Biden Returns to South Carolina for 'Thank You' Event

Former President Joe Biden received a warm welcome from South Carolina Democrats who helped revive his 2020 presidential campaign.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former President Joe Biden made a rare public appearance in South Carolina on Friday, where he was celebrated by Democrats who helped resuscitate his 2020 presidential campaign with a pivotal primary win in the state. Biden thanked the party faithful and took jabs at his successor, former President Donald Trump, suggesting Trump may try to "steal" the upcoming midterm elections.

Why it matters

Biden's return to South Carolina is significant as the state played a crucial role in reviving his 2020 campaign, which was faltering until his decisive primary win there. The event also highlights the continued political influence of longtime Biden ally Rep. Jim Clyburn, whose endorsement was seen as a key factor in Biden's South Carolina victory.

The details

Biden's appearance was part of an event hosted by the South Carolina Democratic Party to commemorate the sixth anniversary of his pivotal 2020 primary win in the state. In his remarks, Biden thanked the party faithful for their support and accused former President Trump of potentially trying to "steal" the upcoming midterm elections because "he knows he can't win your vote." Biden also tapped South Carolina for notable roles during his presidency, including urging Democrats to make the state the first primary and appointing Jaime Harrison, a native of Orangeburg, as leader of the Democratic National Committee.

  • Biden's pivotal 2020 primary win in South Carolina occurred six years ago.
  • Biden spent his final full day in office in January 2025 in Charleston, where he urged Americans to 'keep the faith in a better day to come' as Trump prepared to return to the White House.

The players

Joe Biden

The former President of the United States who returned to South Carolina for a 'thank you' event from state Democrats.

Jim Clyburn

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

Christale Spain

The chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, who defended the state's role in boosting Biden in 2020 and helping defeat former President Trump.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, whom Biden accused of potentially trying to "steal" the upcoming midterm elections because "he knows he can't win your vote."

Jaime Harrison

A native of Orangeburg, South Carolina, who Biden appointed as leader of the Democratic National Committee during his presidency.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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, Former President

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

— Joe Biden, Former President

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

— Joe Biden, Former President

“My buddy Jim Clyburn, you brought me back!”

— Joe Biden, Former President

“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 judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This event highlights the continued political influence of South Carolina Democrats, particularly Rep. Jim Clyburn, in shaping the national Democratic agenda. Biden's return to the state serves as a reminder of the pivotal role it played in reviving his 2020 campaign and the lasting impact of that victory.