The campaign argues that Biden, who has enjoyed outsize support from black voters and strong backing from Latinos, was disadvantaged by the majority white electorates in the first two early states.

“I’m still mildly hopeful here in New Hampshire,” Biden said. “And we’ll see what happens.”

Biden said that, “from the beginning,” his campaign urged voters and the news media to consider the first four early states as part of one phase in the campaign.

Asked what message he’s sending to voters in New Hampshire by leaving, Biden essentially repeated himself.

“My message is that I’ve got to get to South Carolina,” he said. “I’ve gotta get to Nevada after that. I’m going to South Carolina and then to Nevada. And I’ve said from the beginning we’re gonna do that.”

But what does it say when he’s leaving the state early?

“It says that I’m going to South Carolina. That’s what it says,” Biden replied.

When asked if undecided voters in New Hampshire would not vote for him now that he’s leaving early, Biden said, “No, I don’t think so.”

“The rest of the nation is out there. There’s an awful lot of electoral votes to be had,” Biden said. “And we’re going to see. But I think we’re going to do well in Nevada and South Carolina. And we’ll go from there.”