Introduction to the Book

The book "Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again" by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson explores the theme of President Biden’s cognitive decline and the alleged cover-up by his inner circle. The authors portray Biden as a lion in winter, shockingly frail and forgetful, with a ferocious pride that blinds him to the fact that it’s time to exit the stage.

Early Signs of Decline

According to the book, the first disturbing signs of Biden’s diminished capacities emerged as early as 2015. However, many around him chalked them up to the "Bidenness" of it all, considering his congenital tendency to tell long stories, make gaffes, and inappropriate comments. Even in tightly choreographed Zoom calls with friendly audiences, Biden could make mistakes.

Biden’s Behavior During the 2020 Convention

An unnamed Democrat who witnessed candidate Biden being prepped for a taping prior to the 2020 convention in Milwaukee was startled by his incoherence, commenting that it "was like watching Grandpa who shouldn’t be driving." Once in office, the White House staff treated him as very delicate, and the pandemic gave aides an excuse to build barriers around him, limiting access to few people.

The Inner Circle

The news media and public were kept at arm’s length, as were many members of the Cabinet and Congress, leading to a uniquely small and loyal inner circle. This elite quintet consisted of domestic policy advisor Bruce Reed, chief strategist Mike Donilon, legislative affairs guru Steve Ricchetti, and chief of staff Ron Klain, each of whom had deep ties to Biden. "Five people were running the country, and Joe Biden was at best a senior member of the board," offered one person familiar with the dynamic.

Concerns About Biden’s Behavior

As time went on and more grew concerned about Biden’s behavior, those who inquired were routinely told that everything was okay. One staffer who didn’t have regular access to Biden during this period said that when they did see him in person, they were "shocked, but the other people around him didn’t seem to be, so I didn’t say anything." It wasn’t until around the time Biden broke his one-term pledge to be a "bridge" president and made clear he intended to run again that some began to feel a sense of alarm.

Reactions from Democratic Officials

For example, in 2023, Congressman Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) was with Biden when he visited Ireland. Biden seemed to gain strength from the crowds that greeted him, but then appeared "sapped and not quite there." Similarly, Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips was so disturbed by Biden’s reduced "speaking and walking skills" that he pressed Democratic officials as to whether the president was up to the job. Even those who admitted to having concerns offered the "yes, but," as in, "Yes, Biden is in decline but can you imagine Trump winning?"

The Alleged Cover-Up

Alex Thompson, left, and Jake Tapper argue that there was a conspiracy to conceal President Biden’s “cognitive diminishment” from the press, public, and top Democrats. Though some top Democratic supporters such as Hollywood mogul Ari Emanuel refused to support Biden’s bid for reelection, most remained in the president’s corner until his disastrous debate performance in late June 2024.

Aftermath of the Debate

Following the debate, the slow drip of Biden allies calling for him to withdraw became a downpour, with even loyalists like George Clooney remarking publicly in an op-ed that while he "loved" Joe Biden, "the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time." The authors conclude that there was a conspiracy to conceal Biden’s symptoms from the press, public, and top Democrats, which they term the "original sin" of the 2024 election.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the book "Original Sin" raises important questions about the role of power and loyalty in politics. While it may not be a compassionate account of Biden’s last campaign, it is a necessary piece of journalism that highlights the dangers of denying reality. As political strategist David Plouffe notes, "never again can we as a party suggest to people that what they’re seeing is not true." The book serves as a reminder that the corrupt influence of great power can lead to a large circle of people whose personal status and satisfaction depend entirely on pleasing one person.

FAQs

• Q: What is the book "Original Sin" about?
  A: The book explores President Biden’s cognitive decline and the alleged cover-up by his inner circle.
• Q: When did the first signs of Biden’s decline emerge?
  A: According to the book, the first disturbing signs emerged as early as 2015.
• Q: Who made up Biden’s inner circle?
  A: The inner circle consisted of domestic policy advisor Bruce Reed, chief strategist Mike Donilon, legislative affairs guru Steve Ricchetti, and chief of staff Ron Klain.
• Q: What event marked a turning point in the perception of Biden’s abilities?
  A: The disastrous debate performance in late June 2024 marked a turning point, after which many allies began to call for him to withdraw from the race.
• Q: What is the main conclusion of the book?
  A: The authors conclude that there was a conspiracy to conceal Biden’s symptoms from the press, public, and top Democrats, which they term the "original sin" of the 2024 election.