'Proper conman': Internet aghast as Jason Palmer reportedly beat Joe Biden in American Samoa caucuses without ever visiting US territory

WASHINGTON, DC: In a surprising turn of events on Super Tuesday, President Joe Biden faced an unexpected setback in the Democratic caucus in American Samoa. The victor? A little-known venture capitalist named Jason Palmer, who campaigned virtually and won over the electorate's hearts without setting foot on the South Pacific islands.

Palmer's victory, securing 51 out of 91 votes cast in the territory's caucus on March 5, marked a notable upset, thwarting Biden's otherwise sweeping victories across the nation. Despite his relative obscurity in the political arena, Palmer's success underscores an appetite among voters for fresh perspectives and a break from traditional politics.

Who is Jason Palmer?

Hailing from Baltimore, the 52-year-old entrepreneur and investor has made waves with his unorthodox campaign approach, leveraging technology and digital platforms to connect with voters.

Palmer's absence from American Samoa did not hinder his outreach efforts, as he conducted Zoom town halls and engaged with constituents virtually, listening to their concerns and advocating for change.

Palmer, acknowledging the uphill battle he faces, admitted on his campaign website to having "very little chance of winning." Yet, his dedication to the race is evident, having loaned over $500,000 of his own funds to fuel his bid for the presidency.

"I found out that I had won because my phone started blowing up with friends and campaign staffers texting me," Palmer said in an interview on Super Tuesday. "I have been campaigning remotely, doing Zoom town halls, talking to people, listening to them about their concerns and what matters to them," he added.

Despite his outsider status, Palmer's background in business and philanthropy, coupled with his educational achievements, lend credence to his candidacy.

With a resume boasting stints at notable organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Microsoft, and Kaplan, Palmer brings a wealth of experience in technology, education, and philanthropy to the table.

The presidential hopeful has also held board positions with several charities including at the University of Virginia, the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Palmer is a graduate of the University of Virginia, where he studied under the school's Echols Interdisciplinary Major, and Harvard University, where he earned his Master of Business Administration. He is also dedicated to philanthropic causes, including support for Afghan allies resettling in Northern Virginia.

However, not much is known about Palmer's personal life, albeit he describes himself on social media as a "proud dad."

While Palmer's victory in American Samoa may not alter the trajectory of Biden's nomination, it serves as a reminder of the territory's influence in the political landscape.

With only six delegates at stake, American Samoa may seem insignificant, yet its symbolic impact resonates within the broader context of the Democratic primaries, the Daily Mail reported.

Internet reacts to Jason Palmer winning the American Samoa primary without visiting the place

Social media was inundated with reactions after it emerged that Palmer had won American Samoa without ever having visited the territory.

"You know what they say, fake it until you win American Samoa," one user posted on X.

"He is a proper conman, tell the people in the mainland that he is well known in the island, and tell the people in the island that he is well known in the mainland," another quipped.

"He would have been the best snake oil salesman in the 1800s," someone else offered.

"He is a consummate politician. He bamboozled the 51 people who voted for him," another alleged.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.