The man who dragged Biden across finish line in ‘20 primary now has doubts

Congressman Jim Clyburn, a senior Democrat from South Carolina and a key political ally of Joe Biden expressed concern on CNN’s “State of the Union” that Biden’s achievements are not effectively reaching many voters due to what he termed the “MAGA wall.” Clyburn, highly regarded among Black lawmakers, emphasized the need for the Biden administration’s successes to be more widely recognized.

Clyburn stated, “I have no problem with the Biden administration and what it has done. My problem is that we have not been able to break through that MAGA wall in order to get to people exactly what this president has done.”

He specifically discussed the issue of student loan debt relief, a topic that resonates with young voters. The US Supreme Court had previously rejected a plan by the administration to forgive some student loan debt. Clyburn defended Biden’s efforts on this front, highlighting that despite legal obstacles, Biden had managed to deliver significant debt relief. “He promised to relieve student loan debt, and he has done that,” Clyburn said. “But one part of his promise he was not able to keep because 6 Republican attorneys general and the United States Supreme Court, in a 6-3 vote, stopped him from doing so. But he sought another way, and he has forgiven $132 billion to 3.4 million people in student loan debt. But nobody writes about that.”

Clyburn’s support in 2020 was pivotal for Biden’s presidential campaign, especially in South Carolina, where his endorsement significantly influenced the state’s primary. Biden’s subsequent victory in South Carolina was a turning point, leading to triumphs in numerous Super Tuesday states and eventually securing the Democratic nomination over Senator Bernie Sanders.

Regarding Biden’s support among Black voters, crucial for his re-election, Clyburn stated he was not worried about turnout but “very concerned” about its effect. He pointed to Biden’s record of appointing Black female judges and the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act as key aspects of Biden’s 2024 campaign message.