The White House has denounced a series of videos that have gone viral, allegedly showing President Joe Biden in moments of confusion or wandering off. The videos, which have been shared widely by conservative media outlets and right-wing influencers, have been criticized as misleading or manipulated. In response, the White House has accused these groups of spreading disinformation in bad faith.
One video that gained significant attention showed Biden appearing to wander away from other world leaders during a skydiving demonstration at the G7 summit in Italy. However, it was later revealed that the footage had been cropped and edited to give a misleading impression. In the full video from NBC News, Biden is seen walking towards a group of parachutists who had just landed and giving them two thumbs-up.
Another video showed Biden standing motionless while surrounded by people who were dancing to music at a Juneteenth celebration held at the White House. Critics claimed that this was evidence of Biden's mental decline, but White House officials pointed out that the president was simply taking in the applause and enjoying the moment.
The mental acuity of President Biden has been a topic of scrutiny in his re-election campaign against Donald Trump. While some videos have been deceptively edited or misrepresented, opinion polls have shown that voters view Biden's age as a concern and are less worried about Trump's health.
The White House has accused its opponents of spreading disinformation about Biden's physical and mental fitness through manipulated videos. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called these clips 'cheapfakes.'
In one incident, Biden was falsely accused of wandering off during a fundraiser in Los Angeles. However, the White House provided alternate footage that showed Biden pausing to take in the applause before leaving the stage.
The mental and physical health of both President Biden and Donald Trump have become major issues in the 2024 presidential race. While some videos of Biden appearing frail or confused have been deceptively edited, it is important to remember that these clips should be viewed in context and with a critical eye.