Chicago –
Journalists Jake Tupper and Alex Thompson, co-authors of a new book about Joe Biden’s cognitive struggles, are addressing challenging questions about why the media didn’t report on these issues sooner. Their book, titled “The Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Cover-up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again,” has sparked significant discussion.
During an event in Chicago, where they answered audience questions, Thompson stated, “It was a failure of the press. If the media had done its job, this wouldn’t be quite as shocking.” This comment came in light of recent scandals that have emerged involving Biden.
They also took the opportunity to reflect on the current landscape of journalism. Thompson suggested that while there are many commendable reporters covering the Biden administration, there’s a tendency for some within the media to overlook critical issues.
Moreover, Tupper expressed a wish that he had been more aggressive in addressing these problems as they were writing their book, which began after the 2024 election. He mentioned speaking to over 200 individuals during their research, hinting at the extensive discussions happening behind closed doors.
Thompson acknowledged that, while “right-wing media” had been quick to raise alarms about Biden’s mental fitness, many other outlets didn’t engage in thorough investigative journalism. He pointed out that if reporters focused more on substantive investigations rather than merely sharing viral moments, the overall media landscape might improve.
When discussing how journalists approach politically sensitive stories, Thompson remarked that moral calculations often interfere with reporting, complicating decisions about what is published. He suggested that fear of affecting broader political outcomes can lead to hesitation in coverage. Ultimately, he argued that the responsibility lies with the public to discern the truth behind reports.
As the conversation continued, both authors highlighted the issue of how information is manipulated by those with partisan interests, complicating the integrity of political discourse.
