Overview

In “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again,” authors Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson undertake a thorough investigation of President Joe Biden’s tenure, particularly focusing on the alleged deterioration of his cognitive abilities and the entourage that may have concealed it.

Characterizing Biden’s Presidency

Tapper and Thompson craft a narrative that likens Biden’s latter presidency to a Shakespearean tragedy. They depict him as a once-mighty figure grappling with the realities of aging, surrounded by a supportive yet perhaps overprotective inner circle, referred to as “the Politburo.”

Despite signs of cognitive decline as early as 2015, many in Biden’s circle attributed his lapses to what they termed “Bidenness,” or his long-standing propensity for gaffes and lengthy anecdotes.

Incidents of Concern

Concerns surrounding Biden’s cognitive health reportedly surfaced even before his election in 2020. Observers noted episodes of incoherence during critical moments, contributing to a perception of himself as being fragile. Once in office, staff adopted a cautious approach, effectively limiting his interactions with others, and isolating him from a wider pool of advisors, which intensified worries about his capacity to lead.

The Decision to Run Again

As Biden hinted at a reelection campaign, alarms began to sound among some party officials regarding his capability. This concern was highlighted during a trip to Ireland in 2023 when one Congressman remarked on Biden’s fluctuating energy levels, reminiscent of experiences dealing with elderly family members.

Others in the party, such as Congressman Dean Phillips, expressed unease about Biden’s diminished speaking and mobility skills, leading him to question the president’s fitness for the role, which culminated in his own presidential candidacy.

Allegations of Concealment

Tapper and Thompson assert that there was a concerted effort to conceal troubling signs about Biden’s cognitive decline from the media, the public, and even influential Democrats. They argue that the decision to maintain the status quo amidst growing concerns was a grave miscalculation, resulting in a misguided belief that Biden remained the best option against potential challengers.

The authors highlight that even when some Democratic supporters vocally opposed Biden’s reelection bid, many others continued to support him despite visible issues.

Final Thoughts

The narrative culminates in a reflection on the corrupting influence of power. While the authors do not definitively claim a systematic cover-up, they suggest that a troubling pattern of denial may have emerged, with detrimental implications for Biden’s presidency and the Democratic Party.

In concluding their assessment, Tapper and Thompson emphasize the vital need for transparency in leadership, cautioning against the dangers of collective denial regarding a leader’s limitations.