The Democrat Who Surpassed Biden in the American Samoa Caucus – Sky Bulletin
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In an unexpected twist during the Super Tuesday contests, President Joe Biden found himself bested in American Samoa by Jason Palmer, a Democrat largely unheard of until now.
In the small caucus of American Samoa, out of 91 total votes, Palmer secured 51 while Biden captured 40, as reported by the local Democratic Party.
Palmer, upon learning about his victory, shared, “My phone started blowing up with friends and campaign staffers texting me,” in a Tuesday evening interview.
At 52 years old, Jason Palmer mentioned that he never physically visited American Samoa during his campaign. He stated, “I’ve been engaging remotely, hosting Zoom town halls, and hearing from the residents about their issues and priorities,” emphasizing his unique campaign approach.
Though not impactful on Biden’s trajectory towards nomination due to the mere six delegates on offer in the U.S. territory, the win was symbolic. The territory’s small populace on its South Pacific islands is noted. The delegates were evenly split between Palmer and Biden.
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Seeking to be an advocate for American Samoa, Palmer relayed on social media platform X the day before the caucus, along with imagery of his younger supporters brandishing handcrafted signs.
Palmer’s background includes various roles across businesses and nonprofits, where he has been involved in tech and educational issues. He pointed out that voters are in search of “a more 21st century leader than Joe Biden.”
Funding his own presidential bid, campaign finance documents show Palmer has invested over $500,000 into his campaign efforts.
Palmer, reflecting on his financial contributions, said, “You can’t take the money with you when you die,” conveying his desire to make an impact. “But you can change the world while you’re here.”
The unique political landscape of U.S. territories allows for primary participation but excludes them from Electoral College representation.
Notably, American Samoa has witnessed unconventional primary successes before, evidenced by Michael Bloomberg’s sole primary win there in 2020.
FAQs about Jason Palmer and the American Samoa Caucus
1. How many delegates were available in American Samoa?
Six delegates were available in the American Samoa caucus.
2. Did Jason Palmer visit American Samoa before winning the caucus?
No, Jason Palmer did not visit American Samoa. He campaigned remotely using digital tools like Zoom.
3. How much money has Jason Palmer loaned to his campaign?
Jason Palmer has loaned over $500,000 to his campaign from his personal funds.
4. Do residents of American Samoa have electoral votes in the Presidential election?
Residents can vote in primary elections, but American Samoa does not have representation in the Electoral College.
5. Has American Samoa had unexpected primary results before?
Yes, in the 2020 Democratic primaries, the territory gave Michael Bloomberg his only win.
Conclusion
In an unexpected turn during the Super Tuesday events, virtually unknown Democrat Jason Palmer managed to surpass President Joe Biden in the American Samoa caucus. While the impact on the overall nomination race is negligible, Palmer’s victory highlighted the varying political narratives that can emerge from U.S. territories. His remote campaign strategy and self-funding raise interesting points about the evolving nature of political campaigns and the unique role of territories in American politics. The region’s previous support for another outsider, Michael Bloomberg, suggests that American Samoa’s electorate is open to varied political messages and candidates.
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