Yet again, the media, President Biden, his staff and others dropped shocking statements completely detached from reality throughout 2023. Here are our picks for the absolute worst of them.
— Compiled by The Post Editorial Board
#1
“The Middle East . . . is quieter than it has been for decades.”
— National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Foreign Affairs, November/December (print edition)
We say: Sullivan was bragging of Team Biden’s accomplishments in an essay sent to print Oct. 2, just five days before Hamas’ monstrous attack on Israelis set the region aflame.
If America’s national security adviser can be so clueless, be very afraid.
#2
“We ended cancer as we know it.”
— President Biden, July 25
We say: Though Biden has no qualms about telling massive lies even when he’s lucid, this couldn’t possibly have been one of those moments. Best chalk it up to dementia (unless he cured that, too!).
#3
“Age jokes can’t diminish Biden’s unrivaled experience and wisdom.”
— The Hill, Dec. 11
We say: Clearly writer John Kenneth White is talking about some other President Biden, not the one now in the White House. Or maybe he’s he’s suffering from the same cognitive decline as the president (see #2, above).
#4
“Israeli Strike Kills Hundreds in Hospital, Palestinians Say
— The New York Times, Oct. 17
We say: No, it wasn’t an Israeli airstrike but a failed Palestinian rocket, and it didn’t hit the hospital but a nearby parking lot.
Yes, the Gray Lady later apologized for relying so heavily on Hamas terrorists as its source.
But the damage was done, sparking massive protests worldwide and inflaming antisemitism that has yet to abate.
And this is supposed to be “the paper of record”?
#5
“Let’s always take a moment to also see what we have achieved thus far, while we clearly see the moment that we are presently in. So we have achieved a lot.”
— VP Kamala Harris, June 23
We say: If Joe Biden is reelected and can’t make it through a second term, Harris would become leader of the Free World. That’s quite a “moment” to be in.
#6
“In the Hanukkah story, the Jewish people were forced into hiding. No one thought they would survive.”
— Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Dec. 11
We say: Kamala’s kookiness must run in the family. Hanukkah is about Jews celebrating a military victory, not cowering in fear, as the veep’s hubby suggested.
And to think the White House tapped Emhoff to help fight the rise in antisemitism.
Read Related Also: Kathleen Kennedy Shares New Details About Daisy Ridley’s ‘Star Wars’ Movie
#7
“Floods, fires and deadly heat are the alarm bells of a planet on the brink.”
— The Washington Post, July 13
We say: Hmm, wonder why they didn’t throw in locusts, boils, vermin and slaying of the first born. Here’s a free tip: Any time you see the phrase “planet on the brink,” you can be sure you’re reading pure hype.
#8
“We have seen the effectiveness of our approach [to the border].”
— Homeland Security boss Alejandro Mayorkas, May 10
We say: Actually, Mayorkas was telling the truth. Team Biden’s goal, after all, is clearly to hoover in as many migrants as possible from around the world. It’s been amazingly effective at that, with record-setting millions crossing the border on President Biden’s watch.
#9
“We have been [in Israel] for more than 1.5 million years.”
— Palestinian National Council President Rawhi Fattouh, May 22
We say: Are people like Fattouh truly that ignorant — or do they just think everyone else is?
The modern-day Homo sapiens (never mind Palestinians) wasn’t even around until 300,000 years ago.
And “Palestinians” didn’t see themselves as a people, distinct from other Arabs, until the past century or so.
#10
“There would be no climate crisis if there was no racism.”
— Jane Fonda, May 27
We say: Seems like the actress-activist hasn’t made much progress from her days as Hanoi Jane.
“Climate crisis” worriers blame carbon fuels — which humans of all races (and all levels of racism) burn.
#11
“People Are Getting Real Heated Over a Gas Stove Ban That Isn’t Even Happening.”
— The New Republic, Jan. 12
We say: Not happening? New York City outlawed gas hookups in new buildings in 2019, and New York state followed suit this year.
Other jurisdictions have moved in that direction, too, and Team Biden’s hints about such a ban prompted legislation in Congress to prevent it.
#12
“Biden is extremely well-liked.”
— MSNBC co-host Mika Brzezinski, Feb. 10
We say: True, MSNBC is basically an arm of the Biden White House. But the president hasn’t seen an approval rating over 50% since soon after taking office, per RealClearPolitics poll averages.
It was under 45% in February and stands at 40.4% today.
Even Democrats don’t want Joe to run for reelection.
