Biden to speak in Philadelphia, birthplace of American democracy

• President Joe Biden is set to speak in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy and where he launched his 2020 presidential campaign.
• His speech on Thursday night will delve into “the continued battle for the soul of the nation” as the midterm elections draw near.
• Biden and the Democrats have warned voters of Republicans being increasingly extreme, saying democracy itself is on the ballot.

President Joe Biden is continuing the “battle for the soul of the nation” with a scheduled primetime speech on Thursday night.

As the midterm elections draw nearer, the president will be delivering remarks outside Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, known as the birthplace of American democracy. It is also where Biden launched his 2020 presidential campaign.

Biden may continue his increasingly aggressive rhetoric against the Republicans. Last week, he accused “MAGA Republicans” of “semi-fascism” during a Democratic rally in Maryland.

Democrats have been warning voters of the increasingly extreme agenda of Republicans. Biden called on supporters to show up and vote, saying that the survival of Social Security, abortion rights, the climate, and democracy itself are on the line.

The theme of Biden’s upcoming speech, a “battle for the soul of the nation,” is a nod to Biden’s old campaign slogan and central argument for his 2020 candidacy.

Biden said in his Maryland speech, “In 2020, you and 81 million Americans voted to save our democracy. That’s why Donald Trump isn’t just a former president, he is a defeated former president. And it’s not hyperbole. Now you need to vote to literally save democracy again.”

Earlier this year, Biden’s approval ratings dipped to below 40%. But after a series of legislative wins in Congress and declining gas prices, his ratings experienced a bounce in approval. A recent Gallup poll found that 44% of Americans approve of his job performance — his highest rating in one year. A recent CBS News poll listed his approval rating at 45%.

Pennsylvania has become one of the most important battlegrounds for Democrats to maintain control of the Senate after the midterms. The president’s trip to Philadelphia will be his second visit to the state this week. On Tuesday, he will visit Wilkes-Barre to discuss gun violence and public safety. On Monday, he will attend a Labor Day parade in Pittsburgh.

Source: USA TODAY