Democracy 2024: President Biden Faces First Loss in Democratic Primaries
In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden suffered his first defeat in the 2024 Democratic primaries. The loss came at the hands of an unknown candidate, Jason Palmer, in the U.S. territory of American Samoa. The Decision Desk projected Palmer as the winner, securing four delegates compared to Biden’s two.
Palmer, a self-described entrepreneur and investor, boasts an impressive resume with leadership and executive experience at prominent companies such as Microsoft and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. With 25 years of small business experience under his belt, Palmer is also the youngest Democrat candidate for president, according to his campaign.
Expressing his gratitude for the support he received, Palmer took to X to announce his victory in the American Samoa presidential primary. He stated, “Honored to announce my victory in the American Samoa presidential primary. Thank you to the incredible community for your support. This win is a testament to the power of our voices. Together, we can rebuild the American Dream and shape a brighter future for all.”
Biden’s loss to Palmer comes as part of a series of victories for the President on Super Tuesday. He secured wins in states such as Iowa, Maine, Vermont, Virginia, and more. However, this defeat raises questions about the unity within the Democratic party and Biden’s overall popularity.
Notably, this is not the first time Biden has faced disappointment in American Samoa. During the 2020 race for the Democratic presidential nomination, he captured only 8% of the vote in the territory, trailing behind Bernie Sanders, Tulsi Gabbard, and Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg, despite spending over $500 million on his campaign, managed to secure the sole victory in American Samoa.
It is important to note that American Samoa does not have a vote in the general presidential election but can send delegates to the convention during the primary season.
The Biden campaign downplayed the loss, highlighting the relatively low voter turnout in the contest. They argued that fewer than 500 votes were likely cast, diminishing the significance of Palmer’s victory.
As the 2024 campaign trail unfolds, it will be interesting to see how President Biden bounces back from this setback and whether Jason Palmer can capitalize on his unexpected win in American Samoa. Stay tuned for more updates and exclusive interviews on the evolving political landscape.
