Political upset that sent shockwaves through the Democratic landscape, little-known tech education entrepreneur Jason Palmer pulled off an astonishing win over President Joe Biden in the American Samoa caucus. The unexpected triumph disrupted Biden’s hopes for a clean sweep on Super Tuesday, marking a turning point in the 2024 Democratic primaries.
What makes Palmer’s victory even more surprising is that he achieved it without ever setting foot on the South Pacific island. In an exclusive interview with CNN’s Laura Coates, Palmer revealed that he opted for a virtual campaign, leveraging innovative methods to connect with voters.
“I didn’t actually fly to American Samoa. I did multiple virtual town halls and spoke with the nationals there because, you may not know, but people in American Samoa are not necessarily automatically American citizens,” Palmer explained.
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Despite his underdog status, Palmer wasted no time in urging President Biden, at 81 years old, to step down and make way for a new generation of leaders. Expressing his commitment to the campaign trail, Palmer set his sights on the upcoming Arizona primary scheduled for March 19th.
In a surprising move, Palmer also announced plans to visit the U.S.-Mexico border, signaling a dedication to addressing critical issues. Reflecting on his victory, he acknowledged the challenges faced by newcomers in the political arena.
“As a new candidate, it’s actually very difficult to break through,” Palmer humbly admitted.
While emphasizing the need for a clear, positive agenda beyond discussions of Donald Trump and foreign policy, Palmer cautioned against complacency, urging Democrats to campaign vigorously.
“The most important thing that we can do as Democrats is defeat Donald Trump at the polls this November. If Joe Biden’s just talking about Donald Trump and foreign policy, that’s not going to win in November,” Palmer asserted.
Respectfully calling on President Biden to pass the torch to the next generation, Palmer highlighted potential successors, including governors Gretchen Whitmer, Jared Polis, and Gavin Newsom, as leaders ready to prevent a Trump victory.
“I think that Joe Biden can be like George Washington, be that transitional figure, pass it on to the next generation,” Palmer envisioned.
Looking ahead to the Arizona Democratic primary, Palmer outlined plans to release a comprehensive 12-page white paper addressing the border crisis, showcasing his dedication to offering practical solutions.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Jason Palmer’s unexpected triumph in American Samoa serves as a testament to the power of innovative campaigning and the potential for new faces to shape the future of American politics.
