What's happened
Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson's upcoming book, 'Original Sin,' reveals internal discussions among Biden's aides regarding his declining health and the efforts to conceal it during the 2024 election campaign. The book highlights serious concerns about Biden's cognitive and physical abilities, sparking criticism of the media's previous coverage of his presidency.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
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Cognitive Decline: The book details alarming instances of Biden's cognitive lapses, including forgetting names of aides and failing to recognize prominent figures like George Clooney. This raises questions about the adequacy of his mental fitness for office.
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Media's Role: Critics argue that the media, including Tapper himself, contributed to a narrative that downplayed Biden's health issues. The backlash against Tapper for profiting from revelations he previously dismissed highlights a perceived hypocrisy in media coverage.
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Political Implications: The revelations could have lasting effects on the Democratic Party's credibility and future electoral strategies. As Biden's age and health become focal points, the party may need to reassess its leadership and messaging strategies moving forward.
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Public Perception: The book's insights into Biden's health may shift public perception, particularly among voters who were previously supportive. The acknowledgment of these issues could lead to a reevaluation of Biden's legacy and effectiveness as president.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that 'Original Sin' reveals Biden's aides considered placing him in a wheelchair due to his declining health, with Jake Tapper acknowledging that he did not cover these issues adequately during Biden's presidency. The NY Post highlights the media's role in downplaying Biden's cognitive decline, with critics labeling Tapper a 'hypocrite' for now discussing these concerns after previously defending the president. The New York Times emphasizes the reliance on anonymous sources in the book, suggesting a culture of fear among Democrats to openly discuss Biden's fitness for office. Overall, the contrasting perspectives illustrate a significant shift in how Biden's presidency is being evaluated as new information comes to light.
How we got here
The release of 'Original Sin' on May 20, 2025, follows a series of revelations about President Biden's cognitive and physical decline during his presidency. Internal discussions among aides about Biden's health and the decision to run for re-election despite these concerns have raised significant questions about transparency and media coverage.
Go deeper
- What specific health issues are mentioned in the book?
- How has the media's portrayal of Biden changed over time?
- What are the potential political consequences for the Democratic Party?
Common question
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What Are the Latest Concerns About Biden's Mental Fitness?
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, concerns about President Biden's mental fitness and health have resurfaced. Recent reports reveal internal discussions among his aides regarding his declining health, raising questions about his ability to effectively campaign. This page explores the implications of these concerns on Biden's candidacy and the broader political landscape.
More on these topics
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Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Jacob Paul Tapper is an American journalist, author, and cartoonist. He is the Chief Washington Correspondent for CNN, and hosts the weekday television news show The Lead with Jake Tapper and the Sunday morning affairs program State of the Union.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Kamala Devi Harris is an American attorney and politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from California since 2017.
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Barack Hussein Obama II is an American attorney and politician who served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the first African American President of the United States. He previously serve
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David M. Axelrod is an American political consultant and analyst and former White House official. He is best known for being the chief strategist for Barack Obama's presidential campaigns.
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CNN is an American news-based pay television channel owned by CNN Worldwide, a unit of the WarnerMedia News & Sports division of AT&T's WarnerMedia.
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George Timothy Clooney is an American actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter. He is the recipient of three Golden Globe Awards and two Academy Awards, one for acting in Syriana and the other for co-producing Argo.