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CHICAGO – The authors of the provocative book detailing Joe Biden’s cognitive decline are now tackling difficult questions regarding the media’s delayed reporting on this pressing issue.
During their recent book tour in Chicago, Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, co-authors of Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, faced an audience inquiry about the media’s role in covering Biden’s cognitive issues. This question comes amid a growing discourse on the responsibilities of journalists in political reporting.
Thompson highlighted a significant oversight by the media. He stated that, fundamentally, the press failed to adequately cover the story, implying that had reporters actively pursued it, public reactions would have differed significantly.
Thompson, who also works as an Axios reporter, dismissed the idea that newsrooms operate in a coordinated manner. He humorously remarked to the audience in Chicago that news outlets often struggle to manage something as simple as planning a happy hour.
While defending the integrity of a number of journalists, Thompson expressed his frustration towards those who simplify the media landscape. He acknowledged, however, that personal ideological biases among some reporters may have contributed to the oversight of Biden’s decline.
Moreover, Thompson pointed out the shifting dynamics within Washington, D.C., where a more liberal environment influences journalists’ approaches. He noted that journalists often receive praise for taking a hard stance against Donald Trump, whereas similar scrutiny towards Biden may lead to less favorable recognition.
Tapper, during the discussion, agreed with Thompson, expressing regret over the lack of aggressive reporting on this matter. He emphasized that when they began their investigation after the 2024 election, the true scope of Biden’s cognitive challenges was largely unknown to them.
Reflecting on their extensive interviews with over 200 individuals, Tapper confessed that surprising revelations emerged, including issues dating back to 2015 following the death of his son, Beau.
Tapper clarified that the misconception that information regarding Biden’s cognitive issues was readily available for reporting was fundamentally misguided.
While acknowledging that right-wing media outlets were quicker to highlight concerns about Biden’s cognitive abilities, Tapper criticized their methods of reporting. He stated that simply sharing viral videos of the president does not equate to thorough investigative journalism.
He challenged those calling out legacy media for their delayed coverage, asserting that such criticisms often lack a foundation in substantive reporting.
When asked to reflect on the broader implications of their reporting on Biden’s cognitive health, Thompson decried journalists who engage in a “moral calculus” while deciding whether to report on significant political stories.
Thompson argued that if journalists are preoccupied with questions of how reporting may influence political outcomes, they may unintentionally compromise their role as truth-seekers. The real task, he contended, should focus on the accuracy of the information and leaving the interpretation to the public.
As he further elaborated, the tendency to hold back on certain truths based on potential misuse by partisan actors leads to an unproductive cycle. He warned against the pitfalls of self-censorship driven by the fear of how others might exploit the information.
In summary, the discussion led by Tapper and Thompson emphasizes vital takeaways for journalists and the public alike about the responsibilities of media in political discourse. The acknowledgment of missed opportunities in reporting on Biden’s cognitive decline serves as a critical reflection not only on the past but also on the future of journalistic integrity and accountability.
