In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden's name will be absent from the New Hampshire Democratic presidential primary ballot for the upcoming 2024 election. According to a report by POLITICO, the decision comes as the state proceeds with an unsanctioned nominating contest and follows the Democratic National Committee's (DNC) efforts to reorder the early state lineup.

Biden's campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, addressed a letter to the New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair, Ray Buckley, stating that while the President desired to participate in the primary, he had an obligation to adhere to the DNC's presidential nominating calendar. Consequently, Biden will refrain from submitting a Declaration of Candidacy before the looming filing deadline on Friday. Nonetheless, the President's name will appear on the general election ballot in November 2024.

The move to withhold Biden's name from the New Hampshire primary ballot represents the culmination of a yearlong endeavor by the DNC to reshape the 2024 early state lineup. Traditionally, Iowa and New Hampshire held influential positions at the beginning of the primary calendar. However, New Hampshire's decision to proceed with its first-in-the-nation primary despite the DNC's efforts might result in further sanctions against the state from party leaders.

Despite the absence of Biden's name on the ballot, prominent Democrats in New Hampshire plan to initiate a write-in effort in support of the President. In response to the news, Ray Buckley expressed his confidence in Biden, stating that the President "will win the NH FITN Primary in January, win renomination in Chicago, and will be re-elected next November."

While President Biden's decision not to appear on the New Hampshire primary ballot could potentially be seen as a setback, it opens up room for other candidates to gain traction. In fact, Representative Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) is expected to officially launch his presidential campaign in Concord, New Hampshire on Friday morning. Should Phillips manage to make an impact, it could pose an uncomfortable situation for Biden's campaign.

As the primary season approaches, the New Hampshire primary will undoubtedly take on added significance with the absence of President Biden's name on the ballot. All eyes will be on how the state's voters respond to the altered landscape of the Democratic race and on whether any other candidates can seize the opportunity to gain an advantage in this pivotal early contest.