President Biden sought to energize his base in the state that propelled him to the White House, but some local leaders said he needed to do more to highlight his achievements. Undeterred, Biden ventured into South Carolina, a state crucial to his victory, to address a predominantly Black audience on Saturday night. With passion, he proclaimed, “you’re the reason Donald Trump is a defeated former president.”

This moment marked his inaugural step into the Democratic primaries, not merely to contest but to ignite a crucial revival among the frustrated Black voter base nationwide. In the words of Biden, “you’re the reason we’re going to win and beat him again.”

Speaking at a South Carolina Democratic Party dinner in Columbia, President Biden conveyed the upcoming week’s importance, framing it not merely as a contest but as a decisive moment to galvanize support. Representative James E. Clyburn sounded the alarm, expressing concern over the potential resurgence of Donald Trump. Urging the Black electorate, he emphasized, “Do what you did before. Turn that election around and save this democracy.”

The urgency in President Biden’s approach arises from polls indicating a dip in support among Black voters, particularly men, in crucial battleground states. Concerns also center around the Gaza conflict’s impact on younger voters’ sentiments, evident in protests during the event. President Biden, once reticent to name his predecessor directly, displayed animation while addressing Trump’s record, highlighting instances of insult to veterans. Seeking to portray Trump as confused, Biden quipped about recent mix-ups in Trump’s references, asserting, “Have you noticed he’s a little confused these days?”

Despite this, local leaders argue that Biden must go beyond contrasting himself with Trump and effectively communicate his policy achievements to meet heightened voter expectations.

While the Democratic primary in South Carolina is anticipated to be non-competitive, the Biden campaign is strategically investing in the state. The emphasis is on showcasing policies that have purportedly benefited Black voters and emphasizing the urgency of gearing up for the general election.

As President Biden navigates the complexities of messaging and engagement, the call for conveying policy achievements, such as investments in historically Black colleges and universities and economic measures benefiting Black Americans, becomes imperative. Yet, concerns linger among voters, including skepticism arising from policy changes and unfulfilled promises, such as the plan to wipe out $400 billion in student debt.

In the face of evolving voter sentiments, the Biden campaign seeks to underscore a clear contrast between President Biden and Donald Trump, emphasizing economic measures and portraying Biden as a champion for the working class. However, individual voters, like Krista Greene from Columbia, remain unconvinced, expressing reservations about Biden’s efforts on issues like income disparities and global conflicts.

The challenge for the Biden campaign lies in navigating diverse perspectives within the Black electorate and addressing nuanced concerns beyond the Trump-centric narrative.