SC is a bigger state, so candidates with large war chests and national name recognition have a greater leg up in SC than they would in NH, where candidates can easily make their way around the state. NH is better for good-but-unknown candidates to develop a national profile.

In terms of selfishness, NH, NV, and Iowa did not go for Biden in 2020 primary. SC was the first that did and one of Biden’s most important backers was Clyburn. That’s a factor here that has nothing to do with picking a good state to go first.

Why not seek out a purple state where it would be good to grow our presence and turn it blue? NC and GA are better choices if race is the determinative factor.