In a recent call ahead of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year holiday, President Joe Biden made a claim that has since stirred controversy. He stated that he was "raised in the synagogues" of Delaware, a remark that has been met with skepticism given his well-known Catholic faith.
"I, you might say, was raised in the synagogues of my state. You think I’m kidding, I’m not," Biden told the rabbis on the call. He further added, "I probably went to shul more than many of you did," emphasizing his point with, "You all think I’m kidding … I’m not. I’m not."
This isn't the first time Biden's statements have been put under the microscope. During the same call, he mentioned his involvement with the civil rights movement prior to his senatorial tenure. He claimed he was deeply concerned about the movement during the 1960s and worked at an all-Black swimming pool in Wilmington, Delaware. However, he clarified in 1987 that he was not an activist during that era. "I was not out marching, I was not down in Selma," he had stated.
The President's recollections have often been a topic of discussion and fact-checking. For instance, during a speech on September 11 in Alaska, Biden mentioned that he was in New York City on the day of the 9/11 attacks. Contrary to this, records show he was in Washington, D.C. at the time. His description of the aftermath of the attacks, where he claimed to have stood at Ground Zero the following day, describing it as looking "through the gates of Hell," was met with criticism. The Republican National Committee's Twitter account and other users pointed out the discrepancy in his account.
As the 2024 election approaches, concerns regarding Biden's mental state have been voiced by some voters. Despite these concerns, Biden remains confident in his ability to lead. Addressing members of the Sheet Metal Workers union on September 4, he responded to comments about his age, stating, “I tell you what, someone said, ‘You know what? That Biden, he’s getting old, man. I tell you what.'” He continued, “Well, guess what? Guess what? You know, the only thing that comes with age is a little bit of wisdom. I’ve been doing this longer than anybody, and guess what? I’m going to continue to do it, with your help.”
The President's remarks and the subsequent scrutiny highlight the challenges of public life, where every statement is dissected and analyzed. As the political landscape heats up in anticipation of the next election, it remains to be seen how these controversies will shape public opinion.