Columbia, South Carolina — Former President Joe Biden made a return to the public eye on February 27, delivering a powerful speech at the Columbia Museum of Art that launched a pointed critique of Donald Trump and energized local Democrats in preparation for the 2026 midterm elections.
This event marked Biden’s first significant public appearance since stepping down in January 2025. Speaking for approximately 20 minutes at a South Carolina Democratic Party fundraiser, the address celebrated the sixth anniversary of his crucial primary victory in the state, which revitalized his campaign during the 2020 election cycle.
Biden quickly pivoted to critique Trump’s recent State of the Union address, joking about its lengthy duration. “Is he still talking?” he quipped, eliciting laughter from the audience. However, as the mood shifted, Biden approached more serious subjects, lamenting what he termed the “dark days” that the nation is currently experiencing. He highlighted Trump’s omission of condolences for the tragic deaths of two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed by immigration agents in Minnesota.
“Not a word of solace offered to their families,” Biden remarked, suggesting that Trump’s failure to acknowledge these incidents reflects a broader indifference in his leadership. He further accused Trump of attempting to suppress voter participation in upcoming elections, asserting that Trump knows he cannot win fairly and would prefer to implement obstacles to voting.
In the audience was Rep. Jim Clyburn, a crucial figure in Biden’s 2020 resurgence, who introduced Biden with a heartfelt embrace. The former president emphasized his administrative achievements during his time in office, spotlighting the addition of 2.2 million jobs in 2024, a stark contrast to the 185,000 jobs reported during Trump’s first year back in power.
On the topic of immigration, a pressing issue in Trump’s political resurgence, Biden defended his record, stating that border crossings had decreased by the end of his term compared to the situation Trump inherited in 2021, despite the challenges posed by global migration trends.
Biden’s re-emergence comes after a period of relative seclusion following his departure from the presidency. In May, he disclosed a stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis that had metastasized. As of October, he began a new treatment plan involving radiation and hormone therapy.
His journey to Columbia included a commercial flight from Reagan National Airport, where fog-related delays added unexpected challenges. Upon arrival, he was received warmly by supporters, although he faced pushback from a woman questioning him about child fatalities in Gaza. Following the speaking engagement, he spent time with family on Kiawah Island.
Despite his absence from the public eye, Biden has remained engaged in Democratic politics. He has participated in discussions with notable party figures, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as reaching out to Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger regarding her rebuttal to Trump’s address.
Polling data indicates that a significant portion of the electorate, approximately 60%, disapproves of Trump’s handling of immigration and border security, an area Biden sought to spotlight. The Democratic Party has faced internal conflicts regarding Biden’s late decision to withdraw from the 2024 race, which left Vice President Kamala Harris with limited time to appeal to voters amid concerns about Biden’s age and cognitive health.
South Carolina represents more than just a political stop for Biden; it holds personal significance as a place where he has spent time with family over the years. His deep historical ties to the state were evident during his presidency, as he played a role in elevating its status within the Democratic Party by advocating for its position at the forefront of the primary calendar.
Christale Spain, chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, defended the state’s role in determining presidential nominees as the national party reviews its primary schedule, which could diminish South Carolina’s influence. In conclusion, Biden urged Democrats to continue resisting what he characterized as Trump’s attempts to undermine democratic principles, asserting, “The battle for the soul of this nation is one that’s never really over.”