Democrats aim to prevent a Biden upset after the 2024 New Hampshire primary gaffe.

Democrats Scramble to Avoid Embarrassment for Biden in New Hampshire

The Democratic National Committee’s recent decision to give New Hampshire’s primary slot to South Carolina has left Democrats scrambling to avoid a potential embarrassment for President Joe Biden in 2024. While New Hampshire now shares a second slot on the primary calendar with Nevada, the move could keep Biden’s name off the ballot.

New Hampshire Law Poses Challenge for Democrats

New Hampshire state law requires its primary to be held a week before the rest of the country, and with a Republican-led state legislature and governor, changing the law to appease Democrats is unlikely. “We can’t change our laws, and that’s that. We’re hosting the first primary,” said Ray Buckley, chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party.

Although losing New Hampshire to challengers Marianne Williamson or Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would not likely harm Biden’s chance of being the party’s nominee, it could provide an embarrassment for the president early in the election. Both challengers have already indicated they would abide by the state’s laws and put their names on the 2024 ballot, even if it means they face repercussions. The state could also lose half its delegates if it decides to host the primary without approval.

Proposed Solutions

Members of the Democratic Party have proposed two new ideas to get around the state law. One idea is conducting a primary that would be run by the Democratic Party, which would still give the state its delegates. However, Democrats have argued that option would be too expensive and logistically impossible. The second idea is to give the state an extension, but Democrats have also rejected that notion, claiming it would not do any good.

Divided Opinions Among Democrats

Other Democrats have been divided over the new nomination calendar, which was intended to reward South Carolina for helping Biden secure the presidency over former President Donald Trump in 2020. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) slammed the administration’s attempt to change the order of the primaries, claiming it “would be political malpractice” to do so. Another Biden ally, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), also criticized the party, claiming she would not allow Republicans to dominate the state.

Deadline Approaching

New Hampshire has until June 3 to come up with a solution or face the penalties of jumping the line if no extension is given. Biden said he would allow whatever sanctions the party decides.

• Democrats have been left scrambling to avoid a potential embarrassment for President Joe Biden in New Hampshire in 2024.
• New Hampshire state law requires its primary to be held a week before the rest of the country, posing a challenge for Democrats.
• Members of the Democratic Party have proposed two new ideas to get around the state law.
• Other Democrats have been divided over the new nomination calendar.
• New Hampshire has until June 3 to come up with a solution or face penalties.

Will New Hampshire find a solution before the deadline? Stay tuned.