South Carolina Democrats are looking to former President Joe Biden as they fight to keep their early position in the party’s primary calendar, according to Axios.
The outlet reviewed an email sent by the state’s party chair to senior party figures who will decide the order of primaries in 2028. The email invites those individuals to a reception with Biden, where he can make a pitch to the more skeptical party members about the state’s importance as an early indicator of party sentiment.
Why It Matters
Biden’s decision to run for a second term despite his advanced age – based on his belief that he stood the best chance of beating Donald Trump in a rematch of the 2020 election – which many believe ultimately cost the Democrats the election, especially after he chose to nominate Kamala Harris and prevented an open primary at the party’s August convention.
However, Biden still retains some sway in the party due to his decision to ultimately step down and give Harris a chance instead.
South Carolina especially holds importance for Biden as the state that helped him turn around his fortunes in the 2020 election after he lost earlier contests. His success in such a diverse state gave the impression that Biden had greater appeal across more groups, helping boost his campaign and ultimately leading to him securing the nomination and presidency.
What To Know
South Carolina faces the prospect of losing its early position in the Democrat primary calendar, which would subsequently diminish the state’s political capital.
The email from South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain described the gathering as a “rare opportunity to spend time with the former president, who previously had pushed to have South Carolina cast the first votes in the primary – with many understanding that it would likely help boost his image and party confidence despite his age.
“We often invite DNC members, [Rules and Bylaws Committee] members and state party chairs,” Spain said in a statement to Axios. “This is nothing new, we just celebrated [former DNC chair] Jaime Harrison in a similar way last year.”
She added that the party doesn’t “need to use” Biden, and the event is more about “celebrating him and his accomplishments.”
The event, a fundraiser that will mark the anniversary of his victory in the 2020 primary, has been selling tickets costing $125 each, with the option of paying more. The event will be held on February 27, and profits are meant to go towards supporting candidate recruitment, infrastructure, and voter engagement, according to a party press release.
To pay the ticket price, interested parties much be a U.S. citizen or green card hold, not a federal contractor, and of voting age, according to the South Carolina Daily Gazette.
