By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

In "Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again," authors Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson embark on an audacious exposé of the political machinations that led to one of the most catastrophic decisions in recent American history. Published by Penguin Press on May 20, 2025, this 352-page tome is a scathing indictment of former President Joe Biden's ill-fated bid for re-election and the extensive efforts to conceal his deteriorating health.

Tapper and Thompson, both seasoned journalists, leverage their insider access to present a narrative that is as compelling as it is disturbing. The book meticulously details how Biden, his family, and senior aides, driven by a messianic belief that only he could prevent a second Trump term, engaged in a campaign of deception. They systematically misled allies, the public, and even themselves about Biden's cognitive and physical decline. This self-delusion reached its nadir during the June 27, 2024, debate with Donald Trump, where Biden's alarming performance laid bare the extent of his deterioration. ([cnn.com](https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/26/media/joe-biden-book-jake-tapper-alex-thompson/index.html?utm_source=openai))

The authors' investigative rigor is evident in their reliance on over 200 interviews with Democratic insiders, White House staffers, and political operatives. These firsthand accounts paint a damning picture of a presidency in crisis, where the inner circle's hubris and denial led to a catastrophic electoral defeat. The book's title, "Original Sin," aptly encapsulates the fatal flaw of Biden's decision to seek re-election, a choice that not only doomed his campaign but also paved the way for Trump's return to power. ([sites.prh.com](https://sites.prh.com/originalsin/?utm_source=openai))

Critics have lauded the book for its unflinching honesty and thorough research. The New York Times describes it as a "damning portrait of an enfeebled Biden protected by his inner circle," while The Guardian highlights its "scathing account of a president cocooned from reality." However, some caution is warranted due to the book's reliance on anonymous sources and potential hearsay. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_Sin_%28Tapper_and_Thompson_book%29?utm_source=openai))

In conclusion, "Original Sin" is a masterful work that serves as both a political autopsy and a cautionary tale. It underscores the perils of unchecked ambition and the devastating consequences of placing personal and political interests above the nation's welfare. For anyone seeking to understand the intricate dynamics that led to the 2024 electoral debacle, this book is indispensable.

Recommendation: Highly recommended!

written on: 5/29/2025