Jake Tapper’s New Book “Original Sin” Stirs Political Debate with Explosive Biden Revelations

CNN anchor Jake Tapper’s forthcoming book, Original Sin, co-authored with Axios reporter Alex Thompson, is generating intense political buzz ahead of its release next week. The book delivers a behind-the-scenes account of the tumultuous aftermath of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, focusing on the Democratic Party’s internal strategies and the controversial decision for President Joe Biden to seek a second term despite growing concerns over his health and cognitive abilities.

Key Revelations and Themes

• Original Sin reveals that top aides and family members within Biden’s inner circle were aware of his declining health but undertook extensive efforts to conceal the extent of his condition from the public, donors, and even some Cabinet officials. The authors allege a systematic campaign of denial and “gaslighting,” with senior advisers like Mike Donilon and Steve Ricchetti playing pivotal roles in maintaining the façade.
• The book details internal discussions about potentially using a wheelchair for Biden during a possible second term, underscoring the depth of concern about his physical capacity.
• Hollywood figures, including actor George Clooney, are quoted as criticizing the Democratic Party’s concealment of Biden’s condition, blaming it for Donald Trump’s subsequent victory.
• The narrative is shaped by more than 200 interviews, many conducted under strict confidentiality after the 2024 election, providing a rare, candid look at the party’s decision-making and the growing alarm among staff and elected officials.

Political Fallout and Public Reaction

• The June 27, 2024, presidential debate is described as a turning point, when Biden’s struggles became undeniable to the public and the media, leading to mounting pressure within the Democratic Party for him to withdraw from the race.
• Biden ultimately exited the race in July 2024, with Vice President Kamala Harris stepping in as the Democratic nominee. The book argues that Harris’s loyalty to Biden contributed to the party’s trust issues with voters.
• Tapper’s reporting has sparked fierce backlash, not just from conservatives but from liberals and media analysts who accuse him of profiting from a narrative he previously downplayed. Critics have questioned why these revelations are only emerging now, after the election and Biden’s withdrawal.

Broader Implications

• Original Sin contends that the Democratic Party’s decision to back Biden for reelection—despite internal misgivings—was a “shockingly narcissistic, self-delusional, and reckless” gamble that backfired, costing them the White House and damaging public trust.
• The book’s release comes amid reports that Tapper is also covering a potential $30-50 million settlement between Paramount/CBS and Donald Trump, further fueling speculation about shifting media and political dynamics.

Looking Ahead

With its detailed reporting and provocative claims, Original Sin is poised to intensify debate within the Democratic Party and across the political spectrum. As Tapper and Thompson put it, the book aims to provide “an unflinching and explosive reckoning” with a pivotal moment in American political history, raising enduring questions about accountability, transparency, and leadership.