Multiple students at Morehouse College turned their backs on U.S. President Joe Biden during his commencement address Sunday at the historically black college in Atlanta, Georgia. The students, who were seen wearing traditional Palestinian scarves known as keffiyehs, voiced their displeasure with Biden’s visit, with one student quoted as saying “it’s just a way to get the black vote and the young vote, and to help his election.” This comes as Biden’s support among black and young voters has been on the decline during his re-election campaign.
Watch: Black Morehouse Students Turn Their Backs to Biden During Commencement Speech https://t.co/sK8vRpIW6X
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In his address to the graduates, Biden addressed Israel’s war against Hamas and called for an immediate ceasefire, acknowledging the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, his stance on the Israel-Palestinian conflict has drawn criticism from both supporters and opponents of Israel. Biden’s presence at Morehouse was also criticized due to his position on Israel, as a letter circulated among the school’s alumni voiced concerns.
The valedictorian also addressed the Israel-Gaza conflict in his speech, emphasizing the heavy casualties suffered by both sides. This comes as enthusiasm among black voters for the 2024 election has reportedly dropped, with Biden’s advantage over former President Donald Trump in terms of black voters also decreasing since the 2020 general election.
As the 2024 election approaches, the political climate remains complex, and Biden continues to face challenges in garnering support from key voter demographics.