Biden Handily Wins First Democrat-Sanctioned Primary in South Carolina

President Biden won the DNC primary in South Carolina on Saturday with approximately 96% of the vote.

The Details: The primary was the first vote of the 2024 presidential race sanctioned by the Democratic Party, which declined to recognize New Hampshire’s Democrat primary last month. Biden defeated longshot challengers Marianne Williamson and Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) who won 2.1% and 1.7% of the vote respectively. Biden’s campaign hopes the turnout of black voters, with whom Biden had become less popular recently, will energize his voter base.

For Context: Democrat challengers like Williamson and Phillips have framed their campaigns through the idea that Biden will lose a general election matchup with former President Donald Trump. The next Democratic primary takes place on February 8 in Nevada.

Key Quotes: Biden’s campaign released a statement that clarified words Biden delivered via speakerphone to supporters at the South Carolina Democratic Party’s victory night event. “I have no doubt that you have set us on the path to winning the Presidency again — and making Donald Trump a loser — again,” part of it read.

How The Media Covered It: Politico (Lean Left bias) framed the night as meaningful for Biden in how it assured Democrats of enthusiasm for him, partially due to the turnout of black voters. Forbes (Center bias) mentioned the importance of the black vote for Biden and his Democratic base. Both sources noted his poor approval rating. National Review (Lean Right bias) included ample context on Rep. Phillips and his campaign.