Criticism Aplenty as Lindy Li Blasts Jake Tapper’s Upcoming Book about Biden’s Fitness

Criticism Aplenty as Lindy Li Blasts Jake Tapper’s Upcoming Book about Biden’s Fitness

A prominent former fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee has strongly criticized CNN’s Jake Tapper’s upcoming book, labeling it as “a slap in the face” to those who questioned the mental fitness of former President Biden. Lindy Li, known for her fundraising efforts for the Democrats’ presidential campaign, expressed her disappointment over Tapper’s recent literary endeavor.

Li announced her departure from the Democratic Party last December, feeling ostracized for her outspoken criticism of then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Once a staunch supporter of President Biden, Li has since called for him to step aside from the political arena, citing concerns about his age and mental acuity.

Tapper’s Book Under Fire

Listeners and critics alike reacted negatively earlier this year when news broke about Tapper’s book titled “Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again.” Co-written with Axios reporter Alex Thompson, the book faced backlash for its perceived hypocrisy, particularly given a resurfaced video from 2020 in which Tapper admonished a Trump campaign aide for questioning Biden’s cognitive abilities.

During an appearance on “The Rubin Report,” host Dave Rubin questioned whether supporters genuinely believe Biden is fit for a second term or if they are simply part of a collective denial regarding his mental state. This discussion aligns with a broader narrative in which many Democrats and liberal media outlets dismissed concerns about Biden’s cognitive issues throughout much of 2024.

Rubin remarked on the peculiar timing of Tapper’s book, suggesting it felt disingenuous given his previous defense of Biden during a critical election campaign. “It’s like, ‘Dude, you were running cover for it for three years while some of us were talking about it literally four or five years ago,'” Rubin said, highlighting the contradiction present in Tapper’s statements.

Li’s Frustration with Tapper

As the conversation progressed, Li expressed her frustration with Tapper, declaring, “He pisses me off so much.” Reflecting on previous interactions, she noted a soft approach Tapper took when addressing Biden’s age and mental capacity during interviews, suggesting he failed to raise alarm for an extended period.

In 2022, Tapper posed a gentle question to Biden about his age, prompting little more than reassuring rhetoric. However, his tone shifted in 2023 when he questioned White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre about concerns surrounding the President’s age. This change did not stave off criticism for not highlighting these issues earlier.

After the Debate

Following a debate in which Biden participated, Tapper made several pointed comments regarding the President’s performative struggles, even branding him as “not coherent”. Though the reactions to his queries were mixed, many felt that Tapper waited too long to address the elephant in the room concerning Biden’s mental fitness.

After this debate, Biden decided to withdraw from the race, ultimately being replaced by Harris on the ticket. This shake-up raised further questions about the party’s direction and leadership.

Li’s Perspective on Tapper’s Insights

Li, sharing her personal experience, remarked on her familiarity with Biden in private settings, asserting that she did not see enough of Tapper’s coverage to consider his assessments entirely credible. “With Jake Tapper, he wasn’t in the room, and I’ve never seen him at any events, so all the intel from this book is second-hand,” Li pointed out, emphasizing her skepticism.

She characterized Tapper’s assertions about Biden’s cognitive health as misleading, labeling his claims an “outright lie” regarding the President’s fitness to serve another term. This criticism underscores how Li and many others feel marginalized for speaking out about their concerns.

Impacts on Li’s Media Presence

Reflecting on her media appearances, Li noted a decline in her visibility on CNN after she publicly stated her belief that Biden should not seek re-election due to age-related concerns. “I used to be on it all the time. I was a regular,” she recounted. The noticeable changes in her media presence illustrate the pressures and pushback faced by those who dissent within party ranks.

Response from CNN

When approached for comments regarding these developments, CNN directed inquiries to a representative for Tapper, who highlights the anchor’s previous reporting on Biden’s mental state. The representative asserted, “Time and again, Jake raised concerns about President Biden’s mental stamina on his show, questioned Biden officials directly on air, and consistently encouraged open discussion and debate on the issue.”

Moreover, they noted that Tapper and Thompson’s book integrates first-hand accounts based on interviews with more than 200 individuals. “Stay tuned for what they discovered,” the representative added, hinting at forthcoming revelations within the book.

Li’s Departure from the Democratic Party

Li’s exit from the Democratic Party was not an impulsive decision; rather, it resulted from a gradual realization of misalignment with the party’s values. “It took a while for me to get here over the course of the past year. I just realized that the values of the Democratic Party are so incongruous to mine,” she explained. Her criticisms encompass a range of issues, from immigration policies to what she claims is the party’s fixation on progressive ideologies.

Her journey resonates with many individuals feeling a disconnect from the major political parties, highlighting a broader discourse about the current political landscape.

Fox News Digital’s Gabriel Hays and Aubrie Spady contributed to this report.