A forthcoming book by journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson sheds light on the role former First Lady Jill Biden played in managing the public perception of President Joe Biden’s cognitive abilities and her significant influence in the White House.
“Original Sin,” scheduled for release next week, explores how Dr. Biden worked to shield her husband from negative press and the declining trajectory of his re-election campaign.
Compiling insights from over 200 Democratic insiders, the book illustrates Jill Biden as a protective figure, often reprimanding staff privately while publicly supporting her husband. She reportedly assisted him during conversations and extracted him from challenging situations.
A notable incident in the book describes a meeting with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, following a debate between President Biden and Donald Trump. As Shapiro provided candid feedback on Biden’s campaign struggles, Dr. Biden unexpectedly concluded the meeting, stating, “Alright, we gotta go.”
The book delves into how the team led by the first lady became a dominant force within the White House. Anthony Bernal, her senior adviser, and Annie Tomasini, deputy chief of staff, had significant access to the Bidens’ living quarters and were influential figures. “As Jill’s power rose, so did Bernal’s,” the authors note, calling him “one of the most influential people in the White House.”
Dr. Biden’s protectiveness was evident post a press conference marking President Biden’s first year. After an unexpected question about his cognitive health, Jill Biden questioned the gathered staff, “Why didn’t anyone stop that?”
The book highlights measures taken to manage the president’s appearances and interactions. Three former cabinet secretaries noted Biden’s reliance on briefing cards in both public and private meetings, describing these sessions as “terrible and at times uncomfortable.”
“The cabinet meetings were largely scripted, even after the press had left the room,” the authors write, explaining that White House staff would pre-arrange responses with various departments. One cabinet secretary remarked, “I don’t recall a great cabinet meeting in terms of his presence. They were so scripted.”
An incident during a fundraiser with George Clooney and Julia Roberts is also recounted. According to the book, President Biden did not recognize Clooney, a long-time acquaintance, and repeatedly said, “Thank you for being here,” until an aide intervened. Clooney was reportedly disturbed by the interaction and later advocated for Biden to leave the race.
The book also addresses concerns about Biden’s physical health, mentioning discussions among advisers about the potential need for a wheelchair in a second term. After Biden tripped over a sandbag at the Air Force Academy in June 2023, staff planned shorter walking routes and released slow-motion videos to obscure his walk.
Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the president’s physician, reportedly stated that another significant fall might necessitate a wheelchair due to recovery challenges.
Beyond physical and cognitive concerns, the book explores the impact of Hunter Biden’s legal issues on the former president. “To understand Joe Biden’s deterioration, top aides told us, one has to know Hunter’s struggles,” the authors write, noting the president’s fear of losing another child after previous family tragedies.
A fourth cabinet secretary cited Hunter’s 2024 tax conviction as a major burden for the president, describing it as a “five-hundred-pound weight dropping on the president’s head.” The Bidens worried the legal issues might lead to a relapse in Hunter’s addiction struggles, which “wore on the president’s soul,” according to the book.
When questioned about the book during a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declined specific comments but stated, “President Trump respects the Biden family’s privacy during this transitional period.”
Former Biden staffers, speaking anonymously to Politico, disputed some of the book’s portrayals, suggesting the authors focused on negative anecdotes while minimizing Biden’s policy achievements.
“Original Sin” is set for release on May 21 and is drawing attention for its insights into the previous administration’s internal dynamics. The book’s disclosures offer context for President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race last July under internal party pressure.
