Posts misquote Biden's remarks at UAW strike

"Joe Biden minutes after slipping on steps of Air Force One: 'I marched a lot of UAW picket lines when I was a Senator since 1973. But I tell you what -- first time I've ever done it in person.'" says an X post from Benny Johnson, a conservative podcast host, who has been fact-checked by AFP several times.

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Screenshot of an X post taken September 28, 2023

The same clip garnered thousands of views on X, here and here, as Biden appeared on the picket line outside a General Motors parts distribution center in Belleville, Michigan, to show his support for auto workers as they petition for a 40 percent pay raise.

Biden is often the target of posts that make him appear confused or asleep in public appearances -- playing to those who argue he is too old for the job. However, despite the online claims the president did not say that this is the first picket line he has attended "in person."

In the video, Biden clearly says: "I marched in a lot of UAW picket lines when I was a senator -- since 1973 -- but, I tell you what, it's the first time I've ever done it as president."

This is reflected in the official White House brief, documenting the president's remarks (archived here).

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Screenshot of a White House press brief with elements highlights by AFP, taken September 29, 2023

This dialogue is also clear in other videos reviewed by AFP including C-SPAN footage (archived here) and news reports (archived here).

The president's trip came a day before Donald Trump spoke at a non-union car parts factory in Michigan, a visit he made in lieu of attending the second Republican presidential debate in California.

More of AFP's reporting on misinformation about US politics is available here.