A new book by journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson uncovers the significant role former First Lady Jill Biden had in managing President Joe Biden’s cognitive challenges while holding considerable sway in the White House.

The book, titled “Original Sin,” examines Dr. Biden’s efforts to shield her husband from unfavorable media coverage and the struggles of his re-election campaign.

Drawing from interviews with over 200 Democratic insiders, the book depicts Jill Biden as highly protective, privately criticizing staff while publicly defending her husband’s errors. In several cases, she assisted him in completing his thoughts during discussions and steered him away from challenging encounters.

One notable incident involves a meeting between President Biden and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro after a poor debate showing against President Donald Trump. As Shapiro provided feedback on Biden’s low polling and campaign issues, Dr. Biden ended the discussion by saying, “Alright, we gotta go.”

The book highlights how the first lady’s team became one of the most influential groups within the White House. Her senior adviser, Anthony Bernal, and deputy chief of staff, Annie Tomasini, gained extensive access to the Bidens’ living quarters and were regarded with caution by junior staff. “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 protective nature was evident after a press conference marking Biden’s first year in office. Following an unplanned question from a right-wing outlet concerning his cognitive health, Jill Biden appeared in the Treaty Room and asked, “Why didn’t anyone stop that?”

The book describes the extensive measures taken to manage the president’s public and private appearances. According to three former cabinet secretaries, Biden frequently relied on briefing cards, even in private cabinet meetings, which were described as “terrible and at times uncomfortable.”

“The cabinet meetings were largely scripted, even after the press had left the room,” the authors write. White House staff contacted various departments beforehand to prepare responses for potential questions. One cabinet secretary said, “I don’t recall a great cabinet meeting in terms of his presence. They were so scripted.”

A concerning episode occurred during a fundraiser with actors George Clooney and Julia Roberts. According to the book, Biden failed to recognize Clooney despite their long acquaintance, saying, “Thank you for being here.” An aide reminded the president of Clooney’s identity. Clooney reportedly felt “shaken to his core” and later advocated for Biden to leave the race.

The book also discusses concerns about Biden’s physical decline. White House advisers contemplated whether Biden might need a wheelchair during a second term. After a fall at the Air Force Academy in June 2023, staff plotted shorter walking routes and released slow-motion videos to disguise his gait.

Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the president’s physician, reportedly stated privately that “if he had another bad fall, a wheelchair might be necessary for what could be a difficult recovery.”

The book also explores how Hunter Biden’s legal issues impacted his father. “To understand Joe Biden’s deterioration, top aides told us, one has to know Hunter’s struggles,” the authors write. The president feared losing another child after the deaths of his first wife, daughter, and son Beau.

A fourth cabinet secretary described Hunter’s 2024 tax conviction as “akin to a five-hundred-pound weight dropping on the president’s head.” The Bidens worried the legal issues might lead to another relapse in Hunter’s addiction battle. “It wore on the president’s soul,” the book states.

When questioned about the book at today’s press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declined specific comments but said, “President Trump respects the Biden family’s privacy during this transitional period.”

Former Biden staffers, speaking to Politico anonymously, contested some of the book’s characterizations, arguing that it selectively highlighted negative anecdotes while downplaying Biden’s policy achievements.

“Original Sin” was released on May 21 and is drawing significant attention for its insights into the previous administration’s internal dynamics. The book sheds light on President Biden’s decision to leave the 2024 presidential race last July under pressure from his party.