Joe Biden sweeps South Carolina, taunts Trump with ‘loser’ remark

Democrats are scrutinizing results to gauge the support of Black voters, pivotal in Biden’s 2020 win, as he faces challenges with low approval ratings

U.S. President Joe Biden clinched a decisive victory in the South Carolina Democratic primary, expressing his commitment to making Republican rival Donald Trump a two-time election loser in November.

Democrats are scrutinizing the results to gauge the support of Black voters, pivotal in Biden’s 2020 win, as he faces challenges with low approval ratings. 

Launching his nomination campaign, Biden secured a commanding 96.4% of votes in the first 2024 Democratic primary, surpassing competitors Marianne Williamson with 2% and Dean Phillips with 1.6%.

Speaking from a campaign event in California, Biden thanked South Carolina, expressing confidence in a successful presidential bid and branding Trump a “loser” again. 

Amid jubilant scenes at a local Democratic watch party, volunteers celebrated the win and emphasized the focus on engaging voters for the upcoming election.

Despite South Carolina historically favoring Republicans, Biden considers it crucial for testing his support among Black voters, even as recent polls suggest a decline in their backing. 

Biden’s victory comes with acknowledgment of challenges, including concerns about lower turnout and waning enthusiasm among some supporters.

Voters voiced a pragmatic perspective, viewing Biden as the “lesser of two evils,” emphasizing his viability over a strong candidacy. 

The president, leveraging momentum, intensified attacks on Trump, positioning him as a threat to democracy. While polls show Biden leading or in a close race against Trump, his approval ratings remain modest, raising questions about the depth of enthusiasm for his second term. 

Biden’s strategic focus on South Carolina, with its significant Black population, underscores its importance as a proving ground for his broader appeal and electoral viability, as he aims for a successful path to securing the presidency again. 

Source: AFP