President Biden's Claims in Campaign Speech

SOURCE www.factcheck.org
President Biden made several claims in a campaign speech in Philadelphia, including reducing the racial wealth gap and pardoning individuals for marijuana possession. However, some of his claims were exaggerated or misleading.

Key Points

  • Racial wealth gap reduced based on relative measure, but widened in absolute dollars
  • Pardons for marijuana possession charges only apply to federal and D.C. offenses up to Dec. 22, 2023
  • Lead pipe removal is a goal, not a promise kept
  • Reducing prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries will increase spending, not save $160 billion

Pros

  • Reduced the racial wealth gap between white and Black Americans based on one measure
  • Issued pardons for individuals convicted of federal marijuana possession charges

Cons

  • Exaggerated impact of pardons for marijuana possession charges
  • Exaggerated the progress in removing lead pipes nationwide
  • Misleading claims regarding saving Medicare costs through reduced prescription drug expenses