What happened
President Joe Biden gave the commencement address at Morehouse College, the historically Black men's college in Atlanta, on Sunday. It was his first time addressing a college campus since the breakout of protests against Israel's war in Gaza.
Who said what
The Gaza war is "one of the hardest, most complicated problems in the world," Biden said. "I know it angers and frustrates many of you, including my family. But most of all I know it breaks your heart. It breaks mine as well." Alluding to the half-dozen students who turned their backs as he spoke, Biden said he supports "peaceful, nonviolent protest. Your voices should be heard, and I promise I hear them."
The "biggest question" before Biden spoke was "whether his words would be interrupted by protests," The Washington Post said, but "Biden was met with polite, if measured, applause" and "no major demonstrations."
What next?
Biden's speech — "and a separate one he gave later Sunday in Detroit — are part of a burst of outreach to Black constituents" amid softening support among Black voters ahead of the 2024 election, The Associated Press said.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
‘Are we just going to stand in passive witness to the degradation of our democracy?’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Two years on, a Gaza truce may be in sightFeature Israel and Hamas consider the U.S.’ 20-point peace plan exchanging hostages for prisoners
-
Trump declares end to Gaza war, ‘dawn’ of new MideastSpeed Read Hamas freed the final 20 living Israeli hostages and Israel released thousands of Palestinian detainees
-
Has the Gaza deal saved Netanyahu?Today's Big Question With elections looming, Israel’s longest serving PM will ‘try to carry out political alchemy, converting the deal into political gold’
-
The Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners being releasedThe Explainer Triumphant Donald Trump addresses the Israeli parliament as families on both sides of the Gaza war reunite with their loved ones
-
Gaza peace deal: why did Trump succeed where Biden failed?Today's Big Question As the first stage of a ceasefire begins, Trump’s unique ‘just-get-it-done’ attitude may have proven pivotal to negotiations
-
Can Trump bully Netanyahu into Gaza peace?Today's Big Question The Israeli leader was ‘strong-armed’ into new peace deal
-
Five key questions about the Gaza peace dealThe Explainer Many ‘unresolved hurdles’ remain before Donald Trump’s 20-point plan can get the go-ahead
