Biden to speak about 'Soul of the Nation' in Philadelphia speech

President Joe Biden will travel to Philadelphia on Thursday to "deliver a primetime speech on the continued battle for the Soul of the Nation," according to a White House statement Monday.

"Soul of the Nation" is a phrase he has used in the past to describe the fight for democracy in the face of what he's labeled as "extreme" opponents.

At a Democratic fundraising event in Maryland last week, the president denounced former President Donald Trump's philosophy as "semi-fascism."

Biden's speech Thursday will take place outside Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was debated and approved and, later, the U.S. Constitution was written.

It's one of three trips the president has planned for Pennsylvania in coming days: He'll also travel to Wilkes-Barre, Pa., on Tuesday to discuss his agenda on gun violence, and will head to Pittsburgh on Labor Day to celebrate "the dignity of American workers," according to the White House.

Biden is stepping up his public appearances as he seeks to tout his legislative summer wins ahead of November's midterm elections.

Biden was born in Pennsylvania, and made his first official 2020 campaign appearance in Philadelphia in May 2019.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.