Published on January 9, 2024, 2:26 am

The countdown to the next election has set off a rush of activities, with politicians making their best play for support and votes. Notable amongst the recent happenings is the appearance President Joe Biden made in South Carolina, an important stop designed to cement his hold on a demographic he considers vital. Trusted news channels reported that this event took place at the historic Mother Emanuel AME Church.

Reports describe an intriguing scenario where President Biden’s address was apprehended by pro-Hamas protesters. Observers noted that instead of taking a firm stand against the interjections from these activists, he conceded ground by revealing his efforts towards minimizing Israel’s activities in Gaza, indicating that he identifies with their passion.

This statement attracted significant backlash from critics who perceive it as offering undue credence to groups sympathetic to known terrorists and thus undermining Israel’s fight against Hamas. Critics have questioned why Gaza should be pulled back given prior unfortunate events linked to previous retreats.

There was further contention from President Biden’s reflections on the 2020 riots erupting amidst Black Lives Matter protests and his assertion that they represented a “historic movement for justice”. This comment has been condemned by critics as inaccurate and insulting, considering documented death tolls along with billions of dollars in damages caused by widespread violence and chaos associated with these riots.

Controversial as well was Mr. Biden’s instigating claim about being a key figure in initiating the civil-rights movement in Wilmington, DE through dealings at Bethel AME Church—a predominantly black congregation—and spending more time there than most people—black or white—ever did. Reaction to this claim ranged from surprise to cynicism due to its accuracy being questioned.

Further mounting the controversy bandwagon, President Biden shared another puzzling anecdote saying automobiles’ windshields would be coated in oil when he was young because oil companies were allegedly releasing vast amounts of solid oil particles into the air—a tall tale which bears no corroborative testimonies.

These controversial events took place at the same time the National Park Service removed the statue of William Penn from a public park upon President Biden’s direction—a move perceived as literally erasing history. This act, like an irony magnet, drew attention given Mr. Biden’s assertion on the day that “instead of erasing history, we’re making history!”

Whether these consecutive controversies will help win back any waning support among the black community or not, remains yet to be seen. In this present era where real news and unfiltered accounts can play a decisive role in molding public perception—it is important to analyze political moves through a Christian worldview and filter noise from actuality before passing judgment while keeping our democratic ethos intact.