Biden took an aggressive path toward 2024 following his win of South Carolina’s Democratic primary with little opposition, yet some observers are alarmed that some members of his diverse coalition from 2020 may no longer support him.
One such effort by his administration to eliminate student debt has disappointed some progressive and minority voters who were hoping for more of an immediate payout.
Challenges Loom
Biden’s win in South Carolina could signal momentum as the election heats up, yet his declining support from Black voters is of concern to some party leaders. According to recent polling, less Black voters approve of his performance at work or believe he can serve as president effectively.
At an exhilarating party for local volunteers, Biden used his speech to rally support from his constituents and warn of an even greater threat if Donald Trump wins a second term. He pledged his full effort for health care reforms as well as increased Pell Grants for low-income students.
Biden‘s closest rivals in 2020 include US Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota and Marianne Williamson – neither of whom made the final cut – both of whom have struggled in polls to catch him despite all of his recent support among Democratic primary voters who oppose Donald Trump. But Biden may well face the ultimate test at this primary: how well he can revive support within their base.
Biden’s Age Is a Concern
While both Democrats and some Republican candidates have raised issues regarding his age, most voters do not appear particularly concerned by it. If elected again, Biden would begin his second term as vice president at age 82; leading Republican challenger Donald Trump stands at only 78 years of age.
But for Biden to effectively compete against Trump, he may need to do more to counter perceptions about his age. His campaign has already started doing this via rapid-response videos on Platform X.
Some videos have featured Biden using electronic devices to communicate with voters, while others have focused on his frequent appearances at public events looking tired and ill. Current and former aides believe he may overdo travel and public events causing him to wear himself out and appear fatigued during public appearances – prompting many Americans to doubt if Biden has enough mental acuity for this role.
He’s Embracing the Progressive Movement
Four years ago, Black voters in South Carolina helped save and revive Joe Biden’s candidacy for president in the Democratic primary, after he finished behind Bernie Sanders in Iowa and New Hampshire and trailing far behind Hillary Clinton in Nevada. Biden was widely beloved within this state’s Black community due to close ties he maintained with lawmakers and activists there.
Progressives have expressed reservations over President Trump’s direction of policy, such as his focus on middle class tax cuts and fiscal restraint, rather than issues like health care, climate change or expanding government aid for the poor. Progressives fear this could alienate activists who helped him win election in 2016.
Shakir has expressed his pleasure that Vice President Joe Biden has moved to increase direct Covid-19 relief payments while resisting pressure to “pre-emptively make concessions” in order to sway Republicans. But, according to Shakir, President Obama should emphasize the need for Medicare-for-all, free community college and universal pre-K services more strongly.
A Rematch With Trump
After winning both Democratic contests, Joe Biden is poised to challenge Donald Trump in the general election. Yet many voters remain undecided on who they want as their candidate – with broad majorities of both parties reporting they would prefer another matchup between their nominees; but some express preference for another contender altogether.
Biden has cast his campaign as a referendum on whether Trump will seek reelection. To that end, he has intensified his attacks against Trump’s policy positions and sought to reengage Black voters who helped revive his 2020 bid.
Biden’s victory in South Carolina validates a new lineup he spearheaded to empower Black voters. South Carolina primary was moved up the calendar this year ahead of Iowa and New Hampshire so candidates would face more stringent tests against black voters in South Carolina; reflecting its significance. Biden saw South Carolina as a crucial contest in his attempt to secure nomination.
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