In Original Sin, journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson deliver a gripping, behind-the-scenes exposé of what they argue is one of the most consequential—and concealed—leadership failures in modern American politics. The book dives deep into the final years of Joe Biden’s presidency, revealing internal chaos, cognitive decline, and the calculated efforts of his inner circle to shield the public from the truth.

Based on hundreds of insider interviews, including with staff, officials, and political operatives, Original Sin tells the story not only of a presidency in decline, but of a political machine determined to keep it running—no matter the cost.

🔍 What Original Sin Reveals

✅ President Biden’s Decline – The book outlines numerous incidents where Biden showed clear signs of cognitive and physical deterioration. From memory lapses to verbal missteps, staff reportedly became increasingly concerned about his ability to serve.

✅ The “Politburo” Effect – A small group of top aides, likened to a Soviet-style inner circle, controlled access to the president, filtered media exposure, and tightly managed appearances to avoid public scrutiny.

✅ The Debate Fallout – One of the most critical moments described is Biden’s disastrous public debate during the 2024 election cycle. Authors report real-time panic from both the media and campaign staff, with behind-the-scenes accounts of frantic damage control.

✅ Media Silence & Complicity – Tapper and Thompson also turn the lens on the press itself, questioning why major outlets hesitated to ask tough questions about Biden’s capacity to lead—and whether their silence influenced the course of an election.

✅ Democratic Party Pressure – With declining poll numbers and internal division, party leaders reportedly urged Biden to step aside, only to be met with resistance fueled by loyalty, pride, and political miscalculation.

🗣️ Tone, Style & Reader Experience

Original Sin reads like a political thriller—fast-paced, meticulously sourced, and unflinching in its critique. Tapper and Thompson avoid sensationalism by grounding their claims in documented events and first-hand interviews. Still, the portrait that emerges is damning: a presidency collapsing under the weight of its own secrecy and denial.

Whether you’re left-leaning, right-leaning, or politically independent, this book challenges readers to consider the dangers of loyalty over truth—and the consequences when transparency fails at the highest level of government.

🧠 Themes & Takeaways

• Cognitive decline and leadership – At what point does age become disqualifying in politics?

• Loyalty vs accountability – When does protecting a leader become a disservice to the nation?

• Media responsibility – Should the press have been more aggressive in demanding answers?

• Democratic erosion – Does political loyalty undermine democracy if it conceals the truth?

📚 Who Should Read This Book?

• Political news followers

• Journalists and media critics

• Students of political science and leadership

• Voters seeking insight into the 2024 election cycle

• Readers of investigative nonfiction or political biographies

Whether you followed every moment of the 2024 race or are just now catching up on the fallout, Original Sin is a compelling and necessary read.