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Former President Biden Returns to South Carolina for Warm Homecoming Amid Political Crossroads
In a warm reception that stood in stark contrast to the political headwinds he has faced since leaving office, Joe Biden made a rare public appearance Friday evening in Columbia, South Carolina, where he was greeted with enthusiasm by the Democrats who saved his presidential campaign four years ago.
“Thank you,” Biden said to cheers as longtime ally Rep. Jim Clyburn welcomed him to the stage at a downtown Columbia art museum. “It’s good to be back home.”
The event, organized by the South Carolina Democratic Party, commemorated the sixth anniversary of Biden’s pivotal primary victory in the state—a win that revitalized his faltering 2020 presidential campaign and ultimately propelled him to the White House.
Biden, who has largely remained out of the public eye since leaving office, used the occasion to criticize his successor, Donald Trump. He suggested the former president might interfere with the upcoming midterm elections, saying Trump is “trying to steal the election, because he knows he can’t win your vote.” Biden added ominously, “Mark my words. I hope I’m wrong.”
The appearance offered Biden a moment of political affirmation during a difficult personal period. The 83-year-old former president announced in May that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer that had spread to his bone. A spokesperson revealed in October that Biden had been receiving radiation and hormone therapy.
Biden’s connection to South Carolina runs deep. He has vacationed with his family on Kiawah Island near Charleston for years and retreated there after his son Beau died of cancer. As a senator, he developed close relationships with the state’s long-serving senators, Republican Strom Thurmond and Democrat Fritz Hollings, delivering eulogies for both men.
“Folks, when it mattered, you were there for me,” Biden told the crowd. “You believed in me… and I believed in you, too.”
His relationship with Clyburn has proven particularly consequential. The congressman’s endorsement just before the 2020 South Carolina primary served as a crucial signal to Black voters, who form the foundation of the state’s Democratic Party. “My buddy Jim Clyburn, you brought me back!” Biden exclaimed.
Clyburn, in his introduction, expressed no regrets about his endorsement. “There is no American ever who has demonstrated through his service more substance and, I might add, sustenance, than Joe Robinette Biden Jr.,” he said.
During his presidency, Biden elevated South Carolina’s political significance by pushing Democrats to make it the first primary state, reshaping the party’s nominating process. He also appointed South Carolina native Jaime Harrison as chair of the Democratic National Committee.
Now, South Carolina Democrats stand at a political crossroads. The national party is reconsidering its primary calendar, potentially diminishing the state’s influence on future nominations. Christale Spain, chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, defended the state’s role, noting that by boosting Biden in 2020, “South Carolina did what South Carolina does best. We made the difference.”
Biden drew laughter from supporters as he jabbed at Trump’s recent State of the Union address, which became the longest ever delivered. “Did you see Trump give the State of the Union the other night?” Biden asked. “He still talking?”
The former president spent his final full day in office in January 2025 in Charleston, where he urged Americans to “keep the faith in a better day to come” as Trump prepared to return to the White House. Since then, Trump has systematically rolled back many of Biden’s policy achievements.
Despite the political setbacks and personal health challenges, Biden’s reception in South Carolina demonstrated that he still maintains strong support among the Democratic faithful who helped launch his successful presidential bid. For one evening at least, the appreciation of his South Carolina supporters offered Biden a respite from the difficulties that have marked his post-presidential life.
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7 Comments
Biden’s warning about election interference is concerning. I hope he’s wrong, but it’s important for leaders to be vigilant about protecting the integrity of our democratic process.
Biden’s South Carolina event seems like a nostalgic look back at his political resurgence. But the real focus will be on his vision and plans for the future.
Interesting to see Biden back in South Carolina, the state that revived his 2020 campaign. Curious to hear his thoughts on the current political landscape and his successor’s actions.
While I may not agree with all of Biden’s policies, I respect his long career in public service. It’s good to see him maintaining ties with the Democrats who have supported him.
It’s good to see Biden connecting with the local Democrats who supported him. As the midterms approach, maintaining strong relationships with the base will be crucial.
The mining and energy sectors are closely watching Biden’s policies and statements. I wonder if he’ll comment on issues like permitting, supply chains, or the clean energy transition.
Biden’s ‘thank you’ event seems like a low-key appearance, but it could signal a shift in his public profile as we get closer to the midterms. Curious to see if he takes a more active role.