In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden decided to head west to Los Angeles immediately after winning the first official Democratic presidential primary in South Carolina. While his victory in the Palmetto State was expected, Biden's decision to prioritize a campaign meeting and personal engagements in California has ignited speculation and drawn criticism from Republicans.

On Saturday afternoon, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden touched down at LAX around 3:30 p.m., where they were greeted by Senator Alex Padilla and Representative Maxine Waters. The president then traveled via helicopter to the Santa Monica Airport, while his wife attended a separate event.

Biden's campaign meeting took place at a historic Bel-Air estate owned by renowned director George Lucas. The president discussed his campaign strategies and potential alliances in the upcoming super Tuesday primaries. Meanwhile, Jill Biden delivered a speech late Saturday night at a gala held at Paramount Studios. The event aimed to support a nonprofit organization advocating for retailers to allocate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned brands.

The next day, President Biden spent quality time with his son Hunter and grandson Beau. The three generations dined at the Ivy restaurant in Malibu, as Hunter celebrated his 54th birthday. It is worth noting that Hunter Biden has been a target for criticism from the president's Republican opponents and is currently facing federal tax charges.

Notably, the Biden campaign has refrained from commenting on the president's decision to travel to Los Angeles immediately after the South Carolina primary. Republicans, however, have seized the opportunity to voice their discontent, claiming that Biden's absence in South Carolina reflects his lack of commitment and disregard for the state.

Abby Zilch, a spokeswoman for the South Carolina Republican Party, expressed her disappointment, stating, "It just goes to show you how much he cares about actually coming and how serious he's taking it... Yet he was all the way across the country on the day of the Democrats' first primary."

Despite the criticism, President Biden's victory in South Carolina was crucial for his 2020 presidential campaign. The state, particularly its Black voters, played a pivotal role in rejuvenating his campaign after losses in Iowa and New Hampshire. Rep. James E. Clyburn's endorsement and the support from diverse voters propelled Biden forward, leading to his eventual nomination as the Democratic candidate.

In recognition of South Carolina's significance, President Biden requested that the Democratic National Committee overhaul the 2024 nominating calendar, making South Carolina the first state to hold an officially recognized primary. This move aimed to amplify the voice of diverse voters during the early stages of the race, contrasting with predominantly white Iowa and New Hampshire.

Political analysts, such as Winthrop University's Professor Scott Huffmon, believe that Biden's decision to spend primary night in Los Angeles is understandable given South Carolina's right-leaning stance in general elections. The state has consistently voted in favor of Republican candidates, with the last Democratic win dating back to 1976 when Jimmy Carter, a fellow Southerner, claimed victory.

As President Biden continues his campaign efforts, focusing on Nevada's upcoming Democratic primary, his strategic move to Los Angeles raises questions about his priorities and future election strategy. With November's reelection bid in mind, it remains to be seen how Biden's actions will influence his standing among voters and his ability to secure crucial swing states in the general election.