Just days before the South Carolina Democratic primary, Rep. Jim Clyburn has endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden. Clyburn is considered one of the most popular politicians in the state. From the Post and Courier:
As South Carolina’s most influential Democrat and the highest-ranking black member of Congress, Clyburn’s support for Biden could hold far more significance than a typical presidential endorsement, boosting him as he seeks to stave off two surging rivals in U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and businessman Tom Steyer in a state where about two-thirds of the Democratic electorate is African American.
Some political observers even dub him the South Carolina Democrats’ “kingmaker.” Clyburn endorsed Hillary Clinton at a similar stage in the 2016 primary. He only endorsed Barack Obama months after South Carolina’s 2008 primary.
Clyburn’s endorsements historically carry the state. Clyburn has also recorded a campaign ad for Biden that will run throughout the state over the next several days.
South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn endorses Joe Biden: "Our challenge is making the greatness of this country accessible and affordable for all. … Nobody with whom I've ever worked in public life is any more committed … than Joe Biden" https://t.co/7G0toYlQsa pic.twitter.com/NQf04n29Yg
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) February 26, 2020
It’s official: S.C. “Kingmaker” Rep. @WhipClyburn is endorsing @JoeBiden. Both men just walked out together ahead of Clyburn’s press conference. pic.twitter.com/iCwk26gQfs
— Marianna Sotomayor (@MariannaNBCNews) February 26, 2020