In an interview with The Post and Courier following a town hall Thursday in Rock Hill, Biden acknowledged the impact that a setback in the other early states could have on his odds of winning the Democratic nomination.

“Iowa can change the dynamic of a race for everybody and anybody,” Biden said. “In New Hampshire, in Iowa, in Nevada, the dynamic can change.”

But he argued that his substantial campaign operation, dozens of prominent endorsements and decades of relationships in South Carolina could preserve his frontrunner status in the Palmetto State regardless of what happens elsewhere.

“We’re in a situation where we have invested a lot of time and effort and structure here,” Biden said. “So I hope that whatever Iowa would bring, what we’ve done here would strengthen the prospect that we can continue to win here.”