Historic Move Empowers Minority Voters and Acknowledges Biden’s 2020 Election Victory
A major shift in the Democratic National Committee’s nominating calendar has placed South Carolina, a historically Black university, at the forefront of the party’s official presidential nomination process. This move, orchestrated by President Biden, aims to give a stronger voice to minority voters who have long been relied upon but sometimes taken for granted by Democrats.
Four years ago, Biden faced a challenging start to his campaign with disappointing results in Iowa and New Hampshire. However, with a second-place finish in Nevada’s caucuses followed by a resounding victory in South Carolina’s primary, Biden’s momentum skyrocketed. Support from long-time Democratic Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina played a crucial role in propelling Biden to secure the party’s nomination and eventually the White House.
A Break from Tradition
The decision to shift South Carolina to the forefront of the nominating calendar marks a break from the traditional order of Iowa and New Hampshire leading the way. Critics have long called out these states for being unrepresentative of the diverse Democratic Party as a whole, due to their predominantly Caucasian populations and lack of major urban areas.
In contrast, South Carolina and Nevada, which now follow Iowa and New Hampshire, boast much greater diversity. The move is seen as a significant step toward empowering minority voters and ensuring their voices are heard earlier in the nomination process.
A Thank You to Clyburn and South Carolina
Many political analysts view this shift in the calendar as a gesture of gratitude from Biden to Rep. Clyburn and South Carolina for their instrumental role in his 2020 election victory. The move not only recognizes the historical significance of South Carolina but also acknowledges the state’s unwavering support for the Democratic Party.
While Iowa eventually complied with the DNC’s decision, New Hampshire adhered to a state law that mandated their primary to be held first. As a result, the Democratic contest in New Hampshire was unsanctioned by the DNC, and no delegates were at stake. Despite not campaigning in the state or filing to place his name on the primary ballot, Biden still managed to win over 60% of the vote through a well-funded write-in effort by prominent Granite State Democrats.
A Predicted Landslide Victory
As South Carolina prepares to hold its primary, Biden is expected to secure another decisive win in the state. His two long-shot primary challengers, Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota and Marianne Williamson, the best-selling author and spiritual adviser, are also on the ballot but face significant odds.
Christale Spain, Chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, emphasized the significance of going first in the calendar, stating, “For the first time in this country’s history, Black voters get to have their voices heard first in the process. Not later on. That southern voters get to go first. Rural voters get to go first. So it’s a huge deal.”
The move to prioritize South Carolina in the Democratic presidential nominating calendar marks a historic shift that amplifies the voices of minority voters and recognizes the pivotal role they play in shaping the party’s future.