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Biden Reflects on South Carolina’s Role in His Presidency on Final Day in Office

On his final day as president, Joe Biden returned to the state that helped propel him into the White House—South Carolina.

Biden’s Emotional Return to South Carolina

Before his term officially ended, President Biden spent January 19, 2025, in Charleston, South Carolina, making a poignant stop at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston. The church visit marked a deeply personal moment for Biden, as he once again acknowledged the pivotal role South Carolina played in his path to the presidency.

“It’s not hyperbole, I wouldn’t be here without Jim Clyburn,” Biden told the congregation, recalling how Representative Jim Clyburn’s endorsement in 2020 was a turning point in his presidential campaign. After a rocky start, Biden’s resounding victory in the South Carolina primary ultimately set him on a course to defeat then-President Donald Trump.

Joe Biden speech Royal Missionary

Biden also took a moment to embrace Clyburn, South Carolina’s only Democrat in Congress, calling him his best friend. Their relationship is a cornerstone of Biden’s political career, and his acknowledgment of Clyburn’s importance was heartfelt.

A Day of Reflection and Global Diplomacy

In addition to addressing his political journey, Biden touched on significant global developments, including a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The deal, which saw the guns in Gaza go silent, brought a brief moment of hope to a long-standing conflict. Biden, who has years of experience in foreign policy, described the negotiations as some of the toughest he had ever participated in.

Biden’s comments reflected a mixture of relief and cautious optimism as the first hostages were released under the terms of the cease-fire. The second phase of the deal, which includes the permanent end to the war, would aim to neutralize Hamas’ ability to threaten Israel in the future.

The Power of Hope in Black Churches

For Biden, stepping into a Black church has always evoked a sense of hope, a sentiment he shared with the congregation on Sunday. He described how his visits to South Carolina’s Black churches, including the Royal Missionary Baptist Church, have shaped his perspective.

Biden reminisced about his visit in February 2020, when the church was one of many in South Carolina where he spoke to a predominantly Black audience. His ties to the state’s African American community have remained strong throughout his political career.

His emotional connection to South Carolina was further underscored by his past visit to the Mother Emanuel church after the tragic 2015 shooting that took the lives of nine people. As Vice President, Biden spoke at the funeral of Rev. Clementa Pinckney, one of the victims and a beloved state senator.

In a final reflection, Biden reiterated the theme of hope, drawing a powerful connection between his personal journey and the spirit of resilience and faith that Black churches embody. As his presidency came to an end, Biden’s heartfelt tribute to the state and its people offered a fitting conclusion to his time in office.

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