In the recent CNN debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, Biden made a controversial statement that quickly drew widespread criticism.
Biden claimed, “Truth is, I’m the only president this century that doesn’t have any — this, this decade — that doesn’t have any troops dying anywhere in the world.” This statement was quickly debunked, with many pointing out that it ignored the tragic deaths of 13 U.S. service members during the 2021 Kabul airport attack amid the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The backlash was swift on social media, with numerous individuals and public figures calling out Biden’s inaccuracy. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) remarked, “President Biden’s memory is worse than we thought,” and emphasized that the American public would never forget the devastating withdrawal from Afghanistan that led to the loss of 13 service members.
BIDEN: “The truth is, I’m the only president this century…this decade that doesn’t have any troops dying anywhere in the world like he did.”
That is FALSE. pic.twitter.com/ZObPRpNoYm
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) June 28, 2024
Reporter Jim Laporta highlighted that at least 16 service members have died overseas during Biden’s administration, further contradicting the President’s statement. CNN’s fact-checker Daniel Dale also weighed in, stating unequivocally that Biden’s claim “is false, clearly.”
This misstep by Biden underscores the heightened scrutiny and immediate fact-checking that characterize modern political discourse, especially during high-stakes events like presidential debates. The Kabul airport attack remains a significant and painful memory for many Americans, making Biden’s claim particularly contentious and damaging.
The fallout from this statement could have lasting implications for Biden as he seeks to navigate the complex landscape of public opinion and voter trust.
As the election cycle progresses, moments like these highlight the critical importance of accuracy and accountability in political communication.
