Biden’s speech and the state of democracy
President Biden speaks from the birthplace of independence Thursday about the soul and future of American democracy - but who's he talking to, and did the message land?
Listen 49:15
President Joe Biden speaks outside Independence Hall, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
President Biden delivered a national address Thursday about the soul of democracy amid deep national division over high-stakes midterm elections, abortion access, voting rights and fringe conspiracy theories stirring amongst ardent supporters of former president Trump. The speech was broadcast notably from Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love and birthplace of independence, at a time when almost three quarters of Americans believe the country is headed “in the wrong direction.”
Lately, the president’s tune has been a fiery rebuttal of extremist ideology, prevalent in several campaigns, like that of gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano in Pennsylvania. But can Democrats make the case for bringing unity to the fabric of this country?
This hour, we discuss the state of Biden’s administration, big midterm races in Pa., the investigation into Trump’s team and classified documents, and what democracy looks like for a nation so torn apart.
Guests
Errin Haines, Editor-at-large at The 19th and contributing editor to A More Perfect Union at The Philadelphia Inquirer
Neil Oxman, president of The Campaign Group
Jonathan Tamari, National political reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer
Subscribe for more Radio Times
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Brought to you by Radio Times
Radio Times
WHYY's Radio Times is an engaging and timely call-in program that tackles wide-ranging issues of concern to listeners in the Delaware Valley.
Subscribe for free
Which Philly neighborhoods went for Trump in 2024?
On Election Day, registered Democrats still outnumbered Republicans by a wide margin, but President-elect Donald Trump picked up votes across the city.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:10
Here’s how to recycle your campaign yard signs in Philly and the suburbs
It depends on the type of materials they’re made out of, but there are ways you can keep your yard signs out of the landfill.
2 weeks ago
Bomb threats disrupted what was otherwise relatively smooth voting on Election Day
Bomb threats that U.S. officials linked to Russian email domains disrupted what was generally a smooth voting experience across America on Election Day.
3 weeks ago