US President Joe Biden is set to register on Friday for the Democratic primary in South Carolina, marking the first official challenge for his re-election campaign. The primary, scheduled for

February 3, 2024, will be a crucial test of enthusiasm, particularly among Black voters, as recent polls indicate a decline in overall support for the president.

Facing competition from long shots like Minnesota congressman Dean Phillips and self-help guru Marianne Williamson, Biden aims to secure a strong primary turnout in a state where the majority of Democratic voters are Black. The move to prioritize South Carolina over Iowa and New Hampshire reflects Biden's strategy to leverage the state's diverse electorate and strong support from Black voters.

While Biden is expected to win the primary convincingly, the campaign aims to use the opportunity to showcase enthusiasm and support for the president. The decision to skip the New Hampshire primary is a calculated move, emphasizing the importance of South Carolina in the nomination process.

Incumbent presidents typically avoid contentious primaries, but Biden's campaign acknowledges the significance of early contests as mobilization tools. South Carolina, Nevada, and Michigan are key battlegrounds where the campaign plans to invest in get-out-the-vote efforts and staff recruitment.

Recent polls indicating a decline in Biden's approval ratings raise concerns, especially among Black voters. Despite South Carolina traditionally leaning Republican in general elections, the Biden campaign recognizes the importance of maintaining a strong coalition, particularly in battleground states crucial for securing victory in the 2024 election. Photo by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, Wikimedia commons.