How dumb do they think the American public is?
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre came under fire on Monday after asserting that a series of viral videos showing President Biden appearing frail were “deepfakes.”
Recently, several contentious videos have surfaced depicting Biden during his D-Day commemoration visit to France, his attendance at the G-7 summit in Italy, and a recent campaign fundraiser. These clips have sparked concerns about his age and health.
When questioned about these videos, which make the president appear particularly frail or mentally confused, Jean-Pierre labeled them “cheap fakes,” a term she credited to the Washington Post, and accused them of spreading misinformation and disinformation.
Jean-Pierre commented, “These videos show the lengths to which Republicans will go. Rather than discussing the president’s accomplishments and legislative successes for the American people, we’re seeing these manipulated videos. It’s a tactic done in bad faith.”
In response to inquiries, the White House referred to fact-checks by The Washington Post and NBC News.
Contrary to Jean-Pierre’s claims, Fox News contributor Guy Benson argued, “These videos are not deepfakes or manipulated. You can argue they’re mischaracterized or taken out of context, but it’s misinformation to claim they are fake.”
Sen. Mike Lee of Utah also voiced his skepticism, asking, “Which videos showing Biden freezing or looking lost are deepfakes? I’d really like to know.”
Lee shared several videos and added, “If the president is being smeared by deepfakes, I’d like to see the evidence. I hope the press secretary will clarify.”
Columnist David Marcus criticized the White House’s stance, saying, “Calling legitimate footage a deepfake is as harmful as claiming a real deepfake is legitimate. Both aim to mislead.”
State Freedom Caucus communications director Greg Price and radio personality Ari Hoffman echoed this sentiment, expressing disbelief at Jean-Pierre’s statements. Price said, “She’s doing a terrible job and probably thinks she’s excelling.” Hoffman noted, “Here’s where KJP shifts from ‘cheap fakes’ to ‘deep fakes,’ despite visible evidence of Biden’s condition.”
Others, like The Spectator’s Stephen L. Miller, suggested a need for clarity on Jean-Pierre’s understanding of deepfakes. Twitchy’s Doug Powers, New York Post journalist Miranda Devine, and Rep. Keith Seif of Texas all shared their disbelief, suggesting that the White House’s desperation was evident.
Former California state senator Gloria Romero concluded, “She’s #FakeNews herself, using it to deflect criticism. Her credibility is shot.”
WATCH:
Biden's press secretary is denying reality and calls videos of Joe Biden struggling "deep fakes" pic.twitter.com/PUo0JLaW3b
— MAGA War Room (@MAGAIncWarRoom) June 17, 2024