Biden Refuses To Answer Questions About Chinese Spy Balloons During Underwhelming Speech
ForbesFeb 16, 2023
The Facts
In a speech on Thursday, US Pres. Joe Biden gave his first detailed comments on the downing of three unidentified aerial objects flying over North American airspace last weekend, saying the decision was taken “out of an abundance of caution.” The US is still working to recover the objects.
The president also said the objects – shot down over Alaska, Canada, and Lake Huron, Mich. – most likely belonged to private companies or were for recreational or scientific purposes, noting that nothing currently indicates they're tied to China’s alleged balloon surveillance program.
The Spin
Republican narrative
The president’s underwhelming speech is too little, too late — two weeks late, to be exact. The American people deserve more answers, especially regarding the alleged Chinese spy balloon and why the administration let it traverse the US before shooting it down. The White House's botched response and subsequent lack of transparency have only fueled mistrust.
Democratic narrative
While the public's concern is warranted, the president is dealing with very sensitive national security information — much of which is classified — and has shared all he can on this matter. The investigation is still in its infancy, and rather than demanding attention away from it, the public should allow authorities to carry out their probe unhindered.
