SUMMARY

• Biden uses Howard University's platform to appeal to young Black voters, invoking a call to arms against the "concert for the soul of our nation".
• Despite early popularity, Biden's approval rating among Black adults has dipped, prompting a push for regained support ahead of the 2024 campaign.
• Amidst protests from some students, the president touts his administration's achievements in advancing racial equality, while critics argue for more concrete actions.

Headlining Howard University's 155th commencement gig, President Biden breezed in with a charm offensive aimed at the young Black electorate. His punchy address was like a backstage pass, a sneak peek into his campaign's upcoming setlist for securing the Black voter base's vibe.

Hitting the stage at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Biden was all riffs and rhythms. He painted our times as a 'concert for the soul of our nation', pushing the graduates to grab the mic and lead us into a brand new beat of progress. "Who are we? What's our groove? What's the rhythm of our beliefs? Who will we become? You're the ones to drop those beats," he told his captive audience.

Biden played his part as the contrast to what he suggested was a growing acceptance of racism, dropping a reference to Trump's notorious take on the Charlottesville tragedy. "I won't sugarcoat it; our march towards justice often hits a wall of hate, an old, wickedly persistent enemy," he said. "Hate's like a bad record that keeps spinning."

"But on a good day, enough of us get the courage and the vibe to stand for what's best in us," he continued. "To pick love over hate, unity over division, forward motion over a fallback. To face down the toxic tune of white supremacy."

Even though Biden was the headliner for Black voters in the 2020 election, he's noticed a dip in his fanbase. The president's approval rating amongst Black adults has taken a hit, dropping to less than 60% from a high of 90% during his opening act. His comeback tour, announced three weeks prior, has a clear mission - win back the crowd.

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