Democrats approved changes to party’s primary calendar for 2024
2023.02.04 15:57
Democrats approved changes to party’s primary calendar for 2024
By Tiffany Smith
Budrigannews.com – On Saturday, the Democratic National Committee approved President Joe Biden’s change to the party’s 2024 primary calendar, making it easier for Biden’s expected re-election campaign and giving Black voters more say in the process.
South Carolina, a state with significantly more Black voters and one that saved Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign, will take the party’s vote on Saturday as the first in the nation. The party’s vote replaces the renowned Iowa caucuses. A week later, it would be followed by primaries in Georgia and Michigan, as well as Nevada and New Hampshire.
The Democratic Party’s promotion of South Carolina and Georgia reflects decades of demographic balancing at the expense of two predominantly white states that rejected Biden in 2020. It also emphasizes the growing influence of the diverse racial coalition that helped put Biden in power.
The Democratic National Committee’s chair, Jaime Harrison, stated:
“The Democratic party looks like America, and so does this proposal.”
Leaders in Iowa and New Hampshire, who are being pushed down the nominating calendar, were against the move and pledged to defy it and hold elections on their own time. Republicans, who oppose the move and control the government, would be required to support any modification to those calendars.
The process, in which candidates campaign for months in coffee shops and homes, has become a cherished part of the social and political identities of Iowa and New Hampshire, which have been starting the nominating season for decades.
If they disobey the party, Iowa and New Hampshire risk losing delegates or preventing candidates from campaigning in the state. On Saturday, officials issued a warning that this could harm Biden’s chances of winning those states in 2024.
Democrats in Georgia want to move the calendar up, but Republicans in control of the state government are against the move.
Although few people anticipate that Georgia and New Hampshire will follow the new calendar, they have until June to do so.
Scott Brennan, a former Iowa party chair, stated:
“We can vote on this calendar, we can approve this calendar, but we will leave here with absolutely nothing settled.”
The conference emphasized Biden’s growing hold on a party that was openly skeptical of his viability and worried about his age heading into the midterm elections in November. However, Democrats significantly outperformed expectations and rewrote the narrative, so Biden’s grip was strengthened.
Biden, who would be 82 if sworn in for a second term, would be the oldest person to hold the presidency.
When Biden addressed the crowd in Philadelphia on Friday, his primary calendar received overwhelming support in a voice vote, and party committee members appeared enthusiastic for his re-election.
“Permit me to inquire of you briefly: Do you have my back?” To cheers and a chorus of “four more years,” Biden asked the party faithful crowd.
