New Book Alleges Biden Cognitive Decline, Clooney Fundraiser Lapse

A forthcoming book by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson reveals significant cognitive decline in former President Joe Biden, exemplified by an incident during a June 2024 fundraiser where he failed to recognize longtime acquaintance and Hollywood star George Clooney. The book, titled "Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again," alleges that Biden's inner circle concealed his deteriorating mental and physical condition, which had been ongoing since as early as 2015. The authors criticize the decision to push Biden to run for re-election as reckless and narcissistic, claiming it led to denial and deception that contributed to Donald Trump's return to power. Clooney, deeply affected by the encounter, later publicly urged Biden to withdraw from the presidential race. The book is based on extensive interviews with senior Democrats, many of whom express outrage at the cover-up and the consequences for the Democratic Party. The revelations underscore concerns about Biden's fitness for office during his final campaign and the political fallout that followed.