Original Sin
President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again
By: Jake Tapper, Alex Thompson
About This Book
From two of America’s most respected journalists, an unflinching and explosive reckoning with one of the most fateful decisions in American political history: Joe Biden’s run for reelection despite evidence of his serious decline—amid desperate efforts to hide the extent of that deterioration “A damning, step-by-step account of how the people closest to a stubborn, aging president enabled his quixotic resolve to run for a second term.” — The New York Times "The book Biden allies fear the most." — Politico In Greek tragedy, the protagonist’s effort to avoid his fate is what seals his fate. In 2024, American politics became a Greek tragedy. Joe Biden launched his successful 2020 bid for the White House with the stated goal of saving the nation from a second Trump presidential term. He, his family, and his senior aides were so convinced that only he could beat Trump again, they lied to themselves, allies, and the public about his condition and limitations. At his debate with Trump on June 27, 2024, the consequences of that deception were exposed to the world. It was shocking and upsetting. Now the full, unsettling truth is being told for the first time. Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson take us behind closed doors and into private conversations between the heaviest of hitters, revealing how big the problem was and how many people knew about it. From White House staffers at the highest to lowest levels, to leaders of Congress and the Cabinet, from governors to donors and Hollywood players, the truth is finally being told. What you will learn makes President Biden’s decision to run for reelection seem shockingly narcissistic, self-delusional, and reckless—a desperate bet that went bust—and part of a larger act of extended public deception that has few precedents. The story the authors tell raises fundamental issues of accountability and responsibility that will continue for decades. The irony is biting: In the name of defeating what they called an existential threat to democracy, Biden and his inner circle ensured it, tossing aside his implicit promise to serve for only one term, denying the existence of health issues the nation had been watching for years, dooming the Democrats to defeat. The decision to run again, the Original Sin of this president, led to a campaign of denial and gaslighting, leading directly to Donald Trump's return to power and all that has happened as a consequence. Rarely does hubris meet nemesis more explosively. Wherever you stand on the political spectrum, Original Sin is essential reading.
AI Overview
Book Title: "Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again"
Authors: Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson
Publication Date: May 20, 2025, by Penguin Random House
Key Themes
- Joe Biden's Health and Mental Acuity: The book delves into the concerns surrounding Joe Biden's age and health, particularly in the context of his 2024 presidential campaign.
- Cover-Up Allegations: It explores claims of a cover-up regarding Biden's health issues during his presidency and his decision to run for reelection.
- Impact on the 2024 Election: The book examines how these health concerns and the subsequent debate performance affected the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.
Plot Summary
"Original Sin" is a non-fiction book that provides an in-depth analysis of one of the most significant decisions in American political history: Joe Biden's decision to run for reelection in 2024. The book is based on over 200 interviews and presents a detailed account of the events leading up to the election.
The narrative begins with the 2024 Joe Biden–Donald Trump presidential debate, which was moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. Biden's poor performance sparked widespread concerns about his age and health, leading to speculation about his ability to serve a second term. This concern culminated in Biden dropping out of the election and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the party's presidential nominee.
Despite Harris's efforts, she lost the election to Trump, raising questions about whether another nominee might have won had Biden not run for a second term. The book explores these what-ifs and delves into the potential consequences of Biden's decision to run again.
Critical Reception
The book has generated significant attention and controversy. Here are some key points from the critical reception:
- Sales Performance: According to publishing sources, "Original Sin" sold nearly 100,000 copies in its first week, a rare milestone for any non-fiction title.
- Controversy Over Appearances: Jake Tapper faced criticism for appearing on Megyn Kelly's right-wing program, apologizing to Lara Trump, and engaging in a verbal sparring match with Hunter Biden over a years-old incident.
- Journalistic Implications: The book has sparked discussions about the role of journalists in questioning the mental fitness of presidents. Tapper has addressed these issues in interviews, arguing that journalists should feel empowered to scrutinize presidential candidates' health and fitness for office.
Overall, "Original Sin" is a highly debated and widely discussed book that sheds light on the complex and contentious issues surrounding Joe Biden's health and his decision to run for reelection in 2024.