Biden’s Visit to South Carolina Highlights Economic Agenda’s Positive Impact on Red States

President Joe Biden is traveling to South Carolina to highlight the positive impact of his economic measures on the state. Despite losing the state by nearly 12 percentage points in the 2020 election, the White House argues that South Carolina and other Republican-controlled states would have missed out on billions of dollars in investments and thousands of jobs if Republicans had their way. During his visit, Biden will showcase a new clean energy manufacturing partnership between Enphase Energy and Flex Ltd., which is projected to create 600 jobs in South Carolina and 1,200 jobs nationwide. Enphase is benefiting from tax incentives included in Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.

The White House criticized Republicans for voting against the legislation and subsequent efforts to repeal the tax incentives. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that Republicans, including those from South Carolina, want to threaten the investments, jobs, and economic opportunities created by the Inflation Reduction Act. However, Biden has consistently emphasized that he is the president for all Americans, regardless of political affiliation.

Republican Rep. Joe Wilson, whose area will benefit from Enphase’s investment, criticized the legislation, calling it a “waste” of money. He also voted to overturn the clean energy tax credits included in the bill. Rep. Nancy Mace, another South Carolina Republican, congratulated the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority for winning almost $26 million for clean energy transportation projects under the infrastructure legislation but voted against the bill. Sen. Tim Scott, a GOP presidential nominee contender in 2024, also voted against the infrastructure bill, citing “reckless spending on unrelated pet projects.”

Biden’s visit to South Carolina, a traditionally red state, comes shortly after former President Donald Trump’s rally in Pickens, which drew tens of thousands of attendees. By presenting his case in a Republican stronghold and highlighting the benefits of his policies, Biden aims to appeal to swing voters. The White House is making a concerted effort to demonstrate progress under “Bidenomics,” with decreasing inflation, low unemployment rates, and an upcoming reelection campaign.

Despite criticism from Republicans, the White House maintains that legislative action during the first two years of the Biden administration has bolstered the economy amid challenges such as the war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic. Private companies have committed over $500 billion in manufacturing investment since Biden took office, with South Carolina receiving $11 billion in new investment in manufacturing and clean energy. Biden sees his legislative victories as laying the foundation for further economic growth if he is reelected.

South Carolina holds personal and political significance for Biden, as his family has vacationed in Kiawah Island, near Charleston, and important decisions regarding his presidential campaigns have been made there. The state played a crucial role in Biden’s 2020 primary win, with an endorsement from Rep. Jim Clyburn giving him momentum and propelling him to victory. The Democratic Party’s prominence in South Carolina has also increased, as the state was selected as the first voting state on the 2024 presidential primary calendar by the Democratic National Committee.

South Carolina Democratic Party Chairwoman Christale Spain stated that Biden’s visit to the state demonstrates his commitment to being a president for all Americans, not just his supporters. The party is excited to mobilize voters for his reelection campaign.

Original Story at www.washingtonpost.com – 2023-07-06 05:47:54