The 2020 rematch is starting to become a reality.
President Joe Biden secured a decisive victory in Michigan’s Democratic primary, as projected by NBC News. The primary lacked significant suspense, save for a grassroots movement aiming to express dissent through protest votes regarding Biden’s approach to the conflict in Gaza.
Biden’s triumph over his opponent, Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota, was anticipated from the outset. The central question revolved around the impact of a decentralized initiative critical of Biden’s perceived inability to influence Israeli military actions, which manifested in a portion of voters choosing the “uncommitted” option.
The “uncommitted” vote share on Tuesday reached 14%, with a third of anticipated votes tallied. In comparison, during Barack Obama’s reelection bid in 2012, Michigan’s Democratic primary saw an 11% “uncommitted” vote.
Among those opting for “uncommitted” was Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian American from Michigan, who voiced her discontent with Biden’s stance in a video shared online.
With Phillips unable to gain traction in his underdog campaign, Biden now shifts his focus squarely to the upcoming general election and the potential rematch against former President Donald Trump, who NBC News projects as the winner of the Michigan GOP primary. A Biden campaign insider, speaking anonymously prior to the Michigan contest, characterized the primary as lacking competitiveness.
“Our primary concern is the general election,” emphasized the aide, noting the freedom to speak candidly due to anonymity.
Regarding the “vote uncommitted” movement, the aide noted its manifestation as a means for people to voice their opinions in what was perceived as a non-competitive primary race.
