#1 — Joe Biden had to win the nomination
It was not obvious that he would. In fact, it wasn’t looking good until just a few days before the South Carolina primary, which was just a few days before Super Tuesday, which was described as make it or break it time.
That is when U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, who is an African-American Congressman from South Carolina, endorsed Biden powerfully, emotionally. Here is part of what he said:
I know Joe, we know Joe, but most importantly, Joe knows us. I can think of no one with the integrity, no one more committed to the fundamental principles to make this country what it is than my good friend, my late wife's great friend, Joe Biden.
Clyburn made it personal and it worked. His support gave Biden the Win and the momentum to keep doing well soon after on Super Tuesday. From that point on, no further criticism of Biden was permitted on non-Trump media platforms; ie, most media platforms.
Joe Biden’s long career and many complicated factors that emerge from a lifetime in politics kept him in the race despite many disadvantages. Barely in the race.
Then Jim Clyburn gave him the nomination.
#2 — Joe Biden had to beat Donald Trump
You wouldn’t think it’s a daunting task but it was. There is only one reason he was able to do it.
The Coronavirus.
Trump fucked up the Coronavirus and Biden’s only relevant definition was I’m-not-Trump.
Despite Trump’s monumental mishandling, the election was still close. Without a pandemic, Trumps wins.
Clyburn + Covid = President Biden.