A recent book titled “Original Sin,” co-authored by CNN’s Anderson Cooper and Jake Tapper, has unveiled a tense moment between former Vice President Kamala Harris and Cooper following a fraught interview about President Joe Biden’s performance in a debate last year. During the interview, Cooper pressed Harris on concerns regarding Biden’s cognitive health after what was perceived as a poor showing against Donald Trump. In the aftermath, a reportedly frustrated Harris referred to Cooper as a “motherf–ker,” feeling that he did not treat her with the respect due to the vice president.
During the interview, Harris defended Biden, describing his performance as starting “slow” yet finishing “strong,” despite widespread concern among Democrats over his public speaking abilities. While she expressed support for Biden, she also took the questions personally, as they reflected the concerns being voiced about her boss.
The book also discloses insights into Biden’s preparation for the debate, highlighting that he was “rusty” and even napped through the first day of practice at Camp David. His struggle during mock debates included audible difficulties and advice from aides on his delivery, with Biden reportedly often losing his train of thought. Such challenges led to increased scrutiny and sparked discussions about whether Biden should consider stepping aside from future elections.
Despite these challenges, Biden’s allies attributed his public struggles to a childhood stutter, pointing out that he had previously been effective in verbal communication during his political career. The narrative surrounding Harris’s loyalty and her public defense of Biden amid his health issues underscores the complexities within the Democratic party as they navigate leadership concerns.
Most notably, the book reveals that Biden has recently been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, adding a new layer of urgency to discussions about his fitness for office and future electoral prospects.
These revelations highlight ongoing questions surrounding leadership capabilities and the importance of candid conversations within political circles, particularly as the next election cycle approaches.