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Jake Tapper Reflects on Coverage of Biden’s Mental Health
CNN anchor Jake Tapper has publicly acknowledged that he did not cover former President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline thoroughly enough during his presidency. His remarks come in light of increased scrutiny surrounding his reporting amid criticisms from various political factions.
Promoting His Upcoming Book
During a recent appearance on his network, Tapper promoted his new book, Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, set for release next week. He addressed queries about his right-leaning critics who have voiced concerns regarding the media’s overall failure to adequately expose Biden’s mental acuity while he held office.
“I think some of the criticism is fair, to be honest, of me,” Tapper responded candidly. He continued, “Certainly I’m not going to speak for anybody else, but knowing then what I know now, I look back at my coverage during the Biden years and I did cover some of these issues, but not enough. I look back on it with humility.”
Insights from His Reporting
Tapper elaborated that, alongside co-author Alex Thompson, they discovered what he termed as the existence of “two Bidens” circa 2019-2020. One persona was “perfectly workable,” while the other verged on “non-functioning.” According to Tapper, the latter became increasingly evident throughout Biden’s presidency.
“While it was very important – and I’m not dismissing the coverage of Biden tripping on stage or falling off his bike, that obviously indicated something serious – I think what we learned about the non-functioning Biden rearing his head increasingly, not being able to recall names of individuals like George Clooney, is even more significant,” Tapper explained during a discussion with his colleague John Berman.
Expectations from Leadership
Tapper expressed concern about what these observations might reveal about a president’s capability to fulfill the demands of leadership. He argued that the American people should rightfully expect a leader who remains alert and responsive, especially during critical situations requiring immediate attention.
Coverage Leading Up to the 2024 Election
A report from Fox News Digital showcased the coverage Tapper committed to Biden in the lead-up to a notably poor debate performance. This event ultimately contributed to Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. Tapper’s most pointed coverage transpired in February 2024, shortly after Biden’s vehement press conference addressing concerns sparked by Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report.
Hur decided against pursuing charges against Biden in the classified documents case, reasoning that a jury might struggle to convict someone perceived as an “elderly man with a poor memory” during the investigative interviews.
Examining Previous Interviews
Throughout the 2020 campaign and Biden’s presidency, Tapper broached the topic of Biden’s age during interviews. However, as the 2024 election neared, Tapper refrained from intensively covering Biden’s cognitive struggles. He largely bypassed reports of notable incidents where Biden appeared to freeze or lose focus, dismissing them as “cheap fakes” labeled by the White House.
Notably, Tapper also chose to overlook Biden’s awkward reference to the late Representative Jackie Walorski at a posthumous tribute event in September 2022. Biden had called for Walorski during the event, despite her demise weeks prior in a car accident.
Challenges Faced by Journalists
In addition, some former journalists have come forward to discuss the difficulties faced in covering Biden candidly. A former CNN journalist expressed that White House aides made it challenging for the press to engage freely on this sensitive topic. Furthermore, Tapper actively defended Biden amid rising criticisms.
Defending Biden’s Mental Sharpness
In September 2023, Tapper argued on air that Biden remained mentally “sharp” in response to conservative calls for cognitive tests for older politicians. He suggested that the dominant narrative regarding Biden’s competency was centered more on physical capability rather than mental acuity.
Following Biden’s energetic State of the Union address in March 2024, Tapper criticized conservative commentators who previously branded Biden as “weak” or “senile.” He remarked, “He certainly seemed like an 81-year-old, but he didn’t seem incapable of doing the job,” while deriding comparisons to iconic film characters like those from “Weekend at Bernie’s.”
Response from CNN
A spokesperson for CNN staunchly defended Tapper against claims of insufficient coverage regarding Biden’s mental state. They asserted, “Jake Tapper is a veteran journalist whose tenacious and thorough reporting has held those in power to account on both sides of the aisle for decades.”
The spokesperson further emphasized that Tapper raised concerns about Biden’s mental stamina throughout his career, exploring the matter with Biden officials and promoting open dialogue on health issues impacting the presidency.
Final Thoughts on Media and Accountability
In acknowledging his past coverage, Tapper highlights a critical dialogue about media responsibility and accountability in reporting on national leaders. As the political landscape shifts and evolves, the role of journalists in scrutinizing the competency of those in power becomes increasingly vital, emphasizing the need for transparency and trust within democracy.
