In a campaign speech that took place at the Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, President Joe Biden addressed a group of protesters who interrupted his speech, calling for a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The protesters, chanting "ceasefire now," were quickly drowned out by chants of "four more years" from Biden's supporters.

Acknowledging their passion, Biden stated that he understood the concerns raised by the protesters, recognizing the division within the Democratic Party on this issue. He further revealed that he has been quietly working with the Israeli government to urge a reduction in their activities in Gaza.

The location of Biden's speech, Mother Emanuel AME Church, holds significant historical significance as it was the site of the 2015 killing of nine people by a white supremacist. The President's speech coincided with his ongoing effort to shape the central theme of his 2024 campaign messaging, emphasizing the choice between him as a champion of democracy and his likely Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, who Biden accused of attempting to overturn the 2020 election through force and violence.

Biden took the opportunity to denounce those attempting to distort the truth about the 2020 election, referring to them as trying to turn a loss into a lie. He reinforced his previous statement that Trump is a "loser," which resonated with the crowd and drew cheers of support.

Additionally, Biden used the platform to address recent comments made by former South Carolina Governor, Nikki Haley, who initially refused to acknowledge that slavery was the cause of the Civil War. The President firmly stated that there is no room for negotiation on this matter, emphasizing that slavery was indeed the cause of the war.

The speech at Mother Emanuel AME Church marked a crucial moment for Biden, who is currently facing declining poll numbers, especially among Black voters. Prominent Black political leaders, including Rep. Jim Clyburn, have expressed concerns about the campaign's ability to overcome the "MAGA wall" and connect with voters.

As the campaign progresses, Biden aims to solidify his position as a defender of democracy, rallying support while addressing various issues that have emerged during these politically charged times.