Greetings, Recast community! A tragedy unfolds at a distant military outpost in Jordan, where an enemy drone claims the lives of three service members. President Biden points the finger at Iran, promising retaliatory action.
Meanwhile, the House Homeland Security Committee convenes to deliberate on articles of impeachment against Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. However, our primary focus today shifts to the Democrats in South Carolina, who are gearing up for the party’s inaugural presidential primary this weekend.
The Democrats in South Carolina harbor high hopes that, come the state’s February 3 primary, history will once again play a pivotal role in propelling Joe Biden towards the presidency.
President Biden (Credits: The Guardian)
A glance at the past offers encouragement, with the Palmetto State delivering a resounding victory for Biden four years ago. In that contest, he dominated all 46 counties, securing both the state and eventually the party’s nomination, culminating in his triumph over Donald Trump in the general election.
The significance of South Carolina, with its influential Black Democratic voting bloc, was so profound in Biden’s presidential journey that the Democratic National Committee, against the preferences of Iowa and New Hampshire officials, opted to move it to the forefront of the primary calendar.
Joe Biden, cognizant of the impact of South Carolina on his political trajectory, is now striving to recapture the magic of 2020. He recently embarked on a campaign tour, joining forces with veteran Democratic Representative Jim Clyburn for a church service in Columbia, the state capital, and engaging with patrons at the Regal Lounge barbershop.
At the state party’s “First-in-the-Nation” celebration dinner, Biden directed his words towards Black voters, acknowledging, “I wouldn’t be here without the Democratic voters of South Carolina.”
Christale Spain, the first Black woman to chair the South Carolina Democratic Party, dismisses the notion of feeling pressured to ensure a robust turnout for Biden this weekend. She characterizes the upcoming primary as “unprecedented” due to being “contested but not competitive.”
While Dean Phillips and author Marianne Williamson are challenging Biden for the nomination, their impact is expected to be minimal compared to Biden’s overwhelming support.
Spain, assuming the role of state party chair in April, expresses confidence that voters will rally for Biden. She challenges the prevailing narrative suggesting a decline in support from Black voters, particularly Black men, arguing that it is more a result of insufficient awareness regarding Biden’s contributions to South Carolina and the broader Black community.
