Article snippet: CHARLESTON, S.C. — Most politicians don’t understand the needs of the East Side, a primarily black neighborhood. But on Wednesday, Demond McElveen had a chance to help explain them to the newest presidential candidate. Former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick spent three hours with McElveen, 46, and about 15 other people at a local nonprofit, then walked around their neighborhood and talked to more residents, who sat outside enjoying sunny 60-degree weather. This historic area, dotted with old oak trees, palmettos, and homes that have been in families for generations, feels forgotten, the people said. Small businesses struggle to stay open, kids get into trouble, longtime residents can’t afford to fix their homes and are displaced. Nothing will be easy about Patrick’s late quest for the Democratic presidential nomination. But this state and its pivotal primary might offer him a glimmer of hope, and Patrick’s appearance here this week impressed McElveen. “He has a shot,” McElveen said. “I wouldn’t say to win South Carolina, but I think he has a shot to really get the word out” that he’s a serious contender. Other candidates have not campaigned as much here as they have in Iowa and New Hampshire, and voters seem more undecided. South Carolina’s primary, the fourth nominating contest in the country, isn’t until Feb. 29, affording Patrick extra days to introduce himself to voters here. “There’s still plenty of time in South Carolina,” said Gibbs Knotts, a politi... Link to the full article to read more