Original Sin

by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson
Original Sin cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Technical
  • ID: 2973
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
The Guardian · 2025-05-25
critical 4.50

The book delivers a stinging judgment of Biden's decline and the efforts to cover it up, presented in a well-sourced and trenchantly written manner. The authors argue that the book is necessary and informative, offering a balanced perspective on a critical topic.

The reviewer found the book to be a compelling and necessary read, highlighting the thorough research and clear writing of the authors. They appreciate the balanced approach taken, which provides a critical look at Biden's decline and the role of those around him in covering it up. The book is seen as an essential read for understanding the political landscape of the time.

Quick quotes

    Over 350 engrossing pages, they deliver a stinging judgment, trenchantly written and well-sourced.

    Which is why this book felt so necessary.

    Jake Tapper doesn't pull any punches in his assessment.

The New York Times · Jennifer Szalai · 2025-05-21
mixed 3.50

The book depicts an aging president whose family and aides enabled his quixotic campaign for a second term, raising questions about his fitness for office.

The reviewer notes that the book provides a detailed account of Biden's decision to run for a second term, despite his declining health. They highlight the role of his family and aides in enabling this decision, which is portrayed as a significant misstep. The book is seen as a critical examination of the political dynamics surrounding Biden's presidency.

Quick quotes

    Depicts an aging president whose family and aides enabled his quixotic campaign for a second term.

    Raises questions about his role in the party.

    Offers a scathing account of a president cocooned from reality.

The Telegraph · 2025-05-16
balanced 3.00

The book reveals the inside story of Biden's disastrous decision to run again, but questions whether the narrative is too convenient.

The reviewer appreciates the extensive reporting and clear-eyed prose of the authors, which provides a detailed account of Biden's decision to run for a second term. However, they question whether the narrative is too convenient and if it oversimplifies the complexities of the situation. The book is seen as a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about Biden's presidency.

Quick quotes

    Reveals how Biden's decline was covered up.

    Is its punchy narrative too convenient?

    Rarely better than when Tapper and Thompson are writing.

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