During a press conference with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday, President Joe Biden was seen holding what appeared to be a “cheat sheet” of a reporter’s question. A photograph of the moment quickly surfaced on social media, prompting questions and speculation about the president’s preparedness for the conference.
However, during the White House press briefing on Thursday, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended the use of the notes, explaining that it is common for presidents to be briefed on potential questions that may come up during a press conference. The notes appeared to indicate that Biden would be receiving a question from Los Angeles Times journalist Courtney Subramanian on domestic manufacturing, which he did.
Jean-Pierre stressed that the White House does not receive specific questions in advance but rather reaches out to reporters prior to the press conference regarding potential discussion topics. This approach helps ensure that the president is ready to communicate with the media and the American people on various issues.
She noted that the president and his press team discuss an array of topics that could potentially come up during a press conference, including the debt ceiling, which was one of the day’s top news stories. Jean-Pierre said that they strive to cover a variety of issues to ensure that the president is prepared to communicate with the American people.
While some may see the use of a “cheat sheet” as a lack of preparedness, it is not uncommon for presidents to use notes during press conferences. In fact, former President Donald Trump was known to use notes and even had notes written in Sharpie on his hand during some public appearances.
Overall, the use of notes or a “cheat sheet” is not necessarily indicative of a lack of knowledge or preparedness. It is simply a tool that some individuals, including presidents, use to ensure that they can effectively communicate their message and answer questions from the media.
In conclusion, while some may have questioned the use of a “cheat sheet” by President Biden during the press conference, it is important to understand that this is a common practice among presidents and does not necessarily reflect a lack of preparedness. The president and his team work diligently to prepare for press conferences and ensure that he is ready to address a variety of issues that may come up during the event.
