Statement Analysis®

Does Senator Mark Kelly want President Joe Biden's help?


On August 21, 2022, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly appeared on CNN's "State of the Union." Kelly is running for re-election in November 2022. Host Jake Tapper asked the Senator if he wanted President Biden's help in securing a second term.

Tapper: "Would you want President Biden to come to Arizona and campaign with you?"
Kelly:    "Hey, I'll welcome anybody to come to Arizona, you know, travel around the state at any time as long as I'm here."

While he gave an answer, Kelly did not answer the specific question; "Would you want President Biden to come to Arizona and campaign with you?" It is a simple "Yes" or "No" answer. He gave the appearance he wants the President's help; "Hey, I'll welcome anybody." However, he couldn't answer the question by saying "Yes." Not answering a specific question always means the person is withholding information. The information Kelly is probably withholding is that, with Biden's low approval ratings, he doesn't want the President to campaign for him.

We also see Kelly used the phrase "you know." Some people have a habit of using this phrase. It repeatedly shows up in their statement. Others use this phrase only when they want you to take for granted what they are saying is true. However, we take nothing for granted. The truth is, we don't know unless the person specifically tells us. We are not sure if the phrase "you know" refers to welcoming anybody or traveling around the state.



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