NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — On his last complete day in office, President Joe Biden visited South Carolina, where he encouraged the American public to maintain optimism for a brighter future while reflecting on the profound impact of the civil rights movement and his personal journey in politics.
As he prepared for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, Biden delivered his farewell address from a state that played a pivotal role in his successful 2020 Democratic primary campaign, a victory that ultimately led him to fulfill his lifelong ambition of becoming president.
During his address at Royal Missionary Baptist Church, Biden expressed the inspiration he drew from figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, whom he regarded as political icons. He acknowledged the significant support he received from South Carolina Democrats, saying, “I owe you big.”
On the eve of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Biden conveyed a more optimistic outlook for the nation compared to his previous farewell speech, in which he warned about the dangers of an “oligarchy” formed by the wealthy elite and a “tech-industrial complex” jeopardizing democracy’s future.
He stated, “The struggle to redeem the soul of this nation is challenging and ongoing. We must hold on to hope. We must stay engaged. We must always keep the faith in a better day to come.” He assured the audience, “I’m not going anywhere,” prompting applause from those present.
Later, Biden visited the International African American Museum in Charleston, located where countless enslaved Africans were brought to America between the late 1760s and 1808. He spoke about his commitment to an administration that reflects the diversity of the country, highlighting appointments such as Lloyd Austin, the first Black Secretary of Defense, and Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman nominated to the Supreme Court, cheekily remarking, “And by the way, she’s smarter than those guys.”
Biden asserted, “We’re proving that by remembering our history, we can make history.” Meanwhile, as his address unfolded, a rally supporting Trump in Washington was characterized by criticisms of Biden’s presidency, setting the stage for what was expected to follow Trump’s inauguration.
Before his church visit, Biden remarked on the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, stating, “the guns in Gaza have gone silent.” He referenced his prior discussions to end hostilities and remarked on the importance of the upcoming administration to sustain the agreement while urging Trump to continue diplomatic efforts and support for regional allies.
Biden faced significant backlash from critics who condemned his administration’s arms support for Israel and accused it of insufficient efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. During his motorcade through Charleston, protestors could be heard chanting, “Biden is a war criminal,” brandishing a banner that proclaimed “Biden’s legacy=genocide.”
Upon arriving at the church, Biden and First Lady Jill Biden settled in the front pew while the congregation engaged in spirited gospel singing, rising and clapping along. A choir led the musical interlude before the program transitioned to honor Martin Luther King Jr.
Biden was introduced at the church and museums by Representative Jim Clyburn, a vital ally and longtime friend, who noted how history often reevaluates presidents once they leave office. Clyburn remarked, “So I want to say to you, good friend, very little appreciation has been shown recently but faint not. History will be very kind to you.”
Biden’s campaign in 2020 initially struggled after losses in the early primaries of New Hampshire, Iowa, and Nevada. However, he emerged victorious in South Carolina, which has a substantial Black Democratic electorate, buoyed by Clyburn’s endorsement.
After entering the presidency, Biden advocated for South Carolina to spearhead the Democratic Party’s nominating process for 2024 as opposed to New Hampshire. He won the state’s primary last year but later exited the race following a challenging debate against Trump, facing pressure from fellow Democrats—a pressure Clyburn notably did not apply.
Biden encourages citizens to maintain hope during his last complete day in office in South Carolina.
