Columbia, South Carolina — Columbia, South Carolina (AFP) – Joe Biden In a rare public appearance Friday in South Carolina, he received praise from Democrats who revived his presidential campaign six years ago. Although Biden is facing scorn in many corners because of it Failed attempt for a second term That preceded Donald Trump returns to the White HouseThe public here welcomed him as a political hero.
“Thank you,” Biden said to cheers as Rep. Jim Clyburn, his longtime political ally, welcomed him to the stage set up at an art museum in downtown Columbia. “It’s good to be home.”
Biden criticized Trump in his comments, suggesting that he may manipulate the fall midterm election campaigns. Biden accused Trump of “trying to steal the election because he knows he won’t be able to win your vote.”
“Mark my words,” Biden added. “I hope I’m wrong.”
The goal of the rainy-night rally hosted by the state Democratic Party was to commemorate the sixth anniversary of Biden’s pivotal victory in the state’s primary election. Biden’s efforts to run for president were faltering until the victory pushed him to the front of the field.
Since leaving office, Biden has achieved great success She stayed away from the public eye. His appearance in South Carolina was also a balm after a difficult period for Biden. Trump has rolled back many of Biden’s policiesThe 83-year-old former president announced last May that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, which had spread to his bones. In October, a spokesman for the former president said he was Receiving radiation and hormonal therapy.
Biden referred to South Carolina as a second state after his native Delaware. He spent a long time with his family on Kiawah Island near Charleston. He also spent time there after his son, Beau, died of cancer.
“People, when it mattered, you were there for me,” Biden said Friday. “You believed in me…and I believed in you too.”
As a U.S. Senator, he developed deep relationships with both of the state’s long-serving senators, Republican Strom Thurmond and Democrat Fritz Hollings, delivering eulogies for both men at South Carolina services.
In January 2025, Biden spent his last full day in office In CharlestonHe urged Americans to “keep faith in a better day to come” as Trump prepares to return to the White House.
But perhaps the strongest relationship was between Biden and Clyburn, whose endorsement ahead of the 2020 South Carolina primary appeared to be a long-awaited victory. A reference to black voters Who are the foundation of the Democratic Party in the state.
“My friend Jim Claiborne, you got me back!” He said.
Clyburn introduced Biden on Friday and indicated he had no second thoughts about endorsing him.
“No American has ever shown more substance, and I might add, sustenance, through his service than Joe Robinette Biden Jr,” he said.
Biden has chosen South Carolina for prominent roles during his presidency. He urged Democrats to do so South Carolina to first primary stateThat shook up the party’s nominating process and made Orangeburg native Jayme Harrison the leader of the Democratic National Committee.
Now South Carolina Democrats stand at a political crossroads. The National Party is reconsidering its evaluation of the primary elections, which may undermine the influence of the state.
Christel Spain, chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, defended the state’s role. She said that by boosting Biden in 2020, it helped defeat Trump.
“South Carolina did what South Carolina does best,” Spain said. “We made a difference.”
Biden drew laughter from party supporters as he attacked Trump.
“Did you see Trump give the State of the Union address that night?” he asked, referring to what became the Tuesday night speech The longest ever delivered. “Is he still talking?”
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Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP