The evidence proves they are wrong.
The intense rivalry between the two candidates has dominated the campaign, requiring thorough coverage despite the frequent negative attacks and rebuttals, many of which are unsubstantiated or digitally manipulated. A focal point of scrutiny has been Joe Biden, with allegations regarding a supposed “frozen” moment that critics claim portrays him as disoriented and aimless.
Recently, during a high-profile fundraiser in Los Angeles that raised $30 million, Biden, 81, paused briefly to absorb the enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. He appeared neither dazed nor confused, simply savoring the moment. However, what followed puzzled many observers: Barack Obama, knowing Biden has faced persistent accusations of frailty and confusion, visibly guided him off the stage, maintaining physical contact as they walked.
The incident was captured on video and widely shared, its authenticity unquestioned as it portrayed events exactly as they occurred. Yet amidst this backdrop, Karine Jean-Pierre, in her defense of Biden, aggressively criticized distorted videos circulating about her boss. The Biden administration and its allies in the media have been vocal in labeling unflattering portrayals of the president as “deepfakes” or “cheapfakes,” although not all such content is manipulated.
This narrative has conflated distinct scenarios. For instance, a cropped photo published by The New York Post seemingly misrepresented Biden’s engagement at the G-7 summit, where he was interacting with skydivers moments before being redirected to the group of world leaders by the Italian prime minister. In contrast, the unscripted moment on the Los Angeles stage was authentic, highlighting Biden’s genuine demeanor without alteration.
Meanwhile, revelations from Ramin Setoodeh’s new book, based on extensive interviews with Donald Trump, depict the former president grappling with significant memory lapses. Trump reportedly struggled to recall past interactions, including a lengthy interview conducted just months earlier, showcasing what Setoodeh describes as “severe memory issues.”
In response, Trump’s spokesperson Steven Cheung vehemently defended the former president, dismissing Setoodeh as inconsequential and attributing the portrayal to what he termed “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” a critique often levied against Trump critics.
The ongoing clash between these narratives underscores the contentious nature of the campaign, where each side endeavors to shape public perception amid allegations and defenses that probe deeply into the personal and political spheres of the candidates.
