Biden Administration Decision Makers
- A new book,"Original Sin," by journalists Jake Tapper adn Alex Thompson,raises questions about who was making critical decisions in the United States during periods when President joe Biden's...
- in a recent interview, Tapper, of CNN, and Thompson, of Axios, defended their reporting against claims from the Biden team that the book contains no evidence suggesting the...
- The journalists based their book on over 200 interviews conducted within Democratic circles, primarily after the November 5 elections.
New Book Questions Biden’s Fitness for Office,Cites Concerns Over Cognitive Abilities
Table of Contents
A new book,”Original Sin,” by journalists Jake Tapper adn Alex Thompson,raises questions about who was making critical decisions in the United States during periods when President joe Biden’s health was reportedly declining. The book’s release comes shortly after the announcement of former President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis.
in a recent interview, Tapper, of CNN, and Thompson, of Axios, defended their reporting against claims from the Biden team that the book contains no evidence suggesting the former president was unable to fulfill his duties during his term (2021-2025).
“We don’t invent it,”
Alex Thompson, Axios
The journalists based their book on over 200 interviews conducted within Democratic circles, primarily after the November 5 elections.
Thompson stated that sources within the governance expressed concerns that,particularly in 2024 and during evening hours,they lacked confidence in president Biden’s ability to handle a crisis effectively.
He further suggested that while initial efforts to downplay signs of the president’s aging might have been well-intentioned, they gradually became increasingly deceptive.
According to Thompson, the Biden observed during a debate last June experienced similar, and increasingly frequent, moments behind the scenes. This led to adjustments in his public schedule to shield the public from these instances.
Key Players Allegedly Involved
Tapper identified First Lady Jill Biden, Hunter Biden, and a close circle of advisors as “the main accomplices” in concealing the president’s true condition from the public.
The book details what the authors describe as a “concealment” of the president’s physical and cognitive decline, as well as his “disastrous decision” to seek a second term.
One anecdote recounts an incident during a presidential campaign fundraiser where Biden failed to recognize actor George Clooney. Subsequently, Clooney reportedly suggested that the president should withdraw from the race.
Tapper defended the timing of the book’s release, calling it a meaningful “scoop.” He addressed criticisms that they waited to publish the information for personal gain, rather than revealing it when they initially obtained it.
Tapper explained that journalists are always striving to be the first to break a story. However, he believed that writing a book after the elections was an vital way to provide a thorough account of how events unfolded.
He added,”We started writing in November and we published it as soon as we could.”
The journalists also addressed concerns about the former president’s cognitive health and its implications for national security, citing Democratic senators Mark Warner and Michael Bennet.
According to their reporting, both senators expressed apprehension regarding Biden’s capacity to manage sensitive matters, such as the release of Guantanamo prisoners or immigration policy.
Inside “Original Sin“
The book includes accounts from individuals close to Biden who likened his behavior to that of elderly relatives exhibiting signs of cognitive decline. The Biden administration, however, maintained that these concerns had no impact on government operations.
The journalists emphasized that these concerns were apparent, even reflected in public opinion polls.
In response, Tapper advocated for a legal reform mandating presidents to submit comprehensive and verified health statements under oath, emphasizing that “clarity is fundamental” but currently not required.
Throughout the book, the authors portray Biden as aged, frail, and confused, stating that “what was evident in public was much worse in private.”
The book alleges that the president’s inner circle took extensive measures to shield him from scrutiny, driven by the conviction that he was the only candidate capable of defeating Donald Trump.
Tapper quoted sources within the administration as justifying their actions by arguing that the threat posed by Donald Trump was an existential one to the country, thus justifying their actions, particularly if Trump had won.
the book also details how internal polling data and meetings with cabinet members who might have publicly questioned his fitness for office were restricted,all while Biden remained resolute to continue his campaign.
# New Book Raises Questions About Joe Biden’s Fitness for Office: A Q&A
## What is the new book about?
The new book, “Original Sin,” by journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, explores concerns regarding president Joe Biden’s fitness for office, specifically focusing on his cognitive abilities and the decision-making processes during his term.
## What are the key concerns raised in the book?
The book raises questions about whether President Biden possessed the capacity to handle critical situations effectively, especially in 2024 and during evening hours. It suggests that there were instances of cognitive decline and that efforts were made, initially well-intentioned, to downplay these signs.
## What evidence does the book present to support these claims?
The book is based on over 200 interviews primarily within Democratic circles.The authors detailed accounts and anecdotes in the book, with one incident mentioning Biden failing to recognize actor George Clooney at a campaign fundraiser.
## Which key figures are allegedly involved in concealing President Biden’s condition?
According to the book, First Lady Jill Biden, Hunter Biden, and a close circle of advisors were identified as the primary figures involved in concealing the president’s condition from the public.
## Why did the authors choose to release the book when they did?
according to Tapper, the timing of the release after the elections was intended to provide a thorough account of how events unfolded. They started writing the book in November and released it as soon as possible.
## Did the journalists address concerns about the president’s cognitive health and national security?
Yes, the journalists addressed concerns about the former president’s cognitive health and its possible implications for national security. They cited Democratic senators Mark Warner and Michael Bennet, who reportedly expressed apprehension regarding Biden’s ability to manage sensitive matters such as the release of Guantanamo prisoners or immigration policy.
## What do accounts from individuals close to Biden reveal about his behavior?
The book includes accounts from people close to Biden, who likened his behavior to elderly relatives exhibiting signs of cognitive decline. The book reports that the Biden governance maintained these concerns had no impact on government operations.
## Did the authors mention public opinion polls in their reporting?
Yes, the journalists emphasized that the concerns raised in the book were apparent and reflected in public opinion polls.
## What measures have the authors suggested to address these concerns?
In response, Tapper advocated for a legal reform mandating presidents to submit complete and verified health statements under oath, emphasizing the importance of clarity in this area.
## What is the overall portrayal of President Biden in the book?
Throughout the book, the authors portray President Biden as aged, frail, and confused, stating that “what was evident in public was much worse in private.”
## What justifications were given for concealing the President’s condition?
The book alleges that the President’s inner circle took extensive measures to shield him from scrutiny,driven by the belief that he was the only candidate capable of defeating Donald Trump.Sources within the administration argued that the threat posed by Donald Trump was an existential one, justifying their actions.
## What actions were taken to shield the President from scrutiny, according to the book?
The book details how internal polling data and meetings with cabinet members who might have publicly questioned his fitness for office were restricted, even as Biden remained resolute in his campaign.
## Summarize the key arguments presented in “Original Sin“.
Key arguments in “Original Sin” can be summarized as follows:
| Argument | Description |
|———————-|———————————————————————————————————————————————|
| Cognitive Decline | The book suggests that the details of President Biden’s decline were apparent. |
| Concealment | A circle of advisors, including First Lady Jill Biden and Hunter Biden, worked to conceal the president’s true condition. |
| Justification | The inner circle’s actions were justified by the perceived threat of a Donald Trump presidency. |
| Policy Impact | concerns were raised about Biden’s capacity to manage sensitive matters on foreign policy |