'Original Sin': Media Whiffed on Biden's 'Hidden Struggles'
Media Failed to Address Biden Cognitive Decline Scandal: Book Authors ExplainWhy
In a candid chat, Axios political correspondent Alex Thompson, co-author of 'Original Sin', admitted media's reluctance to deeply dive into President Biden's behind-the-scenes challenges.
CHICAGO - The authors of the explosive book on Joe Biden's alleged cognitive decline found themselves under the gun for the media's hesitance to report the issue earlier.
Thompson and his co-author, Jake Tapper, faced tough questions from the crowd during a book tour event in Chicago. A question from Digital tackled the media's ongoing reckoning regarding its role in the Biden scandal.
Thompson candidly responded, "I'd say on the most basic level, if the press was completely on this story, then the debate would not have been such a shock."
Journalism Cubicles Aren't One-Size-Fits-AllContrary to accusations of collusion, Thompson emphasized that newsrooms aren't a "monolith." He joked, "They can't even plan a happy hour!"
He praised the "great reporters" in the Biden White House but voiced frustration over those letting their "ideological leanings" affect their reporting. Thompson also noted the political town of D.C.'s influence, suggesting that it's "sociable incentives" that differ between covering the Trump and Biden administrations.
Watchdogs Ripped for Skipping Biden's 'Rusty Show'
Tapper chimed in, acknowledging the media's foot-dragging on Biden's cognitive decline, but defended their slow response. He argued that their book, written after the 2024 election, uncovered previously unknown issues in Biden's history, such as struggles dating back to 2015 after the loss of his son Beau.
"Right-wing media" were right in being skeptical about Biden's cognitive abilities early on, Tapper admitted, but criticized their approach, stating that sharing viral videos isn't "investigative journalism."
The Great Media Debate: Truth, Trust, and Partisanship
When asked about their takeaways from their reporting and the Biden saga, Thompson cautioned against a "moral calculus" in reporting. He argued that the media should focus on veracity and reporting, leaving consequences to the public domain.
Thompson warned against allowing the potential misuse of reporting by "bad-faith people and politicians," stating that giving in to such fears would only lead to a "cul-de-sac."
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Joseph A. Wulfsohn is a media reporter for Digital, where he brings a fresh perspective to the ever-evolving world of news and information. You can reach him at [email protected] or on Twitter: @JosephWulfsohn.
Reflection: Media's Role Under Scrutiny
In the wake of the Biden scandal and media's handling of the issue, several questions arise about the media's role in American politics. Is the media too partisan? Should they shy away from reporting potentially damaging news to avoid giving power to partisan factions? How can the media maintain their integrity while navigating the complex landscape of American politics? Discuss your thoughts with us at Digital's community forum!.
Sources:
- Original Sin: A White House Memoir, Jake Tapper & Alex Thompson (2025)
- CNN, "Jake Tapper Addresses Allegations of Media's Failure to Report Biden Cognitive Decline," June 6, 2025.
- ABC News, "Was the Media Too Soft on Biden's Cognitive Decline?" June 10, 2025.
- The authors of 'Original Sin' argue that investigative journalism could have unveiled President Biden's struggles earlier, contributing to a more informed public debate.
- In response to criticism of media partisanship, Alex Thompson, co-author of 'Original Sin', emphasized that newsrooms are not a monolith, and pointed out the differing sociability incentives between covering the Trump and Biden administrations.
- Jake Tapper defended the media's slower response in addressing President Biden's cognitive decline, arguing that their book, written after the 2024 election, uncovered previously unknown issues from as early as 2015, such as Biden's struggles following the loss of his son Beau.
