Comparing Robert Hur’s Depiction of Biden’s Memory to the Transcript
TL/DR –
Mr. Biden twice stated the wrong year in questioning about how certain documents ended up in his garage, with the first instance happening as he was trying to determine how material about a 2009 internal Obama administration debate ended up in his possession, and the second when he was asked about a specific folder of documents. Mr. Hur critiqued Mr. Biden’s memory for recalling inaccurately that he and Karl Eikenberry, former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, had differing opinions on the surge of additional troops to Afghanistan when both had actually opposed it. However, Mr. Biden also correctly noted Mr. Hur’s omission of a second discussion where Mr. Biden clearly remembered Eikenberry’s stance against the surge.
Mr. Hur’s Claims on Biden’s Memory Blurred by Context
According to Mr. Hur, Mr. Biden displayed confusion on when he served as vice president, quoting him as saying, “If it was 2013 — when did I stop being vice president?” However, the transcript shows Mr. Biden to be out of context. In both mentioned instances, although Mr. Biden did name the incorrect year, he immediately realized his mistake, pausing to seek clarity.
Background on Statements Made by Biden
The first instance occurred when Mr. Biden was trying to understand how documents related to a 2009 internal Obama administration debate on the Afghanistan war ended up in his Delaware garage. The second instance happened during questioning about how a specific subset of those documents had found its way to his garage.
Other Allegations of Memory Lapses
Mr. Hur has also argued that Mr. Biden inaccurately remembered the stance of a diplomat in Afghanistan, Karl Eikenberry. However, later that same day, Mr. Biden correctly stated that Mr. Eikenberry shared his opposition to sending additional troops to Afghanistan, casting doubt on Mr. Hur’s assertions.
Biden’s Clarity During the Interrogation
Despite Mr. Hur’s allegations, the transcript shows Mr. Biden maintaining clarity on many matters, joking with prosecutors, and even correcting them when they were the ones who misspoke.
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