White House Downplays Biden's Misstatements, Saying He's a "Busy Guy"

The White House downplayed President Biden's frequent misstatements on Thursday, saying he is a "busy guy" who is "doing his best."

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White House National Security Council John Kirby dodged a question about President Biden’s frequent factual embellishments.

"He's a busy guy. He's 79 years old," National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said in an interview with CNN. "Everybody makes mistakes, and I don't put a lot of stock into it. He's doing the best he can."

Kirby's comments come amid growing concerns about Biden's frequent misstatements. In recent weeks, he has falsely claimed to have been at Ground Zero on 9/11, to have shaken hands with the king of Saudi Arabia, and to have been arrested while protesting for civil rights.

These misstatements have led to some critics accusing Biden of being senile or of losing his grip on reality. Others have defended him, saying that he is simply making honest mistakes.

Kirby's response to the reporter's question is likely to do little to satisfy those who are concerned about Biden's misstatements. However, it does reflect the White House's desire to downplay the issue and avoid speculation about Biden's health or fitness for office.

It remains to be seen whether the White House's downplaying of Biden's misstatements will be successful in convincing the public that they are not a cause for concern. However, it is clear that the White House is aware of the issue and is taking steps to address it.

Analysis

The White House's downplaying of Biden's misstatements is likely to be a risky strategy. If Biden's misstatements continue, they could damage his reputation and make it more difficult for him to govern effectively.

In addition, the White House's downplaying of the issue could lead to speculation about Biden's health or fitness for office. This could be particularly harmful if Biden is planning to run for re-election in 2024.

Ultimately, the White House needs to be transparent about Biden's misstatements and address the concerns of the public. If the White House continues to downplay the issue, it could have serious consequences for Biden's presidency.