President Biden declared on Saturday that white supremacy is “the most dangerous terrorist threat to our country,” telling a predominantly black audience that the “evil He warned that “forces” were seeking to reverse generations of racial progress in the United States.
Biden never mentioned former President Donald J. Trump in his sometimes solemn commencement address to Howard University graduates, historically the most prestigious black university in the country. . But he alluded to Trump’s past remarks, linked him to racist elements in American society, and suggested that the fledgling presidential campaign would determine whether justice triumphs over hate, fear and violence. .
“There are people who demonize people and put them against each other,” Mr. Biden said. “And there are those who will do anything, no matter how desperate or immoral, to stay in power. You may believe that the most evil forces will decide America’s future, but they are wrong.We will decide America’s future.You will decide America’s future.”
Dressed in a blue and white school uniform, the president sought to engage young graduates in what he presented as the cause of the moment. He cited the police killing of George Floyd in 2020 to spark widespread protests against police brutality and sympathize with black drivers who fear being stopped by police. expressed.
“Fearless advances towards justice often meet with ferocious backlash from the oldest and most evil forces,” he said. “Because hate never goes away. When we graduated, we thought we could overcome hate. But it never goes away.”
Similarly, Mr. Biden said he “hoped that fear, violence and hatred would abate significantly after the election and re-election of the first black American president.”
He detailed Trump’s reaction, saying he realized otherwise when neo-Nazis and white supremacists clashed with protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August 2017. “What did you hear?” he asked. “That famous saying: ‘There are very good people on both sides.’ That’s when I realized, no kidding, I had to keep working and get back in the public eye.”
Trump supporters say his line has been distorted, pointing out that he has also accused neo-Nazis. But as Trump launches a campaign to retake the presidency, More open acceptance of racist and extremist elements in American life.Last winter he hosted a dinner Ye, a rap artist who made anti-Semitic remarks, and Nick Fuentes, a prominent white supremacist who attended a far-right rally in Charlottesville.
Howard’s election gave Biden an opportunity to strengthen his support in the Democratic Party’s most loyal constituency for re-election next year. Polls continue to show strong support for Biden among black voters, but political analysts and party strategists say: Concerned about the enthusiasm gap This could complicate the prospects for a president who needs high voter turnout from his base.
Mr. Biden has been hampered by goals such as cracking down on police violence. Strengthening voting rights.he signed Executive Order on Federal Law Enforcement Last year, however, a significant portion of the order was not executed. Many supporters say he has failed to deliver on his promise to bring about institutional change in the criminal justice system.
But he chose Kamala Harris (a Howard University graduate) as the first black vice president. She appointed the first black woman to the Supreme Court, Judge Ketanji Brown Jacksonand has sent more black women to Congress than all other presidents combined.black American unemployment It fell to a record low of 4.7% in April.And the gap between white and black unemployment has shrunk to the lowest ever measured.
Of particular interest to Saturday’s audience, Mr. Biden has developed a program that will forgive $400 billion in student loans over the next few decades, up to $20,000 per eligible person. However, the Supreme Court Looks like you’re ready to disable it.
Biden wins 92% of black voters However, only 58 percent said they approved of his performance in 2020. Latest Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs and Research Poll.May survey by The Economist and YouGov His approval rating among black adults was 71%, but only 46% wanted him to run again.
Biden found a friendly but not necessarily enthusiastic crowd on Saturday. Most of the Capital One Arena, home of the Washington Capitals and Wizards, was filled with alumni and their families, who welcomed him warmly, but more than a dozen protested, including military research. Some had placards about the issue.of Ambiguity between students and alumni This was revealed in an interview on campus before the ceremony.
“He’s a very nice guy,” said Mariah Davis, a 19-year-old mechanical engineering major, of Biden. “He’s just trying to defend an unprecedented group of people.”
But some students said they were unsure if they could connect with him. “We find it a little strange that he’s coming to the entrance ceremony, because it’s clear that he’s going to teach us about values. Are you going to say that?” said Alisa Drake, 19, a sophomore. “What can Biden say to us black students entering society?”
He said he would vote for Biden next year if the choice was between him and a Republican. But she was lukewarm about it. “She’s not very excited,” she said. “I don’t think any of the candidates have caught my eye these days. It’s like, ‘Wow, these guys are really on to something and interested in helping my generation.’ is.”
