Inside the Hive An Explosive Report, Then a Bombshell Diagnosis: The "Original Sin" Authors on Biden's 2024 Decision
May 21, 2025
Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and co-author of "Original Sin," teams up with Alex Thompson, Axios political correspondent and co-author, to dissect President Biden’s controversial decision to run for re-election. They reveal startling insights about Biden's health and the dynamics of his inner circle. The duo discusses the media's role in addressing narratives around Biden's cognitive decline and the challenges journalists face in maintaining truth amidst political pressures. Their conversation sheds light on the implications this has for the Democratic Party’s future.
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Inner Circle Shielded Biden's Decline
- Biden's decision to run in 2024 was driven by a small, tightly loyal inner circle called the Politburo. - This group shielded Biden from reality and downplayed his condition to the public and even to cabinet members.
Biden's Decline Began in 2015
- Biden's cognitive decline began as early as 2015 after his son Beau died, worsening over years. - His non-functioning moments, evident in debates and public events, increased substantially from 2019 through 2024.
Jill Biden’s Campaign Fitness Remark
- At a 2022 state dinner with French President Macron, Jill Biden expressed the need to "get in shape" for a tough campaign. - This signaled early awareness among Democratic leaders that Biden planned to run again despite earlier promises.
