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Andreas Landberg, DER SPIEGEL:
»The primaries are underway in the USA. And as of now, Donald Trump and Joe Biden are running again in the presidential election in November. We are attending a small Democratic campaign rally in Florence, South Carolina today and would like to talk about how important this election is, what fears the Democrats have and whether Joe Biden is the right candidate.
It's a small event - around 50 people came, including press representatives and organizers. But whoever is here makes it clear how important this election year will be.
Andreas Landberg, DER SPIEGEL:
"From your perspective, what would it mean if Biden lost and Trump took office again?"
Visitor:
"It's a matter of life and death. That's how I see it with regard to Biden and Trump."
Maggie Glover, former senator from South Carolina:
"Democracy, life as we know it in America, is up for a vote."
Visitor:
"I think a lot of people say that every election is the most important election of our lives. But I think this election is actually because democracy is at stake.”
Jaime Harrison, the chairman of the Democratic National Convention, is also a guest, something like the general secretary of his party. He emphasizes the special role South Carolina has this year.
Jamie Harrison, Chairman of the Democratic National Convention:
“You are the first to pick the most powerful man in the world. You are the first in the country!”
Because: Instead of traditionally in New Hampshire, the Democrats officially started their primaries this year for the first time in the more diverse South Carolina. Blacks make up about a quarter of the population here. Giving this group of voters, who are so important to Biden, the first big stage is a signal to black voters across the country. Because he wants to convince them of himself in order to win the election in November.
The event in Florence attracts exactly these voters, the vast majority of guests are African Americans - and they definitely want to see Biden continue in the White House.
Andreas Landberg, DER SPIEGEL:
“Do you feel represented by Joe Biden?”
Visitor:
“Definitely, as an African American. Since Biden took office, we have more options.
Visitor
:
»I belong to a minority. I want someone in office who is fair to everyone. And I think Joe Biden is such a man.
Isaac Wislon, Chairman of the Florence Democratic Party:
“Donald Trump said he would be a dictator on day one and he would deport ten million people. I'm inclined to believe that I would be one of those ten million people because of the color of my skin."
Not only everyone here hopes that Biden will remain in office. They are completely convinced of this - despite Biden's age of 81. Surveys last year showed that three quarters of the population consider him too old for a second term in office.
Andreas Landberg, DER SPIEGEL:
“He is the oldest president in the history of the USA.”
Visitor:
“Of course. But what's wrong with that? I’m old too.”
Andreas Landberg, DER SPIEGEL:
»Even though he would be 86 at the end of a second term in office? «
Visitor:
»That's okay. 86? My father died at 101 and he was still mentally fit.
Visitor:
»The other one is how much younger? Three or four years? And he hasn't really shown the mental capacity or intellect to lead the country. For me the question doesn’t even arise.”
Visitor:
»What other choice do we have? Vote for a non-party? The Republicans? What choice do we have? He is the best choice for us.«
So the guests here simply ignore the risk that Biden's age could deter voters. Of conviction? Or out of fear of the alternative?
Andreas Landberg, DER SPIEGEL:
»It was striking that every single person we spoke to here exudes confidence, is emphatically optimistic, that Joe Biden is the right candidate, that his age doesn't matter at all and that he is... will win in the end. This hope - it has also become clear - probably also comes from the fact that the alternative is unbearable for many: that Donald Trump will move into the White House for a second time.