A battle over the first-in-the-nation status of New Hampshire’s primary has sparked a rift between state and national Democratic officials. President Joe Biden and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) have faced pressure to rearrange the primary calendar and prioritize states that better reflect US demographics. As a result, the DNC demoted New Hampshire to second place on its primary calendar, behind South Carolina, despite objections from the state. The upcoming primary on January 23 is now purely symbolic, as the DNC has stripped it of its delegates and Biden will not appear on the ballot.
The first primary spot holds significant cultural and historical importance to New Hampshire. The state has held the first primary contest in the United States for over 100 years, giving its voters a substantial voice in the nomination process. The primary draws national media attention and allows residents to engage directly with candidates through town halls and meet-and-greets. New Hampshire residents take pride in their state’s political awareness and high voter turnout.
While the primary’s importance remains, the 2024 primaries have been relatively muted compared to past years. Political observers anticipate a rematch between Biden and former President Donald Trump, who remains the frontrunner in the Republican race. However, former United Nations envoy Nikki Haley has been gaining ground in New Hampshire according to recent polls. On the Democratic side, tensions have arisen within the party due to the state’s row with the DNC over the new primary calendar. Biden’s absence from the primary ballot has frustrated Democratic voters, but some are planning to write in his name as a grassroots effort. Polls show Biden would beat Trump in New Hampshire in a hypothetical general election.
Experts suggest that not participating in the New Hampshire primary will have little impact on Biden’s chances of securing the Democratic nomination or winning the general election. However, an underwhelming showing in the primary could raise questions about the enthusiasm for Biden among the Democratic base. The primary’s significance lies in the media narrative it creates, which can either build or undermine a candidate’s campaign momentum.
While the rift between state and national party officials persists, top New Hampshire Democrats remain hopeful for a robust turnout in the primary and believe it will not affect the general election. The importance of New Hampshire’s primary goes beyond the number of delegates it sends to the Democratic National Convention. It serves as a stage for candidates to audition and make their case to the whole nation. The media narrative that emerges from the primary can shape public perception and impact a candidate’s momentum moving forward.
In conclusion, the New Hampshire primaries have become a battleground between state and national Democrats over the state’s first-in-the-nation status. Despite the symbolic nature of the upcoming primary, its historical and cultural significance cannot be overlooked. While tensions remain, experts believe that the primary’s outcome will have little bearing on Biden’s nomination or general election chances. However, the media narrative that emerges from the primary could shape public opinion and impact the perception of Biden’s campaign.
