US President Joe Biden found himself under scrutiny on social media after making a claim about commuting over the Baltimore Francis Scott Key Bridge “many, many times” either by train or car, despite the bridge not having any rail tracks.
During his initial remarks on the bridge collapse incident, Biden mentioned his familiarity with the Francis Scott Key Bridge and Baltimore Harbor, attributing it to his commute between Delaware and Washington, D.C. However, his assertion of traveling over the bridge by train drew skepticism and fact-checking from netizens, given the absence of train tracks on the bridge.
Criticism and Fact-Checking:
Social media platforms buzzed with reactions ranging from cynicism to concerns about misinformation. Users pointed out the discrepancy in Biden’s claim, questioning the existence of train tracks on the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Some expressed frustration and skepticism, with comments highlighting the President’s alleged mental confusion.
Radio talk show host Alan Sanders and others joined in questioning the accuracy of Biden’s statement, emphasizing the lack of train tracks on the bridge. The incident reignited discussions about Biden’s mental acuity and previous inaccuracies in his statements regarding significant national events.
White House Clarification:
In response to the backlash, White House spokesperson Robyn Patterson clarified that the President’s statement referred to driving over the bridge during his 36-year Senate career, rather than traveling by train. The clarification aimed to address concerns and provide context to Biden’s remarks, attributing the discrepancy to a misinterpretation of his commuting history.
Past Inaccuracies:
Biden’s claim about commuting over the Francis Scott Key Bridge adds to a list of previous inaccurate statements regarding his presence at significant national events. Instances include claims of being at Ground Zero after the September 11 attacks and witnessing a bridge collapse in Pittsburgh, both of which were later corrected.
As the scrutiny over Biden’s statements continues, the incident underscores the importance of accuracy and transparency in public communications, especially from elected officials. In an era of heightened social media scrutiny, factual inaccuracies can quickly spread and undermine trust in leadership.
