Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki has agreed to amend her book following inaccuracies concerning President Joe Biden's behavior at a solemn military ceremony.
According to a report from Fox News, Jen Psaki had to revise her book after falsely stating that Biden didn't check his watch during a ceremony, contrary to photographic evidence and accounts from Gold Star families.
In her recent book Say More: Lessons from Work, the White House, and the World, Psaki describes an incident during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base on August 29, 2021. The ceremony was a somber event marking the return of fallen U.S. service members.
Contrary to Psaki’s original claim that Biden checked his watch only after the proceedings, evidence and eyewitness accounts confirmed that the President looked at his watch multiple times during the actual ceremony.
This discrepancy prompted significant criticism, compelling Psaki, who had transitioned to a role as an MSNBC host by May 2022, to revise future editions of her book. The backlash she faced underscores the sensitivity and significance that the American public places on such military ceremonies, which are seen as a time for the utmost respect and attention.
Upon acknowledging the backlash, Psaki announced changes to her book's digital and forthcoming print versions. "The detail in a few lines of the book about the exact number of times he looked at his watch will be removed in future reprints and the eBook," said Psaki. It was a move that highlighted the importance of accuracy in recounting events tied strongly to national respect and mourning.
Psaki's narrative in "Say More" explores political events and offers personal advice to Biden, notably on how to appropriately connect with grieving military families.
The book's alteration was partially prompted by an earlier correction from USA Today from September 2021. The news outlet initially reported that Biden's watch checking occurred only following the ceremony, contradicting the experiences shared by Gold Star families present at the event.
The accuracy of such details holds profound importance to Gold Star families, for whom the ceremonies are deeply personal and poignant. These families, who have lost loved ones in military service, often view how officials conduct themselves at these events as reflective of their respect and empathy for the armed forces.
Reflecting on the broader lessons of her tenure and this specific episode, Jen Psaki highlighted the crucial role of honest feedback in political leadership. In an extenuating reflection on the demands of her role both as a press secretary and a publishable author, she wrote:
Psaki elaborated on her professional experiences that blend sensitive national matters with personal integrities, emphasizing the complex balancing act required in such positions.
Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki had to revise her book after falsely claiming that President Biden didn't check his watch during a military ceremony, a statement contradicted by photographic evidence and accounts from Gold Star families.
The discrepancy led to significant criticism, prompting Psaki to announce changes to future editions of her book to ensure accuracy. This incident underscores the importance of precision in recounting events tied to national respect and mourning.
