Jake Tapper admits criticism about his past Biden coverage is ‘fair' as new book ‘Original Sin' on ex-prez's decline faces backlash
CNN host Jake Tapper has acknowledged 'humility' about his past coverage of Joe Biden, although that hasn't stopped criticism of his and Axios reporter Alex Thompson's new book about the cover-up of the former president's decline while in office.
'I think some of the criticism is fair, to be honest,' Tapper told CNN last week as he was pressed on the criticisms of himself and the book.
Advertisement
'Of me, certainly. I'm not going to speak for anybody else, but knowing then what I know now, I look back at my coverage during the Biden years — and I did cover some of these issues, but not enough. I look back on it with humility.'
Tapper and Thompson's new book, 'Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again,' was released on Tuesday.
Tapper has admitted to insufficiently reporting on Biden's health concerns as his past coverage of the administration has been criticized by conservatives.
'And so, look, she was right, and I was wrong,' Tapper told NPR of a 2020 back-and-forth he had with Lara Trump, who was President Donald Trump's campaign adviser at the time.
Advertisement
'And I look back at that exchange, and not just that, but my coverage in general – with humility. I don't – I mean, I did cover this. I can point to times, where, you know, I asked him this, or I asked him that, or I pointed this out to this person or whatever.'
'But knowing what I know now, I barely scratched the surface. Very few people outside the conservative media world were doing so,' he said Tuesday.
In a separate interview on CBS, he said conservative media was 'all over this.'
Comedian Jon Stewart called out CNN on Monday for relentlessly promoting the book and slamming the network for advertising 'a book about news they should've told you was news a year ago for free.'
Advertisement
5 While CNN host Jake Tapper has been taking 'humility' for his past coverage of President Biden, it hasn't stopped criticism of his and Axios reporter Alex Thompson's new book about the cover-up of the former president's decline.
Getty Images
'Don't news people have to tell you what they know when they find it out? Isn't that the difference between news and a secret?' Stewart asked.
''You won't believe what we found out!' No, that's why I'm watching. Breaking news… in a week.'
'You've prepared an entire smorgasbord based on what you thought would be a relatively uncomplicated story about mental decline. News has the countdown clock, they got the book graphics, they got the CNN Happy Meal tie-in toys, but now doing the story seems almost disrespectful,' Stewart said.
Advertisement
'Can CNN thread the needle? How do you pivot from excitedly promoting your anchor's book to somberly and respectfully promoting your anchor's book?'
Radio host Charlamagne Tha God, a liberal who repeatedly spoke out against Biden and concerns about his age on the campaign trail despite his disdain for Trump, said Tuesday that he was looking forward to reading the book but remained skeptical of Tapper.
5 On CNN last week, Tapper said, 'I think some of the criticism is fair, to be honest.'
AFP via Getty Images
'I'm looking forward to reading it because I want to see if people like Jake Tapper hold themselves and their networks, like CNN, accountable for how much they didn't report on,' he said during his 'Breakfast Club' show.
'Because they're all complicit in not calling a thing a thing in regards to President Biden.'
'The View' co-host Joy Behar slammed CNN on Tuesday for 'hawking' the book, and wondered when Tapper would write a book about Trump's decline.
Co-host Sunny Hostin also focused her criticism on Trump officials who made money on books about the administration after Trump's first term.
Whoopi Goldberg wondered why the book was important now and questioned the over 200 sources the authors spoke to, asking, 'If you're telling me that hundreds of people knew that he was not able to do his job, then where the hell was everybody?'
Advertisement
5 Tapper recently admitted to reporting insufficiently when it comes to Biden's health concerns.
via REUTERS
MSNBC's Mika Brzezinski, a strong Biden supporter, pushed back on the authors over the notion of a 'cover-up' while speaking to Tapper and Thompson on MSNBC's 'Morning Joe.'
The first question posed to Tapper and Thompson by Brzezinski was, 'is it fair to say that Joe Biden had a successful presidency, remarkable presidency, possibly even a historic presidency in his time in office?'
Brezinski maintained that the MSNBC morning show covered Biden and his re-election campaign in real-time, and while she applauded Tapper and Thompson's reporting, questioned the contention of a 'cover-up.'
Advertisement
'And one of the contentions you make is that that's sort of the media didn't do its part, or did like way too late. And what's not in the book, is the day after the debate. Joe, very painfully, immediately, says Biden should step out of the race. And it was really a big change for the direction of the show. I personally went on a very long plea for him to stay in the race, and I still stand by it,' she said.
'Nobody agrees with me, but we debated this, and we covered this, and my point is that we did this in real time. There is definitely new information in this book, great reporting, but I want to understand why you're using words like cover up, which insinuates a crime or something. Was there a crime committed? Because we're in an environment where we are covering an administration that is actually in office right now, that is pushing the limits of the law in every way,' Brzezinski added.
5 The book detailing the cover-up, 'Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again,' was released on Tuesday.
REUTERS
Tapper said he and Thompson cover Trump critically on a daily basis. Brzezinski pushed back, saying 'You've given hours and hours to this book.'
Advertisement
Brzezinski and co-host Joe Scarborough then asked bluntly what the cover-up was. Thompson responded by asking if the pair were shocked by the former president's June debate performance, and they responded, 'yes.'
'If there was not a cover-up, then you guys wouldn't have been shocked,' Thompson said.
Liberal influencer Harry Sisson praised Naomi Biden's criticisms of the book.
Naomi, Hunter Biden's daughter and Joe Biden's granddaughter, issued a scathing rebuke, deeming it 'political fairy smut' on social media.
Advertisement
5 Tapper has been called out by several individuals, including journalist Mark Halperin, for promoting the book.
CNN
'Just read a copy of this silly book, and if anyone is curious for a review from someone who lived it first-hand: this book is political fairy smut for the permanent, professional chattering class. The ones who rarely enter the arena, but profit from the spectacle of those that do. Put simply, it amounts to a bunch of unoriginal, uninspired lies written by irresponsible self promoting journalists out to make a quick buck,' Naomi Biden wrote.
Conservative critics have taken aim at Tapper since the announcement of his book, alleging he was part of the cover-up and 'trying to re-write history' with his book.
Journalist Mark Halperin has also called out Tapper, CNN and specifically, CNN media analyst Brian Stelter, for promoting the book.
'Brian Stelter has been, over the course of the entire Biden presidency, one of the biggest critics of those on the right and those few people like me in the independent media who have tried to hold Joe Biden accountable,' Halperin said.
'He's accused us of, you know, being propagandists, of celebrating cheap fakes and deepfakes.'
'I don't understand someone whose job it is to hold the media accountable, to not hold, not just his own network, but every news organization in the country who, now it's clear, participated in a cover-up. Some because of threats, some because of a desire to help Joe Biden win,' he added.
'Massive cover-up.'
Figures on the right have not been quick to forget past media dismissals of Biden's issues.
Fox News contributor Joe Concha told Fox News Digital the timing of the book was the 'main reason why media is so distrusted these days.'
'It's all about ego and money and self-importance,' he said.
Reached for a comment, a representative for the book pointed to Tapper's remarks on MSNBC on Wednesday that many of their sources with critical comments about Biden, including cabinet secretaries and high-ranking Democratic insiders, didn't feel comfortable speaking until after the 2024 election.
'Many of them expressed regret that they hadn't come forward until election day,' he told 'Morning Joe.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Trump alleges Biden autopen misuse: whoever 'used it was the president'
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has long focused on his predecessor's use of the autopen during his presidency to sign official documents. Now he has called for an investigation into former President Joe Biden's reliance on the mechanical device. Presidential use of the autopen has not been outlawed or ruled unconstitutional. And Trump himself has acknowledged allowing his staff to use it to sign letters on his behalf. Yet the president has come down repeatedly on Biden for using an autopen amid fresh allegations that the ex-president's health was in decline while he was in office. He has accused former White House aides, without evidence, of signing documents, including presidential pardons, without Biden's knowledge. "Whoever used the autopen was the president," he told reporters on June 5, implying aides were assuming the role of commander-in-chief. "And that is wrong, it's illegal, it's so bad." Presidents are thought to have employed the autopen for more than 200 years, since the time of Thomas Jefferson, who obtained one of the machines after it came under patent in 1803, according to the Shapell Manuscript Foundation. Gerald Ford, Lyndon B. Johnson, George W. Bush and Barack Obama are all known to have made use of the device. Obama became the first president to rely on an autopen to sign a piece of legislation in 2011, in order to push through a bill extending the Patriot Act that arrived on his desk while he was on a trip to France. Trump orders investigation of Joe Biden's alleged 'cognitive decline' and use of autopen The dispute with Biden goes further: Trump and his aides have accused Biden's staff of illegal activity. "It's whether or not the president of the United States knew it was being used, and if not, who was using it in his name, which is clearly illegal behavior," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a June 3 briefing. The former president knocked down the allegations, calling them a "distraction," in a June 4 statement in response to Trump's latest assault on him. Biden said he "made the decisions about the pardons, executive orders, legislation, and proclamations" during his presidency. The Justice Department in 2005 determined that use of the autopen was legal. "We find that, pursuant to this understanding, a person may sign a document by directing that his signature be affixed to it by another," a DOJ memo said. Legal scholars have further argued that nothing in the Constitution requires presidents to sign pardons, even if Biden did use an autopen. Elaborating on his views, Trump said on June 5 that he believes it's "inappropriate" to use the autopen for documents, even for relatively minor directives such as ambassador appointments. "I think it's very disrespectful to people when they get an autopen signature," he said. Trump admitted in his remarks to reporters that he uses the autopen, too. But he suggested he does not use the device that mimics his signature when he signs important documents. "Autopens, to me, are used when thousands of letters come in from young people all over the country," Trump said. He said the president of the United States receives thousands of letters a week, and it's not possible for him to respond to each one individually. "To me, that's where autopens start and stop," he said. "I'm not a big autopen person," Trump declared. "It's an easy way out." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump accuses Biden of misusing presidential autopen
Axios
2 hours ago
- Axios
"No Kings" protest draws thousands to downtown Denver
Thousands flocked to downtown Denver on Saturday for the "No Kings" protest, timed to counter-program President Trump's multimillion-dollar military parade in Washington, D.C. The big picture: The volume of people who participated resembled that of a Denver sport team's title celebration more than a political rally. Protests in cities across the U.S. collectively drew millions of people in what organizers called the largest single-day anti-Trump demonstration since the start of his second term. At one point, organizers in Denver said the march — which started at the Capitol before winding through the city center — stretched a mile long. Why it matters: It's likely the largest anti-Trump demonstration in Denver since his first term drew tens of thousands of people downtown for the 2017 Women's March. Zoom in: Marchers on Saturday were largely unified in their anti-Trump messaging, though at various points there were also anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian and anti-police chants ringing through the massive crowd. The Colorado Palestine Coalition led some of the marchers, organizers on the ground told Axios. State of play: The event took place after a Minnesota state lawmaker was fatally shot and another wounded early Saturday in what authorities called "targeted" attacks against sitting Democratic legislators. The attack prompted the Minnesota State Patrol to urge people not to attend local "No Kings" protests. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, in a statement said the Centennial State stands with Minnesota: "We must continue to reject the divisive politics and rhetoric that have become too prevalent in our country." Between the lines: Saturday's protest was peaceful. There were no clashes between police and marchers observed by Axios. Some demonstrators thanked officers who were blocking roads allowing demonstrators to march. What they're saying: "This is the moment, people, where we have to say, 'No, this is the red line — you are not a king,'" Denver resident Michelle Mottler, who arrived dressed as the Statue of Liberty, told us Saturday.
CNN
3 hours ago
- CNN
Police chief gives details of Minnesota shooting
Police chief gives details of Minnesota shooting The suspect in the assassination and attempted assassination of two Minnesota lawmakers has been identified as Vance Boelter, two law enforcement officials briefed on the case tell CNN. Law enforcement found a hit list in the Minnesota suspect's car that contained nearly 70 names – including pro-abortion rights advocates and lawmakers in other states – a law enforcement official briefed on the matter told CNN. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley described what happened when officers first arrived at Senator Hoffman's home. 00:55 - Source: CNN See moment projectile strikes near key military facility in Tel Aviv Video verified by CNN captures the dramatic moment a missile struck in vicinity of the Kirya, an area of Tel Aviv that's home to an urban military base housing Israel's Defense Forces. 00:33 - Source: CNN Nic Robertson describes downed projectile in Israel CNN's Nic Robertson reports at the site of a smoldering projectile on the road to Tel Aviv after a fresh wave of Iranian missile strikes. 00:30 - Source: CNN Missile interceptor launches from Jerusalem CNN's Jerusalem bureau chief and correspondent Oren Liebermann describes the moment an interceptor launched in the distance behind him during an on-air report from Jerusalem. 00:47 - Source: CNN Oren Liebermann reports inside a bomb shelter in Israel CNN's Jerusalem Bureau Chief Oren Liebermann reports from inside a bomb shelter as Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel after the unprecedented attack on Iran. 01:37 - Source: CNN Nuclear deal between US and Iran now uncertain after Israel attack The nuclear deal between the US and Iran could be in jeopardy following Israel's attack on Iran. CNN's Kaitlan Collins has the details. 00:41 - Source: CNN Marines guard federal building in LA Approximately 200 active-duty Marines have taken over from the National Guard troops who were previously deployed according to Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman, who oversees the 4,700 troops who have been deployed to the LA area in recent days. They 'will focus on the protection of federal property and personnel,' Sherman said, and will not be performing law enforcement activities. The Marines will be equipped with 'standard crowd control gear, which includes a helmet, their face shield, a shield, baton and gas masks,' according to Sherman. 00:44 - Source: CNN Kanye West makes brief appearance at Diddy trial courthouse Kanye West, who goes by Ye, was briefly at the courthouse where Sean "Diddy" Combs is on trial. A source close to West previously told CNN's Elizabeth Wagmeister that he would like to attend the trial to show support for Combs. 00:27 - Source: CNN 'We will kill you': Florida sheriff issues stern warning to protesters As protests over the Trump administration's immigration raids continue in Los Angeles and other cities, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and law enforcement officials warned that demonstrators could face a forceful response in the state, CNN affiliate WESH reports. 00:33 - Source: CNN Analysis: Why Israel attacked Iran now CNN's Oren Liebermann explains the reasons why Israel decided to attack Iran in unprecedented strikes targeting its nuclear program and senior military leaders. 01:49 - Source: CNN Israel launches 'preemptive strike' on Iran Israel launched strikes against Iran, targeting its nuclear program and long-range missile capabilities, an Israeli military official said. CNN's Kaitlan Collins reports. 01:38 - Source: CNN Survivor of India plane crash appears to walk away from site in video Video appears to show the sole survivor of a 242 passenger plane crash walking away from the rubble. 00:27 - Source: CNN Video shows Sen. Padilla handcuffed on the ground at DHS event Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem separately spoke to the press after Padilla was forcibly removed and placed in handcuffs at Noem's press conference in Los Angeles, California. 01:19 - Source: CNN Sen. Padilla forcibly removed from Noem's press conference Democratic Senator Alex Padilla of California was confronted by security and forcibly removed from a news conference being held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles. 00:14 - Source: CNN Expert examines CCTV footage to see what happened to Air India flight before crash Newly released CCTV footage shows Air India Flight 171 take off before crashing moments later. CNN aviation analyst Miles O'Brien offers his analysis. 00:56 - Source: CNN Passenger survives Air India plane crash At least one passenger on board Air India Flight 171 to London Gatwick survived, local police said. According to Reuters, senior police officer Vidhi Chaudhary said the man had been in seat 11A and added that there may be a few more survivors in the hospital. 00:19 - Source: CNN Video shows moment plane crashes in India Social media video shows flames and thick smoke billowing into the air, as an Air India passenger plane, carrying 242 people, crashed shortly after takeoff. The plane had departed an airport in Ahmedabad, India and was bound for London's Gatwick Airport. 00:20 - Source: CNN Trump draws boos and cheers at Kennedy Center President Donald Trump drew charged reactions of both admiration and ire at the Kennedy Center's opening night of "Les Misérables." 00:29 - Source: CNN LAPD chief pushes back on Trump CNN's Kaitlan Collins talks with LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell who says he did not support President Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles, despite statements Trump made earlier. 01:33 - Source: CNN Meatpacking employees block ICE cars with their bodies following raid Workers at a meatpacking plant in Omaha Nebraska tried to block ICE agents by throwing themselves on top of the cars to block their path following a raid on the business. More than 70 undocumented people were detained, the largest to take place in Nebraska since the start of the Trump's second term. 01:10 - Source: CNN Elon Musk called President Trump on Monday night expressing regret CNN's Kaitlan Collins reports the latest details on Elon Musk's Monday call with President Donald Trump and what it means for their relationship. 00:57 - Source: CNN Violence enters third day in Northern Ireland Unrest has spread to more towns in Northern Ireland after violence initially started in Ballymena. The third night of disturbances saw a leisure center, that had been recently used to shelter immigrants, set ablaze by masked youths. 00:45 - Source: CNN "Jane' testifies for fifth day in Combs trial 'Jane" continued cross-examination in the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial for her fifth day. Prosecutors expect to rest their case at some point next week. CNN's Elizabeth Wagmeister reports. 02:18 - Source: CNN Trump says why his second term is different from the first In an interview with The New York Post's Pod Force One, President Trump explained why he "can be stronger on an attack on Los Angeles" in his second term compared to his first. Trump also said he told Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, he planned to deploy National Guard troops before doing so. 01:09 - Source: CNN
