Full Breakdown
Biden Reflects on South Carolina's Role in His 2020 Victory
3/1/2026, 7:55:43 AM
A Homecoming Celebration
Former President Joe Biden made a notable return to South Carolina on February 27, 2026, to commemorate the sixth anniversary of his pivotal victory in the state's Democratic primary, which significantly revived his 2020 presidential campaign. Speaking at the Columbia Museum of Art, Biden expressed gratitude to South Carolina Democrats for their crucial support, stating, “People in this room brought my candidacy for president back from the brink. A lot of pundits had given up on me.” His remarks underscored the state's importance in shaping his political trajectory, as he emphasized, “South Carolina picks presidents.”
The Significance of South Carolina
Biden's 2020 primary win in South Carolina came after disappointing finishes in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada, propelling him to the Democratic nomination and ultimately the presidency. During his speech, he reiterated the state's role in the Democratic Party, with South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain asserting, “We made the difference. We didn’t just change the primary; we changed the trajectory of the Democratic Party.” Biden acknowledged this sentiment, stating, “If I won the nomination, I’d win the presidency.”
Critique of the Current Administration
In addition to reflecting on his past, Biden took the opportunity to criticize former President Donald Trump, particularly regarding immigration policies and recent national issues, including a measles outbreak in South Carolina. He remarked, “Did anyone ever think to ever see a resurgence of measles in America again?” His comments were part of a broader call to action for Democrats ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, urging them to “get up, continue to fight.”
Key Figures in Attendance
The event featured prominent Democratic figures, including U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, whose endorsement was pivotal in Biden's 2020 campaign. Clyburn praised Biden's service, stating, “There is no American ever who has demonstrated through his service more substance — and I might add sustenance — than Joe Robinette Biden.” The gathering served not only as a celebration of Biden's past achievements but also as a strategic moment for South Carolina Democrats, who are advocating to maintain the state's position as the first primary in the 2028 election cycle.
Looking Ahead
As South Carolina Democrats prepare for the upcoming gubernatorial race, they are also positioning themselves for future presidential primaries. The state is competing with nearly a dozen others, including North Carolina and Iowa, to retain its influential role in the Democratic nomination process. Clyburn and Spain emphasized the importance of Black voters and the Deep South in shaping the party's future, with Spain declaring, “Never underestimate the power of South Carolina Democrats.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “South Carolina, it's good to be home,” — Joe Biden
- “When it mattered, you were there for me.” — Joe Biden
- “There is no American ever who has demonstrated through his service more substance — and I might add sustenance — than Joe Robinette Biden,” — Jim Clyburn
- “We made the difference. We didn't just change the primary, we changed the trajectory of the Democratic Party, and ultimately we changed the country.” — Christale Spain
This event not only celebrated Biden's past but also set the stage for future political strategies in South Carolina, highlighting the state's ongoing significance in national politics.
