Biden's 'direct' prime-time address on democracy comes as he grows more concerned about Trump's influence

A pair of fiery speeches inside packed gymnasiums over the past week left even some White House aides surprised at President Joe Biden's new-found sense of electricity.

Yet when he delivers a rare prime-time address Thursday evening in Philadelphia, Biden's somber assessment of American democracy isn't likely to generate any cheering from the small in-person audience in front of Independence Hall.

Thursday's remarks will instead adopt a far graver tone, officials say. After tearing into Republicans for what he calls "MAGA extremism" and "semi-fascism," administration officials say Biden has determined the time is right to provide a serious,...