Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and author, has released a new book titled “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again,” co-authored with Axios’ Alex Thompson. The book depicts a duality in the public persona of Joe Biden, contrasting his previous, more capable self from his vice presidency with a troubling decline that intensified during his presidency.
Tapper illustrates a portrait of a president increasingly unable to function effectively, sharing anecdotes where Biden struggled to recognize long-standing colleagues, retrieve his thoughts during critical discussions, and remember significant personal events, like the death of his son, Beau. The narrative reveals that aides often acted as crutches, managing the perception of Biden’s capabilities, leading to a portrayal of the presidency as potentially more of a group effort than his own command.
This discussion gained further urgency during Biden’s June 2024 debate against Donald Trump, where Biden’s apparent difficulties in articulating key points raised concerns. Reflecting on the situation, Tapper admitted a sense of regret for not probing Biden’s decline more vigorously earlier in his reporting, acknowledging the importance of addressing health issues honestly in political discourse.
Additionally, Biden’s office recently disclosed that he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. Tapper expressed sympathy for Biden, hoping for effective treatment while acknowledging the broader implications of aging and health on leadership.
The narrative also touches on the Biden administration’s attempts to manage public perception. Tapper noted how simple efforts to assist Biden gradually turned into measures that masked significant issues. Events were increasingly scripted, and interactions with lawmakers decreased markedly, creating shock among congressional members who encountered Biden only sporadically.
Moreover, Tapper commented on the political dynamics that challenge critical reporting, mentioning how the Biden team reacts aggressively to negative coverage, which can dissuade journalists from pursuing difficult stories.
The discussion encompasses a broader context of Democratic responses following Biden’s debate performance and the notable reaction to George Clooney’s op-ed urging Biden to consider stepping down from the race. This exemplifies a growing concern within the party regarding Biden’s viability as a candidate.
Overall, Tapper’s book not only examines Biden’s journey but also highlights the challenges faced by legacy media in maintaining public trust. The path forward calls for enhanced transparency in political reporting, particularly regarding leadership health, in a landscape where media credibility is increasingly scrutinized.
This exploration into Biden’s presidency serves as a significant reminder of the complexities and vulnerabilities that come with leadership, especially in times of personal and public scrutiny.