Underdog Jason Palmer Stuns President Biden with Surprise Win in American Samoa Democratic Primary

ICARO Media Group
Politics
06/03/2024 20h07

In an unexpected turn of events, under-the-radar candidate Jason Palmer has emerged victorious in American Samoa's Democratic primary, edging out President Biden by just 11 votes. With 51 ballots in his favor compared to Biden's 40, Palmer's surprise win has put a sudden spotlight on the Baltimore-based entrepreneur.

Palmer's campaign manager, Mario Arias, revealed that the candidate has been actively campaigning not only in American Samoa but also in the Northern Mariana Islands, where elections are currently in progress until March 12. While Palmer's upset victory does not pose a significant threat to Biden's run for the Democratic nomination, it has certainly attracted attention to his campaign.

On his campaign website, Palmer acknowledges his status as a longshot candidate with little chance of winning against an incumbent president. However, he states that he is challenging Biden in the Democratic primary to ensure that former President Donald Trump does not return to office for a second term. Citing opinion polls that reflect the public's desire for alternative options, Palmer emphasizes the importance of the upcoming election.

Following his surprising win, Palmer expressed his gratitude to the community of American Samoa, describing his victory as a testament to the power of their voices in shaping a brighter future. Despite not physically visiting the unincorporated U.S. territory, Palmer made his presence felt through virtual meetings via Zoom and even impressed attendees by introducing himself in the Samoan language.

The American Samoa Democratic Party held its caucus in Tafuna, the territory's most populous village, allocating three delegates each to Palmer and Biden. Initially, the party had announced that Palmer would receive four delegates at the National Democratic Convention while Biden would only receive two. However, they later corrected the count, equalizing the delegates for both candidates.

Jason Palmer, a 52-year-old Quaker with an impressive professional background, has worked in executive roles at companies such as Microsoft and Kaplan Education, in addition to serving as the deputy director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His campaign highlights his extensive experience in technology and education sectors, showcasing his dedication to rebuilding the American Dream.

While Palmer's victory in American Samoa's Democratic primary has garnered attention, he is not the only Democrat challenging President Biden. Representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota, another candidate in the race, conceded defeat on Tuesday, congratulating Biden, as well as Uncommitted, Marianne Williamson, Nikki Haley, and Jason Palmer for demonstrating more appeal to Democratic Party loyalists.

As the Democratic primary race continues, political observers will be watching closely to see if any more unexpected twists occur, and how it may impact President Biden's bid for a second term.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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