Biden's NH Triumph: Effortless Victory in Primary with Unprecedented No-Effort Write-In Campaign
In a stunning turn of events, President Joe Biden clinched victory in the New Hampshire Democratic primary without even appearing on the ballot or actively campaigning. Despite facing primary challengers whose names were on the ballot and who heavily campaigned in the state, Biden emerged as the projected winner after polls closed on Tuesday evening, according to CNN and NBC.
This unconventional triumph was the result of a well-funded and well-organized effort to encourage Democratic voters to write in Biden's name on their ballots. The uniqueness of this primary was further underscored by the fact that the national Democratic Party had rearranged its early state calendar, downgrading New Hampshire's status. However, the state, in adherence to its laws mandating its primary to be the first in the nation, refused to budge.
While the unsanctioned primary won't allocate any delegates, making it inconsequential for the Democratic nomination, it served as a platform for Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota and self-help guru Marianne Williamson, who actively campaigned and had their names on the ballot. Phillips, a late entrant into the 2024 race, positioned himself in New Hampshire, aiming to challenge the perception that Democratic voters sought a fresher candidate due to concerns about Biden's age and popularity.
The expectations for this atypical contest proved challenging to set, with Phillips' camp suggesting that beating Biden wasn't necessary to prove viability. Instead, they contended that securing a substantial percentage, ideally in the 20 to 30 percent range, would convey Democrats' dissatisfaction with the incumbent president.
Biden's victory, though unofficially affiliated with his re-election campaign, was not without significant effort. High-profile allies, including governors and congressmen, rallied behind a well-executed push to mobilize voters for the write-in campaign. According to NBC News, a super PAC established to support this unique initiative had amassed at least $500,000 by the end of December, underscoring the strategic and financial backing behind this extraordinary political feat.
In conclusion, President Joe Biden's unorthodox triumph in the New Hampshire Democratic primary stands as a testament to the power of strategic maneuvering and grassroots support. Winning without his name on the ballot and abstaining from traditional campaigning, Biden's victory showcases a novel approach to electoral success. The refusal of New Hampshire to yield its position as the first-in-the-nation primary, despite the Democratic Party's reshuffling, added an extra layer of intrigue to this unique political spectacle.
While the unsanctioned primary won't impact the delegate count for the Democratic nomination, it served as a platform for primary challengers like Rep. Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson to express concerns about Biden's age and popularity among Democratic voters. Phillips' contention that a significant percentage, rather than an outright victory, would demonstrate dissatisfaction with the incumbent president added a strategic dimension to the contest.
Biden's victory, supported by a well-funded and organized write-in campaign, underscores the influence of high-profile allies in mobilizing voter sentiment. The super PAC's substantial fundraising efforts highlight the financial backing behind this unconventional political strategy.
As the dust settles on this atypical primary, it leaves political observers pondering the implications of Biden's win and the potential ripple effects on the broader Democratic landscape. The New Hampshire primary of 2024 will undoubtedly be remembered as a distinctive chapter in electoral history, marking a departure from traditional norms and revealing new pathways to success in the ever-evolving political landscape.