President Biden’s Frailty: White House Criticizes The Post for Recent Videos
Washington, DC — The White House went on the offensive against The New York Post on Monday, countering the newspaper’s recent portrayal of President Biden’s frailty through a series of videos. However, in their defense, the administration made false statements, adding to the controversy.
Press Secretary’s Blunder: Cheap Fakes vs. Deepfakes
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre accused The Post of spreading “misinformation” through videos showing the 81-year-old president at various events, including interactions with G7 world leaders and former President Barack Obama. The videos in question feature moments such as Italian PM Georgia Meloni guiding Biden after a skydiving demonstration and Obama escorting him off stage at a Hollywood fundraiser.
Jean-Pierre referred to these clips as “cheap fakes,” implying they were altered by editing techniques like selective zooming and context omission. However, she mistakenly labeled them as “deepfakes,” a term used for AI-generated footage with altered visuals and audio.
“I think you all have called this the ‘cheap fakes’ video, and that’s exactly what they are, they are cheap fakes video [sic], and they are done in bad faith,” Jean-Pierre stated during her regular briefing.
Biden’s Frailty on Display
The administration’s reaction highlights the escalating tension between the White House and media outlets over President Biden’s public appearances. The videos paint a picture of a frail and confused president, struggling to maintain his composure and needing assistance from world leaders and former colleagues. These images fuel concerns about his capacity to lead effectively.
Fact-Checkers and Right-Wing Criticism
Jean-Pierre argued that right-wing critics frequently push misinformation, as evidenced by fact-checkers debunking their claims. She praised the Washington Examiner for supposedly supporting her stance, though the publication merely quoted British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak explaining Biden’s actions.
Sunak had remarked on Biden’s behavior, noting that the president strayed from the expected path and had to be redirected by Meloni. “He just went over to kind of talk to all of them individually and Georgia was saying, ‘Don’t worry, they’re all coming to [us],’” Sunak explained to reporters.
Deflection from Biden’s Performance Issues
Jean-Pierre emphasized the administration’s frustration with the focus on these videos rather than President Biden’s achievements. She cited his legislative successes and contributions to the American public, arguing that the criticism is a distraction from his performance in office. However, the visible signs of his frailty raise legitimate questions about his capability to handle the demands of the presidency.
White House Admits Error
After the briefing, Jean-Pierre clarified her terminology, acknowledging her misuse of the term “deepfakes.” “They are fakes – cheap fakes,” she corrected when speaking to The Post. This admission further undermines the administration’s credibility in addressing the issue.
Support from the Administration
Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates supported Jean-Pierre’s comments, tweeting that she “hit a nerve when she quoted the nonpartisan reporters who called out the right’s desperate smear videos for what they are: ‘cheapfakes.’” Despite this, the administration’s defense appears weak against the clear evidence of Biden’s physical and cognitive struggles.
Inconsistent Defense of Biden’s Actions
The White House had previously defended Biden’s actions in the videos, asserting that he was encouraging skydivers in Italy and greeting the crowd at the fundraiser. They disputed the narrative that Biden’s behavior was unusual or concerning. However, the repeated need for assistance and the awkward moments captured on camera tell a different story.
Conclusion: A President in Decline
The conflict between the White House and The New York Post over President Biden’s portrayal highlights the complexities of media manipulation and political narratives. As the administration defends the president’s actions and achievements, the scrutiny of his public appearances remains a contentious issue. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of context and accuracy in media reporting and the challenges of navigating misinformation in the digital age. The visible signs of President Biden’s decline are becoming harder to ignore, raising serious concerns about his ability to lead the nation effectively.
For more information on media manipulation and fact-checking, visit the Pew Research Center and FactCheck.org.
For more details on President Biden’s legislative achievements, read our comprehensive analysis here.
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