The narrative surrounding the upcoming book “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again,” penned by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson, unveils disconcerting insights into the final days of former President Joe Biden’s term. Notably, an incident that transpired during a record-breaking fundraiser in June 2024 raises alarm bells about Biden’s cognitive and physical health. Co-hosted by the prominent actor George Clooney, the event confronted Biden with an unsettling testament of his deteriorating state, as chronicled in the book, set to release on May 20.
As Clooney welcomed President Biden backstage after his return from the G7 summit in Italy, an aide had to remind the President about the famed Hollywood star, which highlights a concerning lapse in recognition. Clooney, witnessing what Tapper and Thompson describe as Biden appearing “severely diminished,” expressed disbelief at the apparent failure to recognize one of the most identifiable figures in the world, capturing an uncomfortable moment that cast a shadow over the evening’s festive spirit. The authors provide a detailed recounting of this incident, suggesting that it serves as a poignant emblem of Biden’s declining cognitive faculties during the waning months of his presidency.
This event held particular gravity given that it occurred only days before a crucial debate against former President Donald Trump. Biden’s inability to recognize Clooney underscored a broader narrative of cognitive decline that had pervaded Democratic discussions, ultimately correlating to his decision to withdraw from the race following a disastrous debate performance. The book points out that the President had experienced intermittent periods of clarity juxtaposed with significant lapses, yet those closest to him appeared resistant to acknowledging the reality of his diminishing capabilities. They allegedly sought to conceal Biden’s struggles rather than confront the implications of his decline.
The ensuing fallout from the fundraiser prompted Clooney’s ambivalence and concern over Biden’s public persona, leading him to author an op-ed calling for Biden to reconsider his re-election effort. This was compounded by a letter from Biden, dated July 8, insisting he would pursue a second term—news that evidently shocked Clooney, who reached out to former President Barack Obama for insight before proceeding with drafting his perspective.
In the aftermath, the internal Democratic landscape revealed turmoil, particularly in response to Clooney’s proposed op-ed. High-profile figures, including Jeffrey Katzenberg—a key Democratic donor who helped orchestrate the fundraiser—exhibited defensive reactions upon reading Clooney’s draft. Katzenberg urged Clooney to temper his remarks about Biden’s cognitive condition, arguing for a narrative shaped by understanding rather than harsh truth, reflecting the complexities and tensions within party dynamics.
Meanwhile, Biden’s defenders, including the First Lady, Jill Biden, publicly dismissed suggestions of cognitive decline, emphasizing a portrayal of a hardworking president who ultimately dedicated himself fully to the demands of the office. Despite this, unease among Democratic insiders became increasingly palpable, as various members expressed grave concerns regarding Biden’s readiness for high-stakes electoral challenges. Allegations of behind-the-scenes conversations revealed frank admissions about contingency plans in case of a poor debate performance, indicating that significant figures like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats had entertained thoughts of alternate strategies.
Statements from former aides such as David Plouffe, who had once been instrumental in Biden’s campaigns, reflect mounting frustration with his decision-making, framing it as detrimental to the Democratic Party. By delaying his exit from the race and exacerbating the political landscape, he became a focal point of dissatisfaction and blame, raising questions about the future trajectory of the party amid uncertainty over Biden’s ability to effectively lead.
Overall, the revelations encapsulated in Tapper and Thompson’s book evoke themes of recognition, decline, and the complex interplay of personal health and public perception in politics, raising critical questions about the implications of Biden’s condition on his legacy and the future of the Democratic Party.