President Biden has vowed to remain in public life after leaving the White House, telling a South Carolina church congregation on Sunday: “I’m not going anywhere.”
On his last full day as president, Biden traveled to Charleston, South Carolina, where he spoke at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church to celebrate Martin Luther King Day early.
On the topic of clemency, Biden praised himself for granting more commutations and individual pardons than “any other president in American history,” adding that he also sought to “end the federal death penalty” by eliminating most sentences commuted to life without parole. The president also said he has commuted the sentences of individuals serving “disproportionately harsh, lengthy and severe sentences for nonviolent drug offenses” and has shown “mercy” to individuals who have done their time or served a significant amount of time and “extremely remorseful” have shown and rehabilitation.”
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President Biden speaks during a church service at Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, South Carolina, Sunday, January 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
“These decisions are difficult. Some have never been taken before, but from my experience, with my conscience, I believe that bringing justice and mercy together requires that we as a nation bear witness, see people’s pain, not look away and make the wrong decisions. to work, to give purpose to pain, to show that we can bring a person, a nation, to a day of redemption,” Biden said. “We know that the struggle to redeem the soul of this nation is difficult and ongoing.”
‘This is the line between danger and possibility. But faith, faith teaches us that the America of our dreams is always closer than we think. That is the faith we must hold on to in the coming Saturdays. We must have hope. must remain involved. Must always maintain faith in a better day,” Biden said, adding: “I’m not going anywhere. I’m not kidding… The people in South Carolinathank you for keeping the faith. It has been the honor of my life to serve as your President.”
President Biden, first lady Jill Biden and Rep. James Clyburn attend a service at Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
“As I conclude this journey with you, I am as passionate about our work as I was when I was elected as a 29-year-old boy,” Biden added. “I’m not tired at all.”
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Biden, who turned 82 in November, is due back in Washington DC on Monday for the opening ceremony of newly elected President Trump.
After a disastrous debate against Trump last summer, Biden suspended his re-election campaign due to serious concerns within the Democratic Party about his age and mental fitness.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve as your President,” President Biden told a congregation in North Charleston on Sunday, January 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Vice President Kamala Harris led the Democratic ticket in Biden’s place and suffered a decisive defeat to Trump in November.
Biden was the oldest US president, sworn in four years ago. The 78-year-old Trump will surpass that record by a few months on Monday.
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Earlier Sunday, Biden granted clemency to another five people, including pardoned political activist and black nationalist Marcus Garvey.
