Biden Returns to South Carolina for 'Thank You' Event

Former president celebrates 6-year anniversary of pivotal 2020 primary win

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Former President Joe Biden made a rare public appearance in South Carolina on Friday, where he was welcomed by Democrats who helped revive his 2020 presidential campaign. Biden thanked the party faithful and took jabs at his successor, former President Donald Trump, who defeated Biden's bid for a second term.

Why it matters

Biden's victory in the 2020 South Carolina primary was a pivotal moment that helped propel him to the Democratic nomination and eventually the presidency. His return to the state highlights the importance of the state's Democratic voters, particularly the Black community, in shaping national politics.

The details

Biden spoke at an event hosted by the South Carolina Democratic Party to commemorate the sixth anniversary of his pivotal primary win in the state. He thanked the party for their support and accused Trump of "trying to steal the election" in the upcoming midterms. Biden also highlighted his close relationships with longtime South Carolina politicians like Rep. Jim Clyburn, whose endorsement was seen as crucial to Biden's 2020 victory.

  • Biden spent his final full day as president in Charleston in January 2025.
  • Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer that had spread to his bone in May 2026.

The players

Joe Biden

The 46th president of the United States, who served one term from 2021 to 2025 before being defeated by Donald Trump.

Jim Clyburn

A U.S. Representative from South Carolina and a longtime political ally of Biden, whose endorsement was seen as crucial to Biden's 2020 primary victory in the state.

Donald Trump

The 45th and 47th president of the United States, who defeated Biden's bid for a second term in 2024 and is now seeking to influence the upcoming midterm elections.

Strom Thurmond

A former U.S. Senator from South Carolina, with whom Biden developed a relationship during his time in the Senate.

Fritz Hollings

A former U.S. Senator from South Carolina, with whom Biden also developed a relationship during his time in the Senate.

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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 (wbal.com)

“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 (wbal.com)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

Biden's return to South Carolina highlights the state's continued importance in Democratic politics, particularly the role of Black voters in the party's nominating process. The event also underscores the former president's enduring relationships with key figures in the state, even as he faces criticism for his failed second term bid.