U.S. Representative James Clyburn, a pivotal figure in Joe Biden’s 2020 victory, is steering Biden’s 2024 reelection strategy away from traditional methods, emphasizing the need for an extensive ground game. Clyburn addresses the formidable “MAGA wall” built by Donald Trump’s supporters on social media, drowning out news about Biden’s accomplishments and policies.
He contends that large ad spends and social media campaigns alone won’t secure Biden’s victory, necessitating a more hands-on approach.
In a recent interview in Columbia, South Carolina, Clyburn, an influential 83-year-old political voice, underscores the importance of a historic ground game. He believes that a diverse array of “voices and validators” engaging with voters directly is essential to combatting the pervasive disinformation campaign that threatens to overshadow Biden’s achievements.
Referring to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan, Clyburn states, “If we are going to be successful in this campaign, we are going to have to have what I call hand-to-hand combat, boots on the ground.”
Clyburn, a key player in Biden’s 2020 victory, is projecting Biden’s success in the South Carolina primary. His call for an unprecedented ground game reflects his concern about the looming disinformation campaign and the necessity to counter it effectively. Clyburn’s emphasis on “hand-to-hand combat” implies a grassroots approach, challenging the dominance of Trump’s online presence.
The congressman points out the power of “validators” in connecting with voters, citing the success of former Philadelphia Mayor James Kenney, who won two terms through a door-to-door campaign.
Clyburn’s unconventional approach signals a departure from the traditional political playbook, focusing on personal interactions and grassroots efforts to cut through the noise generated by Trump’s online supporters.
