NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — Joe Biden spent his final full day as president Sunday in South Carolina, urging Americans to “preserve religion in a greater day to come back” and reflecting on the affect of the civil rights motion in pushing him into politics.
On the eve of Monday’s inauguration of Republican President-elect Donald Trump, Biden bid a last farewell from a state that has particular significance after his landslide victory within the 2020 Democratic major set him as much as obtain his aim of lifetime of being elected president of the United States. States.
Biden spoke to the congregation at Royal Missionary Baptist Church about why he entered public service — Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have been political heroes, he stated — and thanked South Carolina for its assist : “I owe you numerous.” .” Monday is the federal vacation honoring King, the slain civil rights chief.
“We know that the combat to redeem the soul of this nation is troublesome and ongoing,” Biden stated. “We should maintain on to hope. We should stay dedicated. We should at all times preserve religion within the higher day to come back.”
He added: “I’m not going wherever” – and the congregation applauded.
Before the service, as hostages started to be launched beneath the Middle East ceasefire that the United States helped dealer, Biden stated “the weapons in Gaza have fallen silent.” The deal to finish the preventing between Israel and Hamas was the one he outlined in May.
“Now it’s as much as the subsequent administration to assist implement this settlement. I used to be happy that our workforce spoke as one voice over the previous couple of days,” Biden stated.
He famous that the three hostages launched Sunday “look like in good well being” and supplied some recommendation to Trump on find out how to preserve the hard-won settlement.
“Success would require persistence and continued assist for our associates within the area and confidence in diplomacy backed by deterrence,” Biden stated.
After Biden spoke concerning the ceasefire, he and first woman Jill Biden took seats within the entrance row of the church. At least a number of hundred worshipers sang gospel songs, standing, swaying and clapping. A choir led the musical picks from behind the pulpit earlier than this system later moved to concentrate on King.
Biden was launched by Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-C., a key ally who known as the president his “longtime pal.” Clyburn cited plenty of presidents who have been underestimated throughout their time in workplace however are actually checked out extra fondly as time has handed. He added Biden to that listing.
“So I need to let you know, good pal, little or no appreciation has been proven not too long ago, however do not faint. History will likely be very pleased with you,” Clyburn stated.
The Bidens will even go to the International African American Museum in South Carolina. It was constructed on a waterfront web site the place tens of hundreds of enslaved Africans have been dropped at the United States from the late 1760s till 1808, in accordance with the museum web site.
In 2020, Biden noticed his marketing campaign collapse after dropping opening races in New Hampshire, Iowa and Nevada. But within the fourth cease, in South Carolina – the place black voters make up the vast majority of the Democratic citizens – he was swept to victory after Clyburn’s endorsement.
“I do know Joe. We know Joe. But a very powerful factor is that Joe is aware of us,” Clyburn stated on the time.
After profitable the election and taking workplace, Biden pushed for South Carolina to maneuver to the entrance of the pack and turn into the state that opened the Democratic Party’s 2024 nominating course of, as a substitute of New Hampshire. He simply gained the state major that yr.
“In 2020, it was South Carolina voters who proved the consultants incorrect, breathed new life into our marketing campaign, and put us on the trail to profitable the presidency,” Biden stated in an announcement after profitable the first for the second time. “Now, in 2024, the individuals of South Carolina have spoken once more and I’ve little question that you’ve put us on the trail to profitable the presidency – and making Donald Trump a loser – once more.”
Things did not go that method. After faltering in a debate in opposition to Trump, Biden dropped out of the race beneath strain from many Democrats, although Clyburn notably wasn’t amongst them.
Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who changed him because the Democratic candidate. He misplaced to Trump.
Clyburn stated Biden informed him he wished to go to the African American historical past museum, which Clyburn helped begin. They meant to spend a while collectively there.
“This is his method of claiming ‘thanks,’” Clyburn stated.
Santana reported from Washington. Associated Press author Chris Megerian in Washington contributed to this report.
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