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New photos show cheat sheets used by Biden during his first press conference

New photos reveal cheat sheets used by Joe Biden during his Thursday press conference — including one with the headshots and names of reporters.

Biden forgets what he’s talking about and mumbles incoherently at camera

New photos reveal several cheat sheets used by President Joe Biden during his Thursday press conference — including one with the headshots and names of reporters he planned to call on.

The President also used notes to assist with facts about US infrastructure, a policy area Mr Biden is focusing on during his first months in the White House.

“The United States now ranks 13th globally in infrastructure quality — down from 5th place in 2002,” read one bullet point.

But despite having the answers in front of him, Mr Biden still slipped up, saying America ranked 85th in the world in infrastructure, before correcting himself.

US President Joe Biden during his first press briefing. Picture: Jim Watson/AFP
US President Joe Biden during his first press briefing. Picture: Jim Watson/AFP
One of several cheat sheets used by the President. Picture: Backgrid Australia
One of several cheat sheets used by the President. Picture: Backgrid Australia
One card contained notes on infrastructure. President JoPicture: Backgrid Australia
One card contained notes on infrastructure. President JoPicture: Backgrid Australia

The press pool at Thursday’s briefing, the first one held by Mr Biden since taking office 65 days ago, was limited to 25 reporters.

Mr Biden only took questions from a list of journalists whose names and outlets he read from a cue card. A photo of the card shows circled numbers around select reporters.

In the early stages of the 62-minute presser, in which Mr Biden fielded 10 questions, the President appeared to repeatedly lose his train of thought, forgetting questions and asking reporters if they wanted him to give detailed answers.

Many of his responses were aided by notes he kept inside a three-ring binder.

He abruptly wrapped up the press conference, telling reporters, “but folks, I’m going,” without sticking around for a follow-up question.

This article originally appeared on NY Post and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as New photos show cheat sheets used by Biden during his first press conference

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/business/work/new-photos-show-cheat-sheets-used-by-biden-during-his-first-press-conference/news-story/ec4c1394faf808f9495a5626baa69804