Biden tries to lift US Democrats' spirits on last full day in office

20/1/2025 11:32

U.S. President Joe Biden urged despondent fellow Democrats not to give up hope as he returned to the warm embrace of South Carolina's Black churchgoing community to mark the final full day of his presidency on Sunday.



Biden leaves office on Monday, ending a four-year term that leaves his Democratic Party in the political wilderness when he hands the office back to Republican rival Donald Trump, whom Democrats consider a threat to democracy.



At the Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, Biden was remembered fondly by political allies and received a standing ovation from church attendees.



"We often reflect on resurrection and redemption, but remember, Jesus was buried on Friday, and he rose on Sunday," Biden told churchgoers from the pulpit. "We don't talk enough about Saturday, when his disciples felt all hope was lost."



His remarks came amid major developments in the waning hours of Biden's presidency, including a long-sought ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, an issue that has loomed over the last 15 months of Biden's presidency.