In the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, President Joe Biden mistook his victory for a sweeping mandate akin to that of Franklin D. Roosevelt. However, as time progressed, the harsh realities of age and declining health began to catch up with him. By June 2024, a disastrous debate against former President Donald Trump confirmed what many Washington insiders had only whispered and what a significant portion of the electorate had long known: Biden should not have pursued re-election.
Less than a month following the debate debacle, Biden exited the political arena, paving the way for his vice president, Kamala Harris, to become the Democratic nominee. This unexpected turn has left Trump to dominate the political landscape, while Biden's legacy has become overshadowed by negative media coverage and, more recently, sympathy following news of his cancer diagnosis.
A prominent Democratic strategist described the situation as “an abomination,” emphasizing that Biden had “stolen an election from the Democratic party; he stole it from the American people.” This sentiment is echoed in the insightful analysis presented by journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson in their recent book, "Original Sin." Spanning over 350 pages, the book offers a well-sourced critique of Biden's presidency, underpinned by interviews with around 200 sources, including Congress members, White House staffers, and campaign insiders.
Among the revelations, some insiders raised alarms regarding Biden's mental acuity and the desperate measures taken by aides to conceal his deterioration. Unfortunately, these warnings went unheeded. Tapper, who serves as CNN's lead DC anchor and chief Washington correspondent, and Thompson, a national political correspondent for Axios, have made it clear that failure to address Biden's decline is a significant oversight that has impacted public trust in the media. Thompson poignantly stated, “We, myself included, missed a lot of this story,” underscoring the collective responsibility of journalists in maintaining media credibility.
The opening chapter of "Original Sin" features the striking quote, “He Fucked Us,” from David Plouffe, a senior adviser to the Harris campaign and former manager of Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign. Plouffe lamented that the party had been severely impacted by Biden’s choices, stating, “We got so screwed by Biden as a party.” This chapter sets the tone for a candid examination of the political landscape and the challenges faced by the Democratic party during Biden's presidency.
Tapper and Thompson reveal the significant role identity politics played in Biden's vice presidential selection. The decision was framed around choosing between a Hispanic woman or a Black woman, as noted by former Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid. This strategy, while well-intentioned, ultimately led to feelings of betrayal within the party, as many believed the presidency requires someone capable of performing under pressure, especially during emergencies.
Despite these challenges, Biden and his team successfully cleared the field of potential challengers. Representative Dean Phillips from Minnesota was Biden’s only significant opponent among elected officials, but he faced insurmountable odds. Reports indicate that even within Biden’s administration, there were concerns about his capability to run again. One senior White House aide expressed that it was a disservice to both the country and the party for Biden's family and advisers to allow him to seek re-election.
The cover of "Original Sin" poignantly depicts Biden with his hands covering his eyes, symbolizing the disconnect between his reality and the perceptions of those around him. The narrative reveals a troubling tendency within the Biden circle to cling to optimistic narratives, regardless of mounting evidence to the contrary. A source told Tapper and Thompson, “The Bidens’ greatest strength is living in their own reality,” indicating a troubling pattern of denial regarding Biden's health and capabilities.
As Tapper and Thompson detail, signs of Biden’s decline were evident long before his presidency. An anecdote from a grueling Iowa bus tour in December 2019 highlights his struggles with memory and cognitive function, raising serious concerns among aides. Such indicators should have prompted a serious reevaluation of Biden’s fitness for office.
Recent news about Biden's cancer diagnosis has further complicated the narrative. According to Dr. Zeke Emanuel, Biden likely had metastatic prostate cancer long before his presidency began in 2021. This revelation calls into question the transparency and accountability of Biden's administration. As the Democratic party grapples with its internal challenges, it must recognize the self-inflicted wounds that have led to its current state.
While disapproval of Trump may provide the Democratic party with an opportunity to regain control of the House, a more profound reckoning and redirection will be necessary to reclaim the White House. The party's brand is at a critical juncture, and without addressing these fundamental issues, the prospects for future leadership remain uncertain. Ultimately, the narrative serves as a reminder that America is no country for old presidents, and the political landscape demands fresh perspectives and capable leadership.
