Joe Biden spent his final full day as president in South Carolina, urging Americans to “keep the faith in a better day to come” and reflecting on the significance of both the civil rights movement and the state itself in his political evolution. Speaking from the Royal Missionary Baptist Church on the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration, Biden recalled how his success in the 2020 primary in South Carolina propelled him towards the presidency. “I owe you big,” he stated, acknowledging the state’s pivotal role in his political journey, especially among Black voters, who form a key part of the Democratic electorate in the region.

The day's events coincided with the federal holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr., allowing Biden to strike a hopeful tone regarding the nation’s future. He emphasized, “We must hold on to hope. We must stay engaged. We must always keep the faith in a better day to come,” contrasting this with his previous farewell address where he cautioned about an “oligarchy” of the ultra-wealthy threatening democracy.

Before attending church, Biden also communicated regarding an agreement that had led to a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, stating, “the guns in Gaza have gone silent.” He expressed optimism about the role of the next administration in implementing peace, urging Trump to continue supporting allies in the region and to uphold diplomatic relations.

Throughout his visit, he faced opposition from protestors, with chants of “Biden is a war criminal” echoing as his motorcade passed. This criticism stems from his administration's military support to Israel amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Nonetheless, the service at the church was filled with uplifting gospel music, demonstrating community support.

Biden was introduced by Representative Jim Clyburn, who highlighted Biden’s historical significance, suggesting that future assessments of Biden's presidency would be more favorable than contemporary views. “History will be very kind to you,” Clyburn encouraged, reminding those present of the often-overlooked achievements of previous presidents.

Touring the newly established International African American Museum later in the day, Biden reiterated his commitment to an administration that reflects America’s diversity. He notably mentioned historic nominations, including Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, asserting, “We’re proving that by remembering our history, we can make history.” Biden also reflected on the challenges he faced during his 2020 campaign, acknowledging the importance of South Carolina in reviving his electoral momentum.

As he concluded his visit, Biden expressed gratitude for the community's support that helped shape his presidency, emphasizing that hope and engagement are critical in shaping America's future, especially as a new administration prepares to take charge. “I’m not going anywhere,” he declared, reassuring his supporters of his ongoing commitment to public service.

For more detailed insights, see the full articles on SCMP and HuffPost.