President Joe Biden’s press conference on Wednesday was meant to show that his administration is effectively managing a cornucopia of challenges.

One top challenge is the Russian troop presence around Ukraine’s borders, which is only increasing by the day. The president, however, caused 12 hours of outrage in the commentariat when he seemed to imply that NATO itself hasn’t come to a common agreement on what to do in the event of a Russian invasion: “There are differences in NATO as to what countries are willing to do depending on what happens, the degree to which they’re able to go.” Biden also suggested a “minimal incursion” by Russia would meet a less serious Western sanctions response.