Tapping into the expertise and perspective of Highland’s network of over 500 bipartisan, in-state operatives, “View from the States” offers you periodic insights into important local trends often overlooked by Inside-the-Beltway “conventional wisdom.”
In this edition, we take a look a look at the upcoming primary in South Carolina, a state that presents a defining moment for several campaigns ahead of Super Tuesday.
Biden’s Waterloo?
Former Vice President Joe Biden’s reeling campaign needs to make a strong stand in the South Carolina primary this Saturday in order to remain in the national spotlight. After woeful showings in New Hampshire and Nevada, Biden will rely on his strong appeal to the African American voter base; his service as Vice President under Barack Obama and his longstanding relationship with South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn are just a few of the connections he has to the South Carolina African American community.
Highland’s sources in South Carolina see him rounding into form in this primary. He should be able to convert his support among African American voters into a first-place finish in the polls. Biden’s centrist campaign platform also serves him well in South Carolina, where the state’s Democratic voters aren’t in step with the radical proposals of Sen. Bernie Sanders.
A Big Fish In a Pond Owned By a Shark
Tom Steyer is using South Carolina to flex his financial muscle. Armed with vast financial resources, Steyer has poured millions into blanketing the entire state with TV and radio ads across every type of channel: news, radio, sports, and even gospel. He has also hired nearly 100 new staffers, many of whom are native South Carolinians.
Yet Steyer’s impressive operation is overshadowed by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s national ad campaign. Steyer might be a billionaire, but Bloomberg is an even bigger billionaire with an even wealthier campaign. Highland’s political operatives recognize Steyer’s efforts, but they don’t see how he’ll be able to move out from under Bloomberg’s shadow.
A Tale Of Two Counties
Highland’s South Carolina sources tell us to keep an eye on the densely-populated Charleston and Richland counties. They are home to most of the state’s Democratic voters.
Business As Usual
South Carolina is a solidly red state for Trump, and the state’s unemployment rate is at an all-time low. While the Democratic Presidential candidates may take their rhetorical shots at the President to appeal to the party’s base, in-state operatives don’t expect a wave of anti-Trump sentiments to gain traction in either the primaries or the national election. Operatives say anyone associated with Trump, such as Sen. Lindsey Graham, should enjoy strong support in a reelection bid.
A 21st Century South
South Carolina is truly a modern American state, meaning that there are areas of cutting edge innovation and progress contrasted by areas of stark poverty.
The state continues to be a strong sector for the auto industry; 72,000 are employed by manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Boeing maintains a major presence in the state, especially around Charleston, with its 787 Dreamliner factory. Highland’s political operatives on the ground say to keep an eye on labor disputes over unionization in the coming year.
