COLUMBIA, S.C. – President Joe Biden is set to kick off his 2024 reelection campaign with a visit to Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. The historic church was the site of a tragic shooting in 2015, where nine Black churchgoers were killed by a white supremacist. During his visit, Biden plans to address the issue of political violence and make his case for reelection in the upcoming November election.
The visit to South Carolina will be Biden’s fourth since taking office, signaling the official launch of his reelection campaign. Vice President Kamala Harris will also be making appearances in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Wisconsin, focusing on reproductive rights and the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision.
In addition to addressing political violence and reproductive rights, the Biden-Harris campaign is aiming to unite voters and emphasize the importance of protecting democracy. This comes as the nation approaches the third anniversary of the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, where a violent mob of pro-Trump supporters attempted to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election.
Biden-Harris Campaign Manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez stressed the campaign’s commitment to engaging with voters early, particularly voters of color, in battleground states. The campaign aims to make sure that every voter understands the choice in front of them, as evident in their efforts to scale up operations and expand the state program.
Recent polling data from the Gallup Poll in late December has shown President Biden’s job approval rating at 39%, lower than that of the past seven presidents at the same point in their first terms in office. This poses a significant challenge for the Biden-Harris campaign as they intensify their efforts to secure reelection and maintain control of the presidency.
By visiting the site of a tragic event, addressing important issues, and mobilizing early engagement with voters, the Biden-Harris campaign is working to lay the foundation for a successful reelection bid in the upcoming November election.