Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki faced backlash over claims in her new book, “Say More,” regarding President Joe Biden’s behavior during a ceremony honoring fallen soldiers. Psaki initially stated that Biden checked his watch only after the ceremony ended, but footage revealed him checking it multiple times during the event. Critics accused Psaki of attempting to spin the story to protect Biden’s image. The controversy prompted Psaki to acknowledge the error, stating that future copies of the book would be edited to remove the misleading detail. She emphasized that the story about Afghanistan aimed to highlight the importance of delivering feedback, even when it’s difficult.
However, participants in the ceremony, including family members of fallen soldiers, sharply criticized Biden for repeatedly checking his watch, which they saw as disrespectful. Mark Schmitz, the father of Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, testified before Congress about witnessing Biden’s watch-checking habit. Shana Chappell, the mother of Marine Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, also expressed frustration on Facebook, questioning why Biden seemed preoccupied during the solemn event.
As a de facto Biden surrogate on MSNBC, Psaki hasn’t shied away from offering advice to the White House on various issues. She previously urged the administration to address the negative impact of Hunter Biden’s legal troubles and made claims about abortion policies that were later debunked. With the upcoming election, Biden faces challenges in battleground states, with polling indicating that he trails behind former President Donald Trump.
Psaki’s book controversy highlights the scrutiny faced by political figures, especially those closely associated with the president. In an era of heightened media attention and public scrutiny, even minor misrepresentations can quickly escalate into major controversies. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accuracy and transparency in political communications, especially when addressing sensitive topics like military ceremonies and presidential conduct. As the election approaches, both the Biden administration and its allies must navigate these challenges while maintaining credibility and trust with the public.
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