George Clooney recently shared an awkward moment he had with Joe Biden, recalling how he “felt the shape of the knot in his stomach” as Biden approached, seeming frail and diminished. Clooney, whose surprise at recognizing the President was palpable, was met with a cheerful “Hello, George!” from Biden.
This uncomfortable encounter occurred during a high-profile fundraiser in Los Angeles last June and is one of many troubling stories unveiled in the upcoming book, Original Sin, authored by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson. This book discusses Biden’s decline, his decision to run again, and how it has negatively impacted his legacy.
A preview released recently has caused a stir in Washington, shedding light on Biden’s deteriorating health last year and reigniting concerns among Democrats and the White House press. It also raises questions about the political responsibilities he will face, given his age of 82, as he tries to improve his legacy.
Larry Jacobs, director of the Center for Politics and Governance Studies at the University of Minnesota, remarked that Biden’s decision to run for reelection was a “disastrous” one that has tarnished his once honorable legacy. He criticized Biden for causing disappointment among Democrats and questioned the former president’s grasp of reality.
The book, based on interviews with over 200 individuals—including White House insiders—paints a distressing portrait of a president who appears disconnected from the realities of 2024. It details instances of Biden losing his train of thought, struggling to remember names, and facing physical challenges, with some advisors suggesting he may need a wheelchair if he wins reelection.
This “expanded public deception,” as described by the authors, is thought to have played a crucial role in the Democrats’ failure. Reports also indicated attempts by Biden’s close team to shield him from the truth about his deteriorating condition, with one aide stating they “tried to protect him from his own staff,” leaving many unaware of the extent of the decline since 2023.
Tapper criticized the White House’s dishonesty, asserting that they misled not just the public but also their own staff and Congress members. Biden’s poor performance in a debate against Trump on June 27, 2024, further underscored this disconnect.
Unsurprisingly for a political book, Original Sin quickly climbed to the top of Amazon’s new release charts, bringing Biden back into the media spotlight. Some, like Rep. Locanna, noted that Biden has acknowledged he should not have run, while others, such as Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, suggested he should consider stepping down. There’s also a noticeable debate among Democrats about his decision-making, especially given the pressing threats to democracy.
The book underscores the potential betrayal of public trust, stating that “the Democrats deceived the country about Biden’s capabilities” and hinting that this is how Trump could win again. There remains a divergence of opinion on whether Biden should have pursued reelection. Supporters argue that his decision did not compromise national security, noting his strong performance at a recent NATO summit.
Former White House Chief of Staff Ron Crane expressed that Biden is capable of serving, while others believe he should have exited the race far earlier. Adam Green from the Progressive Change Campaign Committee remarked that Biden was not fit for reelection even as far back as 2021 and called for more critical reflection on the decision process within the party.
Norman Solomon, leading the “Don’t Run Joe” campaign, voiced concerns about the Democratic establishment’s failures in recognizing the need for change. He suggested that Biden’s maintaining a candidacy at this stage could ultimately bolster Trump’s chances.
The looming question regarding Biden’s future remains complex and fraught. As he continues to navigate his role, he faces heavy scrutiny, with some advocates suggesting he should step aside for the party’s greater good, while Biden persists in asserting that he can still contribute effectively.
