Former President Joe Biden Faces Gaza Confrontation From Passenger During Flight to Columbia South Carolina

Former President Joe Biden found himself in an unexpected exchange Friday while flying to Columbia, South Carolina.

As he made his way through first class, a woman briefly stopped to thank him for speaking with her — before raising a far more serious issue.

“Children in Gaza are dying every day,” she told him, urging action before a staffer stepped in and ended the conversation.

Biden, now 83, responded quietly: “I know that.” He began to continue but trailed off, staring ahead as the woman was ushered away. The moment was captured on video by Meg Kinnard of the Associated Press, who was also traveling on the flight.

A Divisive Issue That Still Lingers

The war in Gaza remains one of the most sensitive political topics for Democrats. During the 2024 election cycle, the issue fractured parts of the party’s coalition.

Younger voters and progressive activists pressed for a tougher stance on Israel, while the Biden administration maintained long-standing U.S. support for the country.

That tension did not disappear after Biden stepped aside from the 2024 race. Then–Vice President Kamala Harris ultimately became the Democratic nominee but lost to Donald Trump in November, dropping all seven key swing states.

Polling conducted in January 2025 by the Institute for Middle East Understanding Policy Project found that 29 percent of voters who backed Biden in 2020 chose another candidate in 2024 because “ending Israel’s violence in Gaza” was their top priority. According to that survey, Gaza ranked as the leading issue among defecting Democratic voters.

Warm Welcomes Along the Way

Not everyone on the flight or at the airport brought criticism. Biden stopped for selfies near the gate and chatted with passengers both before takeoff and after landing. Supporters appeared eager for a brief word or photo with the former president.

The trip itself marked a rare political appearance since leaving office. Biden was heading to a 7 p.m. reception in Columbia commemorating his 2020 primary win in South Carolina — a victory widely credited with reviving his presidential campaign that year.

Why South Carolina Matters Again

South Carolina’s early primary has become central to Democratic strategy. With Biden’s backing, the state was elevated to the first spot on the 2024 Democratic primary calendar, pushing aside traditional early states like Iowa and New Hampshire.

Now, as the party looks toward the 2028 presidential cycle, South Carolina is fighting to keep that prized position. Eleven other states — including Delaware, Georgia, Michigan and Nevada — have submitted bids to host the first contest.

The Democratic National Committee began its review process last October, with Chair Ken Martin saying the goal is to create a fair and rigorous path to the strongest possible nominee.

The Shadow of 2024

Biden’s political influence still looms large over the Democratic Party’s internal debates. His dominant 2020 performance in South Carolina — bolstered by an endorsement from Representative Jim Clyburn — helped secure his nomination that year.

But in 2024, critics argued he stayed in the race too long amid concerns about his age and declining approval ratings.

Only two notable challengers entered the Democratic primary: Representative Dean Phillips and author Marianne Williamson. Harris ultimately took the top of the ticket but could not overcome Republican momentum.

Many Democrats now openly debate whether a more competitive primary or an earlier transition might have changed the outcome.

Impact and Consequences

The exchange on the plane underscores how deeply the Gaza conflict continues to resonate with voters — especially within Democratic ranks.

• Party divisions remain visible, particularly among younger and progressive voters.
• Electoral strategy is under scrutiny, as party leaders evaluate lessons from 2024.
• South Carolina’s status could shape 2028, influencing which voters and issues dominate early debates.
• Biden’s legacy is still evolving, tied both to his 2020 victory and the Democrats’ 2024 defeat.

Moments like the in-flight confrontation highlight that foreign policy decisions can echo long after an administration ends.

What’s Next?

The Democratic National Committee will continue reviewing bids for the 2028 primary calendar in the coming months.

South Carolina’s allies hope to preserve its first-in-the-nation status, but competition is intense.

As for Biden, his political appearances are expected to remain selective. Whether he becomes a more active voice in party debates — particularly on foreign policy — remains to be seen.

Summary

Joe Biden was briefly confronted about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during a flight to South Carolina, a reminder of the issue’s lingering political weight.

The moment comes as Democrats reassess their 2024 loss and prepare for the 2028 presidential cycle, with South Carolina once again vying for a pivotal role in the primary process.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Joe Biden was questioned about Gaza during a flight to Columbia, South Carolina.
• The exchange was captured by Associated Press reporter Meg Kinnard.
• Gaza policy divided Democratic voters during the 2024 election.
• Polling shows nearly 30 percent of former Biden voters defected in 2024 over Gaza concerns.
• South Carolina is seeking to remain the first Democratic primary state in 2028.
• The Democratic National Committee is reviewing bids from multiple states.