“Original Sin” and Biden’s Fitness

CNN’s Jake Tapper faces harsh criticism while fiercely defending his investigation into Biden’s health amidst allegations of media bias.

At a Glance

  • A C-SPAN caller criticized Jake Tapper for perceived uneven investigation into Biden versus Trump.
  • Tapper discussed his book “Original Sin,” highlighting Biden’s cognitive decline and alleged cover-ups.
  • The book is co-written with Axios’s Alex Thompson and claims an extensive cover-up of Biden’s health.
  • House Republicans are using the book to push for an investigation into Biden’s health allegations.

C-SPAN Caller Challenges Tapper

During an appearance on C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal,” Jake Tapper found himself in the hot seat as Sarah from Virginia accused him of not scrutinizing Trump’s actions with the same zeal. She argued that Tapper was unfairly focused on Biden’s mental and physical condition rather than Trump’s behavior. This kind of scrutiny, she claimed, was doing a disservice to Biden and the American people. Tapper, however, stood firm, emphasizing that his book merely highlights crucial issues obscured by Biden’s administration.

For Tapper, it isn’t just about tabloid sensationalism; it’s an earnest attempt to inform the electorate about President Biden’s fitness to lead. Yet, Tapper maintains a strong stance by highlighting that networks like CNN regularly cover Trump’s behavior extensively. He argued that coverage of Trump’s personality issues is different from the alleged cognitive decline and cover-up surrounding Biden, which demands investigation. Sarah’s challenge is only a microcosm of the broader discussion about media impartiality.

“Original Sin” Reignites Debates

In “Original Sin,” co-authored with Alex Thompson, Tapper claims that attempts to hide Biden’s deteriorating health parallel the greatest political scandals. According to Tapper, Biden’s aides have deliberately concealed his decline, an oversight likened to being “worse than Watergate.” This revelation has invigorated House Republicans who are no strangers to scrutinizing President Biden over anything that remotely appears like a cover-up. House members are using the book as ammunition to support new investigations into Biden’s health. 

“I watch you on CNN; but right now, I really don’t like you. I think you’re doing a disservice to Joe and also to the American people. When are you going to examine, you know, what is going on with Trump? Joe Biden conducted himself for four years taking care of the United States. He took meetings. He went overseas. He negotiated with other leaders.” – Sarah from Virginia Source

The narrative surrounding Tapper’s book offers more than just American political gossip. It touches on an essential question: Is the Commander-in-Chief healthy enough to make critical decisions affecting millions? Tapper’s aim, as stated, is to provide a clearer understanding to the public. He and Thompson are proud of exposing what they believe are contradictions in the political landscape. By pointing a spotlight on potential biases, this book may very well push for transparency while spurring necessary conversations. 

Media Responsibility and Accountability

Tapper articulates on his CNN program every day the complexities surrounding political leaders, rightfully so. As Tapper stated, “We have covered the times that he has confused Nancy Pelosi with Nikki Haley”. The book also reflects Tapper’s broader concern about how the media covers political figures. He acknowledges that past coverage might not have effectively addressed Biden’s potential shortcomings, but asserts that their investigative efforts now are aimed to right that imbalance. 

“Sarah, as you know from watching my show on CNN, we cover President Trump every day for two hours — every day from 5 to 7 Eastern — and we cover all the things you talk about, in terms of the current President’s behavior. We have covered times that he has confused Nancy Pelosi with Nikki Haley.” – Jake Tapper Source

In highlighting the intricacies of both Biden’s and Trump’s presidencies, Tapper claims to be undertaking journalistic work that reflects the reality facing Americans today. The book dives into these contentious issues, but will our divided political sphere heed its call for clarity and accountability?