Staff Reports
In a shocking turn of events, President Joe Biden has angered New Hampshire Democrats by giving the cold shoulder to the state’s first-in-the-nation primary. Instead of vying for a spot on the ballot in New Hampshire, the President has chosen to cozy up to the Democratic National Committee’s plan, which controversially pushes South Carolina’s primary to the forefront. This decision could have major implications for Biden’s standing heading into the 2024 general election.
The New Hampshire Democrats are seething over both the DNC’s new primary calendar and the President’s absence on the ballot. They’re not taking this lying down. There’s a write-in effort underway to help Biden snag a win in the Granite State, but it’s clear that feathers have been ruffled in the process.
Angry and offended New Hampshire Democrats muddy Biden write-in effort. https://t.co/8pqrkepN6O
— Sandy ??♀️? (@sj_pete) December 14, 2023
The DNC, at the recommendation of Biden, overwhelmingly approved the proposal to shake up the primary calendar, bumping South Carolina to the prestigious first-in-the-nation slot and nudging New Hampshire to share a date with Nevada. This move did not sit well with the local Democrats. New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Raymond Buckley minced no words, making it clear that the fight was far from over.
Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez attempted to explain the campaign’s failure to file for the state’s primary in a letter to Buckley. Despite expressing a desire to participate in the primary, the President is apparently obligated to comply with the DNC’s decision. The campaign seems to be relying heavily on the anticipated nominee status at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, where they intend to campaign fervently for the Granite State’s votes.
The state’s House Speaker Steve Shurtleff has already thrown his support behind Biden’s challenger, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN), in an effort to topple Biden. The decision to endorse Phillips came shortly after the Minnesota Democrat threw his hat in the ring in New Hampshire. This has certainly ruffled feathers, and the tension is palpable.
In response to Biden’s absence on the ballot, a write-in campaign has gained traction, but it’s clear that it’s an uphill battle against the big guns. Relying on a budget of only $50,000 to $70,000, this grassroots effort is rallying lawmakers and notable Democrats in the state to make some noise. The movement seems to have the odds stacked against it but is pushing forward with determination.
The stakes are high, and tensions are rising as the ballot battle unfolds. With the write-in campaign gaining momentum, the showdown in the New Hampshire primary is sure to be an electrifying affair, with the results carrying significant weight. As the dust settles, all eyes will be on the Granite State to see how this high-stakes political drama unfolds.
