Biden’s appearance came on a rainy night in Columbia, South Carolina, at a gathering the state Democratic Party hosted to mark the sixth anniversary of his 2020 primary win in the state. Supporters credited that victory with jolting a White House bid that had been faltering before the result lifted him in the race, even as Biden’s path later moved past the campaign and into his presidency.
On Friday, Biden returned to what he described as familiar ground. “It’s good to be back home,” he said as Rep. Jim Clyburn introduced him at a stage set up in an art museum in downtown Columbia. Biden called Clyburn “my buddy” and said Clyburn “brought me back,” as the audience responded with cheers.
Biden then turned to politics beyond the anniversary event, addressing Donald Trump and linking his remarks to the coming midterm elections. Biden alleged that Trump was “trying to steal the election, because he knows he can’t win your vote,” and added, “Mark my words,” while saying, “I hope I’m wrong.” He also drew laughter from the crowd as he referenced Trump’s response to the State of the Union, asking, “Did you see Trump give the State of the Union the other night?” and then, “He still talking?”
The “thank you” event was built around Biden’s relationship with South Carolina Democrats and Clyburn, a longtime ally whose endorsement ahead of South Carolina’s 2020 primary helped signal support to Black voters that are central to the state Democratic Party. In Clyburn’s introduction, he praised Biden as having “demonstrated through his service more substance and, I might add, sustenance,” using Biden’s full name, Joe Robinette Biden Jr.
The program also highlighted roles Biden played during his presidency that the state party described as tied to South Carolina’s standing in Democratic politics. Biden urged Democrats to make South Carolina the first primary state, a move intended to reshape the nominating process, and he made Jaime Harrison of South Carolina leader of the Democratic National Committee.
Party leaders framed the event as confirmation of South Carolina’s influence and effectiveness. South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain said boosting Biden in 2020 helped defeat Trump and argued, “South Carolina did what South Carolina does best,” adding, “We made the difference.” Spain’s remarks came as the national party continues to reconsider its primary calendar, a process that could reduce South Carolina’s leverage.
Biden’s remarks also reflected that his public appearances have been limited since he left office. The AP reported that Biden’s appearance in South Carolina came after a difficult stretch for him, including President-elect Donald Trump rolling back many of Biden’s policies and Biden disclosing in May that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer that had spread to his bone, according to earlier statements from a spokesperson describing radiation and hormone therapy.
Beyond politics, Biden’s ties to South Carolina have included repeated visits with his family on Kiawah Island near Charleston. The AP reported that he vacationed there for years, including time after his son Beau died of cancer, and that he has described South Carolina as a second home after his native Delaware. “Folks, when it mattered, you were there for me,” Biden told the crowd Friday. “You believed in me … and I believed in you, too.”