Jason Palmer (politician) explained

Jason Palmer
Birth Name:Jason Michael Palmer
Birth Date:1 December 1971
Birth Place:Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, U.S.
Education:University of Virginia (BA)
Harvard University (MBA)
Occupation:Entrepreneur, investor
Known For:Defeating the incumbent president, Joe Biden, in the 2024 American Samoa Democratic presidential caucuses
Party:Democratic

Jason Michael Palmer (born December 1, 1971) is an American businessman, entrepreneur, investor, and politician who was a candidate in the 2024 Democratic Party presidential primaries. Palmer won the 2024 American Samoa Democratic presidential caucuses, with 51 votes compared to 40 for Joe Biden. He was awarded three of American Samoa's delegates to the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Palmer became the first presidential candidate to win a territory while running against an incumbent president in a presidential primary since Ted Kennedy defeated Jimmy Carter in 13 contests during the 1980 Democratic presidential primaries.

Early life and education

Palmer was born at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, Maryland,[1] on December 1, 1971.[2] His father, Lonnie Palmer, was an educator and U.S. Army veteran who was superintendent of the City School District of Albany. Palmer's family moved away from Maryland shortly after he was born.

During high school, Palmer won multiple cross country and track regional championships, graduating from Averill Park High School in upstate New York. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School in 1999.

He returned to Baltimore, Maryland, in 2010. Palmer is a Quaker.[3]

Business career

Early in his career, Palmer founded and grew three technology and services companies, before holding executive positions at Microsoft Education, SchoolNet, and Kaplan, where he was general manager and turnaround leader for multiple businesses, including corporate venture capital.[4] More recently, Palmer was deputy director for postsecondary education at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and general partner at New Markets Venture Partners, a leading impact investing firm.[5] [6] [7]

Political career

Early career

In the 1990s, Palmer worked for Daniel Patrick Moynihan, a Democratic U.S. senator from New York.[8]

2024 presidential campaign

See also: 2024 Democratic Party presidential primaries.

According to his campaign website, Palmer's campaign was based on three ideas: conscious capitalism, the new talent economy, and modernizing government.[9] He has described himself as a pragmatist, noting that he supported Democratic nominees Hillary Clinton and Biden in 2016 and 2020, but voted for Republican Governor Larry Hogan in the 2018 Maryland gubernatorial election.[10]

On January 18, 2024, Politico published an interview with Palmer, in which he touted his status as the youngest Democratic presidential candidate and one of the youngest candidates in either party. He called on Biden and all older lawmakers to "pass the torch" to a younger generation of political leaders such as Gretchen Whitmer, Gavin Newsom, or Jared Polis. Palmer also promoted his management skills from his business career, stating that if elected, he would hire a skilled outsider if he lacked considerable knowledge in a field. He also said he would center his term in office promoting technological advancements.

Palmer was on the ballot in sixteen states and territories, including New Hampshire, Nevada, Colorado, Minnesota, Vermont, American Samoa, Northern Marianas, Arizona, Kansas, Missouri, North Dakota, Hawaii and West Virginia where he received a combined total of 21,027 votes.[11] [12] Palmer won the 2024 American Samoa Democratic presidential caucuses.[13] [14] He received 51 votes, while Joe Biden received 40, with a total turnout of 91 voters.[15] [16] Both candidates won three delegates each.[17] [18] Palmer's victory surprised many in the Democratic establishment; he became the first person to defeat an incumbent president in a primary contest since Ted Kennedy defeated Jimmy Carter in 12 primaries during the 1980 United States presidential election.[19]

Before his victory there, Palmer digitally campaigned in American Samoa, posting on Twitter that "Washington D.C. is long overdue for a president who will be an advocate for American Samoa". He campaigned mostly through town halls over Zoom, having never set foot in the territory. He learned of his victory while watching TV coverage of the Super Tuesday elections with friends at a Washington, D.C. hotel conference. Maddow compared Palmer to Michael Bloomberg during his failed 2020 bid for president as both won American Samoa after being the only candidate to campaign there, and both are wealthy with large disposable incomes.[20] Palmer loaned over $500,000 to his campaign from his own money. Shortly after the American Samoa primaries, three minor Democratic candidates, Gabriel Cornejo, Frank Lozada, and Stephen Lyons dropped out and endorsed Palmer.[21]

Following his victory in American Samoa,[22] Palmer campaigned in the Northern Mariana Islands, another territory of the United States, but only managed to obtain 4% of the vote.[23] [24] Later in the campaign, Palmer achieved 11% in West Virginia's primary despite having already endorsed President Biden.[25]

On March 27, 2024, Palmer announced TOGETHER!, a B-Corporation PAC to reduce political polarization, increase participation of young voters, and get younger candidates elected to Congress.[26]

On April 15, 2024, Palmer announced on Twitter that he was endorsing president Biden for the 2024 general election, though he refrained at that time from officially suspending his campaign.[27] [28] Palmer withdrew from the race on May 15. Palmer stated that discussions with the Democratic National Committee and convention leaders continue about determining his role in drafting the Democratic platform at the Democratic National Convention. Palmer also announced that his team will attend the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

On July 10, 2024, Palmer urged Biden to end his bid for re-election in an interview with Semafor amid growing concerns about his potential to get re-elected.[29] On July 21, 2024, Biden dropped out of the 2024 race,[30] and Palmer went on to endorse Kamala Harris for president on July 24.[31]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Barker . Jeff . Baltimore resident Jason Palmer found faraway primary where he could win against President Joe Biden. March 6, 2024 . . March 6, 2024 . March 6, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240306222231/https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/03/06/baltimore-resident-jason-palmer-found-faraway-primary-where-he-could-win-against-president-joe-biden/ . live.
  2. Web site: About. Palmer for President . March 6, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240125211402/https://palmerforpresident.us/about . January 25, 2024.
  3. Web site: Chappell . Bill . March 6, 2024 . Jason Palmer beats Biden in American Samoa, and looks to Northern Mariana Islands . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240306195059/https://www.npr.org/2024/03/06/1236244459/long-shot-jason-palmer-deals-president-biden-a-caucus-defeat-in-american-samoa . March 6, 2024 . March 7, 2024 . NPR.
  4. Web site: Jason Palmer . IMS Global Learning Consortium. March 6, 2024 . August 6, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160806072609/http://www.imsglobal.org/leadership/jason-palmer . live.
  5. News: Hill . Jessica . February 5, 2024 . 'Pass the torch': Entrepreneur presents himself as alternative to Biden. March 6, 2024 . . en-US . February 9, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240209100416/https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/nevada/pass-the-torch-entrepreneur-presents-himself-as-alternative-to-biden-2993466/ . live.
  6. News: Kim . Joshua . December 20, 2023 . 3 Questions for Presidential Candidate Jason Palmer. March 6, 2024 . . en . December 20, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231220180548/https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/blogs/learning-innovation/2023/12/20/three-questions-presidential-candidate-jason-palmer . live.
  7. News: Swartz. Jon. December 7, 2023. Tech investor Jason Palmer vows to deliver 'conscious capitalism' in his presidential bid. March 6, 2024. MarketWatch. EN-US. March 4, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240304154230/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/tech-investor-jason-palmer-vows-to-deliver-conscious-capitalism-in-his-presidential-bid-0d95bae0. live.
  8. News: Padilla . Jackie . Time to 'pass the torch': Meet Biden's youngest Dem opponent. . March 6, 2024 . January 18, 2024 . January 25, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240125211321/https://www.politico.com/video/2024/01/18/time-to-pass-the-torch-meet-bidens-youngest-dem-opponent-1190766 . live.
  9. Web site: Palmer for President 2024: Ideas. March 8, 2024. March 8, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240308190841/https://palmerforpresident.us/ideas/. live.
  10. News: Maryland businessman Jason Palmer bests Biden in one Super Tuesday contest . March 9, 2024 . . March 9, 2024 . Lokay . Jim . March 9, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240309052039/https://www.fox5dc.com/video/1423266 . live.
  11. News: Silver State 2024 Election Results - Presidential Preference Primary. March 5, 2024 . . March 4, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240304225306/https://silverstateelection.nv.gov/nvother/index.shtml . live.
  12. Web site: 2024 Democratic Presidential Primary Election Results. March 6, 2024 . New Hampshire Secretary of State . en . January 25, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240125021016/https://www.sos.nh.gov/2024-democratic-presidential-primary-election-results . live.
  13. Web site: Doherty . Erin . Biden's first primary loss is in a U.S. territory. . March 6, 2024 . March 5, 2024. March 6, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240306054830/https://www.axios.com/2024/03/06/biden-primary-loss-american-samoa . live.
  14. News: Julia . Mueller . Biden loses American Samoa Democratic caucuses. . March 5, 2024 . March 6, 2024 . March 6, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240306031820/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4511397-biden-loses-american-samoa-democratic-caucus/ . live.
  15. News: Megerian . Chris . March 6, 2024 . Who is Jason Palmer? A previously unknown Democrat beats Biden in American Samoa's Democratic caucus. March 6, 2024 . . March 6, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240306035221/https://apnews.com/article/who-is-jason-palmer-american-samoa-primary-c4bc109a16c7ee7b083f6216b44ba0c4 . live.
  16. News: American Samoa 2024 Democratic caucus results: Little-known candidate Jason Palmer beats Biden . . March 5, 2024 . March 9, 2024 . March 8, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240308135239/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/american-samoa-2024-democratic-caucus-results/story?id=106645547 . live.
  17. News: March 6, 2024 . Who is Jason Palmer? Surprise defeat for Biden in American Samoa. Sam. Cabral. Max. Matza. March 6, 2024 . . en-GB . March 6, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240306183002/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68487133 . live.
  18. News: McFadden . Alyce . March 6, 2024 . The Super Tuesday Shocker That Wasn't: Biden Pulls Out a Tie in American Samoa. March 6, 2024 . . en-US . 0362-4331 . March 6, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240306044454/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/05/us/politics/biden-american-samoa-jason-palmer.html . live.
  19. News: Joe Biden Is First Incumbent President to Lose a Primary in 44 Years . James . Bickerton . . March 6–7, 2024 . March 18, 2024.
  20. Web site: 'That person': Democrat Jason Palmer beats Joe Biden to win American Samoa, NBC News projects. . . March 5, 2024 . March 6, 2024 . March 6, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240306080504/https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/watch/nbc-news-projects-jason-palmer-surprise-win-in-american-samoa-s-democratic-caucus-205541445930 . live.
  21. Three Democratic Presidential Candidates Endorse American Samoa Winner Jason Palmer On Same Day He Releases Comprehensive Immigration Plan . 2024-03-30 . March 18, 2024 . . en.
  22. Web site: Zoccolan . Andrea . 2024-03-06 . Chi è Jason Palmer, il candidato che ha sconfitto Biden nelle isole Samoa? . Who is Jason Palmer, the candidate who defeated Biden in Samoa? . 2024-03-26 . Newsby . it-IT.
  23. Web site: Northern Marianas Democratic Delegation 2024 . March 13, 2024 . . March 12, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240312072347/https://www.thegreenpapers.com/P24/MP-D . live.
  24. Web site: Zhou . Li . March 6, 2024 . Jason Palmer, the guy who beat Biden in American Samoa, briefly explained . March 6, 2024 . Vox . en . March 6, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240306214423/https://www.vox.com/politics/2024/3/6/24092432/jason-palmer-american-samoa-biden-democratic-primary . live.
  25. News: Pipia . Lindsey . May 15, 2024 . American Samoa primary victor Jason Palmer bows out of the presidential race. May 16, 2024 . NBC News.
  26. Jason Palmer Pivots Presidential Campaign, Announces TOGETHER!: A National Youth Movement for Political Unity and Cutting-Edge Common Sense . 2024-03-30 . March 27, 2024 . . en.
  27. Palmer . Jason . April 15, 2024 . President @JoeBiden is the presumptive nominee of @TheDemocrats and he's earned my full support and endorsement. . educationpalmer. 1779840819127611441. April 15, 2024 . Twitter.
  28. 1779902670360453411 . educationpalmer . Additional detail since some reporters have contacted me to ask if I'm 'suspending' my campaign: I'm proud to endorse Joe Biden as the leader of our Democratic Party and plan to campaign vigorously for his re-election. We're currently refraining from officially suspending our campaign as we're still working closely with the DNC and Convention leaders to define our specific role at the convention and in shaping the Democratic Platform. [...] . Jason . Palmer . April 15, 2024 . April 18, 2024 . Twitter.
  29. News: Only one man beat Joe Biden in 2024. Here's what he thinks he should do.. David. Weigel. Semafor. July 10, 2024. July 21, 2024.
  30. News: President Joe Biden drops out of 2024 presidential race. Peter. Nicholas. NBC News. July 21, 2024. July 21, 2024.
  31. Web site: 2024-07-24 . Jason Palmer Endorses Kamala Harris and Encourages American Samoa Delegates to Do the Same for National Unity . WBOY-TV.

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