Biden Returns to South Carolina for 'Thank You' Event

Former president receives warm welcome from state Democrats who helped revive his 2020 campaign

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Joe Biden made a rare public appearance in South Carolina on Friday, where he was celebrated by state Democrats who helped revive his 2020 presidential campaign. Although Biden faced criticism for his failed attempt at a second term, the audience welcomed him as a political hero. Biden swiped at former President Trump, suggesting he may try to 'steal the election' in the upcoming midterms.

Why it matters

Biden's appearance in South Carolina is significant as the state played a crucial role in his path to the presidency in 2020. The event is seen as a way for Biden to reconnect with the Democratic base and acknowledge the support he received from the state's voters and political leaders, particularly Rep. Jim Clyburn, whose endorsement was pivotal.

The details

Biden was welcomed to the stage by Rep. Jim Clyburn, his longtime political ally. In his remarks, Biden thanked the audience for their support, saying 'When it mattered, you were there for me.' He also accused former President Trump of 'trying to steal the election' in the upcoming midterms, warning 'Mark my words, I hope I'm wrong.' The event was hosted by the state Democratic Party and was intended to commemorate the sixth anniversary of Biden's pivotal primary win in the state, which helped catapult him to the front of the 2020 presidential field.

  • Biden's appearance took place on Friday, February 28, 2026.
  • The event commemorated the sixth anniversary of Biden's pivotal primary win in South Carolina in 2020.

The players

Joe Biden

The former president of the United States, who is making a rare public appearance in South Carolina to celebrate the state's role in reviving his 2020 presidential campaign.

Jim Clyburn

A U.S. Representative from South Carolina and a longtime political ally of Biden, who welcomed him to the stage at the event.

Donald Trump

The former president, whom Biden accused of 'trying to steal the election' in the upcoming midterms.

Christale Spain

The chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, who defended the state's role in boosting Biden's 2020 campaign.

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What they’re saying

“'Thank you,' Biden said to cheers as Rep. Jim Clyburn, his longtime political ally, welcomed him to a stage set up in an art museum in downtown Columbia. 'It's good to be back home.'”

— Joe Biden

“'Mark my words,' Biden added. 'I hope I'm wrong.'”

— Joe Biden

“'Folks, when it mattered, you were there for me,' Biden said Friday. 'You believed in me … and I believed in you, too.'”

— Joe Biden

“'My buddy Jim Clyburn, you brought me back!' he said.”

— Joe Biden

“'There is no American ever who has demonstrated through his service more substance and, I might add, sustenance, than Joe Robinette Biden Jr.,'”

— Jim Clyburn, U.S. Representative

What’s next

The national Democratic Party is reconsidering its primary calendar, which could undercut South Carolina's influence as the first primary state.

The takeaway

Biden's return to South Carolina highlights the enduring political relationships he has built in the state, particularly with Rep. Jim Clyburn, whose endorsement was pivotal in reviving Biden's 2020 campaign. The event serves as a reminder of the state's importance in the Democratic nominating process and the challenges it may face in maintaining that status going forward.