Who is Jason Palmer — the tech entrepreneur who topped Biden in American Samoa’s Dem caucus?
The tech entrepreneur who topped President Biden in American Samoa’s Democratic caucus on Super Tuesday never campaigned on the collection of islands — and didn’t even know he pulled out the shocking victory until he received a bunch of texts.
The unlikely victory in the territory’s caucus — where just 91 ballots were cast — shot little-known businessman and political candidate Jason Palmer to prominence.
Palmer received 51 of the votes to Biden’s 40, according to the local Democratic party.
“I found out that I had won because my phone started blowing up with friends and campaign staffers texting me,” Palmer, 52, told the Associated Press late Tuesday night.
Palmer, who hails from Baltimore, didn’t even visit the territory leading up to the successful caucus, doing most of his campaigning over a screen.
“I have been campaigning remotely, doing Zoom town halls, talking to people, listening to them about their concerns and what matters to them,” he said.
But he’s shown some commitment to the race, loaning his campaign $500,000 of his own cash for his very long shot presidential bid.
“You can’t take the money with you when you die,” he said. “But you can change the world while you’re here.”
Palmer said voters want a president “who is more of the 21st century than Joe Biden,” who is 81-years-old.
The beginner politician celebrated the miniscule win in a post on X late Tuesday, calling it an honor and thanking the “incredible community” that supported him.
“This win is a testament to the power of our voices. Together, we can rebuild the American Dream and shape a brighter future for all,” he tweeted.
“Every American deserves an advocate who will champion their cause & amplify their voices. Whether addressing climate change, enhancing healthcare, or improving education, the aspirations of American Samoans resonate with the long-awaited change we all seek,” he said in another post.
Palmer can now boast a grand total of four delegates out of the six he could have clinched on the series of islands that has a population of less than 50,000 people.
Biden meanwhile had a solid showing in the rest of the primary contests as expected.
Palmer has worked for numerous businesses and nonprofits that mostly consist of technology and education, including Microsoft and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Residents of US territories vote in primaries, but have no representation in the Electoral College.
American Samoa also helped another businessman clinch a win during the 2020 Democratic primary: Former New York City Mayor and billionaire Mike Bloomberg.
It was Bloomberg’s sole win on Super Tuesday.
With Post wires
