Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson has emerged as one of the most talked-about political books of 2025. This gripping exposé delves into Joe Biden’s physical and mental decline during his presidency, the concerted effort to conceal it from the public, and the catastrophic decision to run for re-election in 2024. This comprehensive Original Sin book review explores the book’s content, the authors’ storytelling, its strengths and weaknesses, and why it’s a must-read. If you’re intrigued by political intrigue, power struggles, and the behind-the-scenes machinations of U.S. politics, this book is for you!
Book Summary: What Is Original Sin About?
Original Sin chronicles Joe Biden’s presidency from his 2020 election to the 2024 election cycle, focusing on his physical and mental deterioration. The book exposes how Biden’s inner circle—advisors, family members, and key Democratic Party figures—orchestrated a cover-up to hide his declining health from the public. The authors argue that this secrecy not only protected Biden’s image but also paved the way for Donald Trump’s victory in 2024.
The book’s central thesis is that Biden’s decision to run again—termed the “original sin” by the authors—was the root cause of the Democratic Party’s 2024 election defeat. Drawing on over 200 interviews, Original Sin reveals how Biden’s loyal team concealed his age-related struggles, feeding the media and public misleading narratives.
Key Themes
- Biden’s Mental and Physical Decline: The book dissects Biden’s infamous performance in the 2024 Trump-Biden debate, portraying it not as a one-off “bad night” but as the culmination of years of decline.
- The Cover-Up Operation: How did Biden’s family, notably First Lady Jill Biden and son Hunter Biden, contribute to shielding his condition? The book provides vivid examples, such as Biden’s failure to recognize actor George Clooney at a June 2024 fundraiser.
- Democratic Party’s Crisis: Biden’s late withdrawal and Kamala Harris’s last-minute candidacy threw the Democratic campaign into disarray. The book details how this chaos, as described by strategists like David Plouffe, turned Harris’s campaign into a “nightmare.”
The Authors: Who Are Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson?
Original Sin is penned by two prominent U.S. journalists: Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson. Jake Tapper, a leading CNN anchor and moderator of the 2024 Biden-Trump debate, is known for his sharp questioning and commitment to objectivity. Alex Thompson, a White House reporter for Axios, has earned a reputation for his in-depth coverage of the Biden administration. Together, they combine their journalistic expertise to deliver a narrative that’s both well-researched and engaging.
Their reliance on over 200 interviews elevates Original Sin from mere speculation to a robust work of investigative journalism. Tapper and Thompson maintain a balanced tone while immersing readers in the drama of the events.
Strengths of Original Sin
1. In-Depth Research
Original Sin is grounded in extensive research, with insights drawn from hundreds of interviews. The anecdotes reveal not only Biden’s decline but also the inner workings of the White House, tensions among advisors, and family dynamics. For instance, the book’s account of how Biden’s team crafted strategies to mislead the public about his health is both shocking and compelling.
2. Engaging and Accessible Narrative
Tapper and Thompson excel at simplifying complex political events for a broad audience. The book reads like a political thriller, with moments like Biden’s debate debacle or George Clooney’s public letter expressing concern about Biden’s condition pulling readers into the story.
3. Universal Themes: Power and Denial
Beyond Biden’s story, Original Sin explores universal themes like power, loyalty, and denial. The narrative of Biden’s team ignoring his health issues, leading to both personal and national consequences, resonates with readers interested in human nature and leadership dynamics.
4. Timely and Controversial
Published shortly after the 2024 elections, Original Sin has sparked widespread debate. It has garnered praise from outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post, reigniting discussions about Biden’s health and the Democratic Party’s missteps. This timeliness makes it essential reading for political enthusiasts.
Weaknesses of Original Sin
While Original Sin is a compelling read, it has some shortcomings:
1. One-Sided Perspective
The book focuses heavily on Biden’s decline but gives less attention to Trump’s controversial 2024 campaign tactics. This imbalance may lead some readers to view the narrative as skewed, as the authors critique Biden’s health while underplaying Trump’s ethical controversies.
2. Repetitive Sections
Certain parts of the book, particularly those emphasizing Biden’s health issues and the cover-up, feel redundant. In a 400-page book, this repetition can occasionally test readers’ patience, as the authors revisit similar points with different anecdotes.
3. Limited Concrete Evidence
While Original Sin makes bold claims about Biden’s health, it lacks definitive medical evidence to back them up. The reliance on interviews is strong, but some readers may crave more official documents or records to substantiate the allegations.
Why You Should Read Original Sin
Original Sin is more than a political exposé—it’s a meditation on power, loyalty, and the human condition. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your reading list:
- Witness History: The 2024 U.S. election will be remembered as a pivotal moment in American politics. Original Sin offers an unparalleled look at the events that shaped it.
- Journalistic Masterpiece: Tapper and Thompson’s meticulous research shines through, making this a standout example of investigative journalism.
- Universal Appeal: Biden’s struggle with aging and denial transcends politics, appealing to readers interested in human stories.
- Sparks Debate: The book has fueled heated discussions about Biden’s health and the Democratic Party’s strategy, inviting readers to join the conversation.
Who Should Read Original Sin?
Original Sin is ideal for:
- Fans of U.S. politics and the 2024 election
- Readers of investigative journalism and political biographies
- Those intrigued by stories of power, loyalty, and human nature
- Anyone curious about the Biden administration and Democratic Party dynamics
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Original Sin about?
Original Sin explores Joe Biden’s mental and physical decline during his presidency, the cover-up to hide it, and how his decision to run again in 2024 led to the Democratic Party’s election loss.
Who wrote Original Sin?
The book is authored by Jake Tapper, a CNN anchor, and Alex Thompson, an Axios White House reporter. They conducted over 200 interviews to support their narrative.
Why is Original Sin controversial?
The book’s claims about Biden’s health and the Democratic Party’s efforts to conceal it have sparked intense debate, drawing both praise and criticism.
Where can I buy Original Sin?
You can purchase Original Sin on Amazon, Penguin Random House, or other major retailers. The audiobook is available on Audible.
Conclusion: Is Original Sin Worth Reading?
Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the 2024 U.S. election’s behind-the-scenes drama. Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson deliver a meticulously researched, thrilling account of Biden’s decline and its far-reaching consequences. With its engaging narrative, universal themes, and timely relevance, this book appeals to both political junkies and casual readers alike.
If you’re ready to explore a story that challenges your views on power, loyalty, and human frailty, add Original Sin to your cart now. This is a book that will stay with you long after the final page!
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