The President of the United States, in early August, held a private two-hour meeting with a group of historians at the White House. The discussion centered on the gap between enduring democratic values and institutions and the rising currents toward autocracy seen around the world. During the gathering, scholars voiced concern about the state of democracy inside the United States and drew parallels with past threats, including civil conflict and the rise of fascism ahead of World War II.
These concerns echoed in Biden’s long-standing rhetoric, both as a presidential candidate and since taking office. He has often invoked a fight for the soul of the nation, a phrase inspired by the work of a renowned historian. He has underscored the importance of protecting rights and freedoms, even as the nation faces sharp political divides. He is anticipated to convey a clear message in a prime-time address prepared for this Thursday from the historically symbolic setting of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. There, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed, a reminder of the complicated American history where freedom and oppression coexisted, including the brutal reality of enslaved Black people who were returned to bondage when fleeing the South.
Election campaign
While the speech is public and not a formal campaign event, it cannot be separated from the current political moment. The upcoming midterm elections will determine control of Congress, with the governing party facing setbacks as November 8 approaches. In delivering a nationwide address, the president aims to blend high, principled rhetoric with a clear electoral note, highlighting legislative achievements that have helped shape the country in recent months. These achievements are presented as evidence of democracy in action and as a signal to supporters and critics alike. A senior administration official described the speech as an assertion of progress in safeguarding democracy and protecting fundamental rights against ongoing threats, while also clearly distinguishing those who defend these values from those who challenge them.
White House negotiators continue to weigh whether to name former President Donald Trump directly in the address, arguing he attacked democratic norms with a confrontation surrounding the Capitol. The plan remains to present a forceful critique of his approach to governance, including claims about misinformation and a radical, extremist agenda affecting voting rights, reproductive rights, and gun policies.
Recently, Biden intensified this line of attack. He reiterated the message in a recent address and again in Pennsylvania, a pivotal swing state that could influence Senate control. He also spoke at a rally in Maryland, where critics argued that Trump and the MAGA movement have embraced anger, violence, and division. Biden asserted that such forces reject democratic principles and threaten the country’s progress, calling for accountability and unity in defending democratic norms.
Polarization and violence
The specter of political violence in the United States did not originate with Biden, but polarization has deep roots in recent decades. A contemporary poll indicated a notable portion of Americans fear civil conflict within the next decade, underscoring the urgency of addressing extreme rhetoric on all sides. Escalating rhetoric from the far edges of the political spectrum has intensified concerns about stability and democratic norms.
The period following the FBI search of a former president’s home on August 8 heightened tensions. Across political and media landscapes, leaders and commentators have described threats as serious and widespread, with calls that some interpret as endorsing unrest. Lawmakers and trusted voices warn of the potential consequences if public trust continues to erode and institutions are tested by persistent and provocatively charged narratives.
In recent remarks, a senior senator warned that unchecked rhetoric and the spread of conspiracy theories could provoke protests and undermine the electoral process. The speaker urged restraint and emphasized the importance of safeguarding democratic processes while acknowledging the strong emotions shaping contemporary political life.