A forthcoming book titled Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again promises to unveil extensive details regarding the physical and cognitive decline of former President Joe Biden. Written by seasoned political reporters Jake Tapper of CNN and Alex Thompson of Axios, this highly anticipated release is set to hit the shelves later this month. While NPR's Morning Edition has not yet obtained an advance copy, an excerpt featured in The New Yorker offers tantalizing insights into the book's claims.
The excerpt highlights several behind-the-scenes episodes, particularly a notable California fundraiser that took place in June 2024. During this event, Biden reportedly appeared disoriented and failed to recognize George Clooney, a long-time supporter and friend. This incident has raised eyebrows and prompted discussions about the former president's cognitive state. David Axelrod, a senior CNN political commentator and former adviser to President Barack Obama, expressed astonishment at the details revealed in the excerpt, emphasizing that they point to a more profound issue within Biden's circle and the Democratic Party.
In his conversation with NPR's Michel Martin, Axelrod stated, "What struck me was that when you are president of the United States, fatigue and strain is your daily existence." He underscored the challenges Biden faces as he seeks reelection at the age of 81, describing it as a daunting task to justify why he should serve another four years. Axelrod's analysis aligns with the book's assertion that Biden's decision to run again may be viewed as the original sin of the 2024 race.
Tapper and Thompson argue that there have been concerted efforts to conceal the extent of Biden's cognitive decline. They detail various anecdotes illustrating how his aides and family have worked to minimize the visibility of these health challenges. Axelrod raised the question of whether the White House has been dishonest about Biden's health, suggesting that while "lying" may not be the right term, there has undoubtedly been an effort to adapt his public appearances to align with his declining condition.
A spokesperson from Biden's office responded to the upcoming book's claims, stating that the former president did not review the text and was not contacted for fact-checking prior to publication. The spokesperson characterized the book's release as a profit-driven effort, asserting, "We continue to await anything that shows where Joe Biden had to make a presidential decision or where national security was threatened." They reaffirmed that Biden has been a very effective president.
As Biden continues to make public appearances, questions arise regarding the motivations behind these engagements. Unlike his predecessors, such as former Presidents Obama, George W. Bush, and George H.W. Bush, who rarely made public appearances after leaving office, Biden's visibility raises concerns about the implications of his health on his leadership. Axelrod speculated on the reasoning behind Biden's continued public presence, suggesting a desire to demonstrate his capability to serve.
As readers await the full release of Original Sin, discussions surrounding Biden's health and leadership capacity are bound to intensify, raising critical questions about the future of his presidency and the 2024 election.
