COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Former President Joe Biden made a notable public appearance on Friday in South Carolina, where he was warmly welcomed by Democrats who played a crucial role in reviving his presidential campaign six years ago. Despite experiencing criticism for his unsuccessful bid for a second term, which coincided with Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the crowd greeted Biden with enthusiasm and admiration, treating him as a political hero.
Among cheers, Biden expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you,” after Rep. Jim Clyburn, a long-time ally, introduced him onstage at an art museum in downtown Columbia. “It’s good to be back home,” he added, emphasizing his longstanding connection to the state.
During his remarks, Biden made a pointed critique of Trump, suggesting the former president might interfere in upcoming midterm campaigns. He directly accused Trump of “trying to steal the election because he knows he can't win your vote,” adding, “Mark my words, I hope I’m wrong.”
The event, held on a rainy evening, was organized by the state’s Democratic Party to commemorate the sixth anniversary of Biden’s significant primary victory in South Carolina, which was pivotal in revitalizing his faltering presidential bid at that time.
Since leaving office, Biden has largely remained out of the public eye, making this appearance particularly meaningful following a challenging period for him. Trump’s efforts to roll back many of Biden’s policies, combined with Biden’s announcement in May regarding his prostate cancer diagnosis, which has metastasized to his bones, have clouded his post-presidency. As of October, it was reported that he has been undergoing radiation and hormone therapy.
Biden frequently refers to South Carolina as a second home, having spent vacation time on Kiawah Island near Charleston, and seeking solace there following the death of his son, Beau, due to cancer.
“Folks, when it mattered, you were there for me,” Biden remarked, expressing his faith in the people of South Carolina, who believed in him during crucial moments of his career. As a former U.S. Senator, he has fostered deep connections within the state’s political landscape, having delivered eulogies for both long-serving senators, Strom Thurmond and Fritz Hollings.
In the context of South Carolina’s political future, Biden noted that he has relied on the state for significant roles throughout his presidency, advocating for South Carolina as the first primary state and appointing Jaime Harrison of Orangeburg to lead the Democratic National Committee.
The South Carolina Democratic Party currently finds itself at a political crossroads, as the national party reevaluates its primary calendar, which could diminish the state’s sway in the nomination process. Christale Spain, chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, stood firm in defending the state’s critical role in Biden’s 2020 success, declaring, “South Carolina did what South Carolina does best. We made the difference.”
Biden entertained the crowd with humor as he jabbed at Trump, posing a rhetorical question about Trump’s lengthy recent State of the Union address: “Did you see Trump give the State of the Union the other night?” suggesting that Trump continued to speak excessively. “He still talking?”
