**A Scathing Critique of Mainstream Journalism**

In "Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again," authors Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson have written a book that is equal parts investigative journalism and scathing critique of the mainstream media. The pair's aim is clear: to expose the failures of the press in covering up President Joe Biden's decline and the subsequent cover-up.

**A Brief History**

For years, Tapper has been a fixture on CNN, serving as a chief political analyst and occasional host. Thompson joined the network as a paid contributor just last summer. The two have formed a partnership that is both convenient and ruthless. Their book launch has been orchestrated with the precision of a well-executed PR campaign.

**A Study in Hypocrisy**

Tapper's response to criticism is always worth watching, and this book is no exception. When confronted with questions about his handling of stories on Biden's decline, Tapper has consistently dodged and weaved, refusing to acknowledge any wrongdoing by himself or the media. He has even gone so far as to label those who have questioned him "smear merchants" – a tactic that would be laughable if it weren't so transparently self-serving.

**A Lack of Transparency**

The authors' failure to provide concrete evidence supporting their claims is staggering. When asked about specific instances where journalists were bullied or intimidated into submission, Thompson and Tapper refuse to name names or explain the context. This lack of transparency is a hallmark of their dishonesty and a testament to their willingness to protect their own interests at all costs.

**A Shameful Record**

From Tapper's own CNN colleagues to the network's leadership, everyone seems to be complicit in this charade. The crisis communications expert hired by Tapper has a history of working with disreputable figures like Jeffrey Toobin and Andrew Cuomo. Meanwhile, Thompson maintains a faint veneer of credibility by criticizing his co-author's lack of transparency – but this is nothing more than a weak attempt to save face.

**Conclusion**

"Original Sin" is not just a book; it's a symptom of a larger problem within the mainstream media. The authors' dishonesty and hypocrisy are just the tip of the iceberg. The real issue lies in the willingness of so many journalists to sacrifice their integrity for the sake of access, ratings, or simply to avoid being "outed" as left-wing hacks.

This book is a warning sign that something is seriously wrong with our media landscape. When journalists like Tapper and Thompson refuse to hold themselves accountable for their actions, it's time for us to take a hard look at what we're getting for our money.