in the November 5 election.
South Carolina, the state that propelled Biden to the Democratic nomination four years ago, hosted the first official primary of the ruling party. In Saturday’s primary, Biden, aged 81 and seeking re-election in November, garnered an impressive 96.2% of the votes, while the virtually unnoticed Marianne Williamson secured a mere 2.1%.
Biden's decisive win, declared shortly after polls closed, was expected given the absence of a formidable challenger. Despite concerns within his party regarding his age and ability to engage young voters, no viable Democratic opponent emerged last year.
Scheduled for February 24, the Republican primary in the state is anticipated to be dominated by the 77-year-old former President Trump.
Biden, in a statement, expressed gratitude, stating, "As I said four years ago, this campaign is for everyone who has been knocked down, counted out, and left behind." He highlighted the economic achievements during his term and pledged to make Trump a "loser" in the upcoming election.
The President acknowledged the significance of the South Carolina voters in rejuvenating his campaign in 2020 and believes they have set the stage for another victory in 2024. Biden emphasized the need to combat divisive forces led by Trump, aiming to move the nation forward.
Democrats restructured their 2024 primary calendar, making South Carolina the first official primary state to better reflect the diversity of the nation. Biden, accompanied by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, visited South Carolina twice in January.
While South Carolina may not be a battleground state, the victory is expected to invigorate the Democratic Party and Biden's support nationwide. Michael Tyler, the communications director for Biden-Harris 2024, highlighted the significance of this primary in amplifying Black voices in the Democratic nominating process, emphasizing the contrast with Trump's presidency and its impact on the Black community. Earlier, Biden secured a win in an unconventional Democratic write-in vote in New Hampshire’s primary election in January, even without being on the ballot.
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