Don’t sell short the significance of South Carolina’s Democratic Primary

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – Even though it was no surprise President Joe Biden would sweep Saturday’s election, lawmakers want to make sure people don’t underestimate the significance of the Democratic Primary in South Carolina.

“Today was, first and foremost, a victory for South Carolina voters—in particular Black voters and rural voters who are too often ignored,” Jaime Harrison, Chair of the Democratic National Committee, said.

While celebrating Biden’s win at the Democratic Watch Party in Columbia, Harrison evoked former President Obama’s theme of “hope.”

“Hope can only start in South Carolina.”

Harrison illustrated how that hope grew into action in 2020 after the Palmetto State helped pave the way to the White House for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

From capping insulin costs for seniors, to electing the first Black woman to the Vice Presidency and Supreme Court, Harrison noted some important highlights from the Biden administration.

He said the Democratic Party delivered on its promise to Black voters by making South Carolina the first official location to kick-off the 2024 Primary.

“[Biden] changed the schedule because he wanted you all to know that you matter. That you count,” Harrison continued.

Chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, Christale Spain, made sure to note that Black voter turnout in the Democratic primary increased by 14% this year.

“Black voters have made our voices heard,” Spain said.

Spain credits that increase to a major initiative by the party to target voters in Black and rural communities throughout January.

South Carolina’s complicated history on race relations was also a talking point, as Spain mentioned the large amount of enslaved people who went through the Port of Charleston.

“90% of Black people in America can trace one ancestor back to South Carolina, so when you talk about Black voters and you talk about Black people in South Carolina, it runs deep,” Spain said.

Congressman Jim Clyburn, a major player in the Democratic Party, also weighed in on the issue.

“This notion that South Carolina has never been a racist state, that is crazy talk. This has been a racist country,” Clyburn said.

But Clyburn, like Harrison, leaned on the pillars of hope and action while noting the progress America has made in elevating Black voices.

“We have taken steps legislatively and through the Supreme Court to get beyond racism, and we need to continue to take those steps to continue to make this country one,” Clyburn declared.

Harrison observed that making history isn’t always a good thing.

“But tonight is a great night for the history books.”

With the Democratic primary over, Republicans now have their eyes set on the Palmetto State. GOP candidates are set to face off February 24 in South Carolina.

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