A review of White House transcripts found that communications staff have had to correct President Biden’s public remarks at least 148 times since the start of 2024.
The corrections range from names and titles to modifying the meaning or factuality of Biden’s statements.
“It was then, through no — through my American Rescue Plan — which every American [Republican] voted against, I might add — we made the largest investment in public safety ever,” one White House transcript read.
“I’ve always believed we’ve [they’ve] got it all wrong. America is rising. And we have the best economy in the world, which we do,” the transcript read.
“We must be honest: The threat to democracy must be defended [defeated],” another excerpt read.
“Folks, imagine what we could do next,” Biden said at the time.
“Four more years … Pause,” he said, prompting chants.
Biden misstated numbers related to COVID vaccines, jobs created, and healthcare costs.
“We vaccinated the vast bulk of America. We got through that pandemic with less than 200 million — with less than 2 million people being vaccinated when I came to office. Today, 720 [270] million Americans have gotten COVID vaccine,” the White House transcript read.
“I was at a town meeting in Northern Virginia, and a very — a very together lady stood up with her two daughters and said, ‘My daughters have stage 2 [Type 1] diabetes. They need insulin. And I — I have insurance, but I can’t afford what it’s costing me — $700 a month for two of them,'” the transcript of his campaign statement said.
“Since I’ve been to office, we’ve created 14 million new jobs — 440 [thousand] new jobs in North Carolina alone, just since I came to office. (Applause.) And that’s because of this guy right here. Nearly 800,000 manufacturing jobs nationwide,” another transcript read.
He also mixed up pronouns and forgot words. A comparison with Trump’s remarks found fewer modifications were needed for Trump’s transcripts.
“I kept my promise to appoint the first Black [woman] Supreme Court justice,” the White House transcript read.
“Because unlike Donald Trump, I know who we are as Americans. (Applause.) It’s why I promised to have an administration that looks like America. (Applause.) The most diverse Cabinet and administration in American history led by a [historic] Vice President,” the transcript read.
“And look at what these autocrats are doing to limit freedom in their countries. They’re limiting freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom to assemble, women’s rights, LGB[T]Q rights, people are going to jail, so much more,” one transcript read.
“On Easter Sunday, just days after he lost his church, Reverend Toussaint preached about what it all meant. What does it mean? ‘The Easter season,’ he said, ‘is a fitting metaphor for recent events. It was dark the day that Jesus was crucified. It was dark [at] night when they burned our church. What has happened since is like a resurrection.’ Old things are gone, but it’s going to be a brand-new start, and it’s going to be better than ever, Reverend. (Applause.) Better than ever. Fantastic,” another transcript read.
“Over the last three years, under my leadership, our economy is stronger than ever before and America has achieved energy independence. These historic accompliments [accomplishments] changed our strategic priorities,” the White House transcript read.
“For the time being, we will redirect global health and directly work with others. All of the aid that we send will be discussed at very, very powerful lettel [sic] — letters and with very powerful and influential groups and smart groups — medically, politically, and every other way,” another transcript read.
The frequent corrections have shed light on the challenges Biden has communicating accurately and remembering details, though all presidents make occasional errors when speaking publicly.
