Biden skips South Carolina primary, voters unfazed
COLUMBIA, South Carolina: Biden’s Absence Raises Eyebrows
President Joe Biden made a strong campaign push in Columbia last weekend ahead of the state’s Feb. 3 primary. However, he will not be attending the Democratic National Committee’s victory party, which is expected to celebrate his overwhelming win in the “first-in-the-nation” results for 2024.
The Biden campaign has viewed South Carolina as an opportunity to address concerns about the president’s age, performance, and support among black voters. So, his decision not to personally visit Columbia may raise some questions.
Despite this, voters in the state capital remain unfazed by his absence. The Washington Examiner spoke with South Carolinians voting early, and none of them said Biden’s travel plans would impact their votes.
“Wasn’t he just here?”
“I’m sure President Biden is very busy.”
The president’s decision not to attend the Democratic National Committee did not seem to bother these voters.
Vice President Harris Takes the Stage
Vice President Kamala Harris, who has become the president’s top surrogate on key issues, concluded the campaign week in South Carolina. She delivered a powerful speech at a rally, denouncing former President Donald Trump.
“The former president openly talks about his admiration for dictators and has vowed that he will be a dictator on day one,” Harris stated. “As the great Maya Angelou said, ‘When someone tells you who they are, believe them the first time.’ Well, the former president has told us who he is, and it is on us then to recognize the profound threat he poses to our democracy and our freedoms.”
Republican Opponents Make Their Presence Known
While Biden’s opponents in the Republican party also made appearances in South Carolina, the state’s GOP primary won’t take place until Feb. 24. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley held multiple events, and the Trump campaign organized a rally featuring Rep. Nancy Mace.
Despite the absence of President Trump, the campaign continues to gain momentum.
Why Isn’t Biden Returning to South Carolina?
The Biden campaign did not provide a specific reason for the president’s absence at the South Carolina results celebration. However, political science professor Dr. Danielle Vinson suggests that it may be because South Carolina is not a swing state.
“In South Carolina, we know who’s going to win in November. I don’t even need to know the nominee,” she explained. “We know which party is going to win in South Carolina in November.”
While Biden has been campaigning heavily, he has focused on other states such as Florida, Michigan, and upcoming events in New York, Virginia, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.
What could be the potential impact of Biden distancing himself from the expectations and celebrations surrounding his victory?
He has other commitments.”
“I don’t think it really matters. We’ve already made up our minds.”
Some political analysts argue that Biden’s absence is a strategic move. South Carolina is considered a stronghold for the Democratic Party, and Biden currently holds a significant lead in the polls. By opting out of attending the victory party, Biden may be seen as humble and focused on the bigger picture of his presidential duties.
Furthermore, the absence allows Biden to distance himself from the expectations and celebrations surrounding his victory. It allows him to maintain a humble and hardworking image, rather than appearing as if he is reveling in his success. This could be an effort to appeal to voters who may find such displays of celebration off-putting.
Another perspective is that the president is simply too occupied with his duties as the leader of the nation to attend the party. With an array of pressing issues, including the ongoing pandemic, economic recovery, and legislative agenda, Biden may be prioritizing his responsibilities over festivities.
Despite the speculation surrounding his absence, one thing is clear: South Carolina remains a crucial state for Biden’s political aspirations. It is a diverse state with a significant African American population, and winning their support is essential for any Democratic candidate. Biden’s strong support among this demographic has been evident throughout his campaign, and South Carolina presents an opportunity to solidify this base of support.
Ultimately, the impact of Biden’s absence on the victory party remains to be seen. While some may interpret it as a strategic move or a testament to his commitment to his presidential duties, others may view it as a missed opportunity to connect with voters and celebrate his success. Regardless, the Biden campaign’s focus on South Carolina demonstrates the importance the state holds in the upcoming primary and the significance of the African American vote in the Democratic Party.
As the campaign trail continues, it will be interesting to see how Biden’s decision not to attend the victory party in Columbia will shape the narrative surrounding his campaign and his relationship with South Carolina voters. The state’s primary results will provide valuable insight into the extent of his support in this critical phase of the election.
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