PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — President Joe Biden will be at Independence Mall on Thursday evening to deliver a primetime address to the nation on what the White House is styling the fight to protect democracy and the battle for the soul of the nation.
Philadelphia is where Biden kicked off his White House bid. Battling for the soul of the nation was a theme of his 2020 campaign. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president's speech will highlight how that fight continues.
"As president, he has the obligation to speak out against threats against our democracy, against violence," said Jean-Pierre.
The president is expected to start his speech at 8 p.m.
Biden has been speaking out recently against what he describes as "ultra-MAGA Republican" — supporters of former President Donald Trump, who continue to believe the 2020 election was stolen.
"MAGA Republicans are this extreme part of their party, and that is just facts, and that is what he’s going to continue to lay out," Jean-Pierre said.
Related
This speech comes about two months before this year's midterm elections. Republicans are trying to make a big push in Pennsylvania to reclaim the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate.
Trump will campaign for Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania on Saturday. Biden will make his third trip to Pennsylvania in a week when he visits Pittsburgh on Labor Day.
All of this is happening against the backdrop of low approval ratings for Biden. According to a Gallup Poll, his approval rating is at 44% — which is up from 38% the previous month, his record low.
Road closures
The police presence came early to Independence Mall, and it will remain throughout the day. Also with a presidential visit comes road road closures. They are expected to begin around Independence Mall around 4 p.m., between Fourth and Sixth streets, and between Market to Walnut streets.
Related
The president will arrive at the airport at 6:50 p.m. and then make his way to Independence Mall, which will cause traffic tie-ups on I-95 and the Vine Street Expressway around that time.
Drivers should also remember road closure that are in effect for this weekend's Made in America Festival.