Biden southern win could set up regional showdown with Bernie

COLUMBIA, South Carolina — Joe Biden won the first primary of his 30-plus year quest for the presidency on Saturday, in very decisive fashion. At his victory celebration here in Columbia, the former vice president thanked Rep. James Clyburn as if Clyburn had saved his life, and indeed, that appears to be what happened. With Clyburn’s endorsement, Biden scored a huge win among black voters and was on his way to victory.

Biden’s win was no doubt enormously satisfying for him and his supporters. But at the same time, it could prove unsettling for the Democratic Party and could end up turning the presidential race into a bitter and protracted regional conflict.