President Joe Biden achieved a notable victory in the New Hampshire Democratic primary, winning as a write-in candidate. This outcome was projected by the Associated Press, marking an unexpected twist in the traditional primary process.
Biden’s Strategy in New Hampshire
Biden chose not to appear on the New Hampshire ballot, a decision stemming from a disagreement between the national and state Democratic parties. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) had aimed to prioritize South Carolina as the first primary state to better engage Black voters, a key demographic in Biden’s 2020 nomination. Despite New Hampshire’s defiance of this change, Biden’s supporters in the state rallied to encourage write-in votes for him.
The Results and Their Significance
Biden’s victory was declared shortly after polls closed, despite the presence of 21 other candidates on the ballot. Notably, this primary was not sanctioned by the DNC, and no delegates were awarded. Biden’s win, especially over Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) and author Marianne Williamson, was anticipated, with a recent Emerson College poll showing a significant lead for Biden.
Key Background
The Biden campaign aligned with the DNC’s decision, deeming the New Hampshire primary as less critical for nomination. Biden has focused his campaign on his economic achievements and the portrayal of Trump as a threat to democracy and abortion rights. Trump, on the other hand, has criticized Biden’s border policies amid rising concerns over illegal immigration.
Biden’s unconventional win in New Hampshire sets a unique precedent in the primary process and could have implications for his matchup in the general election. With RealClearPolitics’ latest polling average indicating a close race in a hypothetical matchup against Trump and independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the political landscape remains dynamic and unpredictable.
