Criticism of CNN's Jake Tapper by WSJ sparks debate on Biden coverage

CNN host Jake Tapper is facing backlash after the Wall Street Journal editorial board criticized him for previously dismissing their report on President Joe Biden's mental decline.

The critique coincides with the impending release of Tapper's new book, co-written with Axios reporter Alex Thompson, which also examines Biden's decline and critiques earlier media coverage.

The Journal editorial board voiced its criticism on Sunday, highlighting an incident from June 4, 2024, when Tapper dismissed their article about Biden's mental faculties. According to the Journal, the June article had reported concerns from 45 lawmakers and officials regarding Biden’s mental health. At that time, Tapper faced opposition from members of the Democratic Party over the article's implications during his broadcast.

Release of new book

The renewed attention comes ahead of the publication of Tapper's forthcoming book on Tuesday. Co-authored with a journalist from Axios, the book is expected to dissect the subject of Biden’s mental health and media handling of sensitive issues surrounding his administration. The critical timing of the book’s release suggests a reevaluation of how Biden’s fitness for office was discussed and covered by major media.

The Journal slammed what they described as a media "coverup" of Biden’s mental state and criticized Tapper’s responses to their previous reporting. In response, a CNN spokesperson affirmed Tapper’s credentials, noting his reputation as a seasoned journalist maintaining an equitable approach across the political spectrum.

Despite the debate, Tapper has always maintained that his reporting in 2024 was reflective of the knowledge and context available at that time. Meanwhile, CNN also blamed misleading video edits as potentially responsible for any misconceptions about Tapper’s response to the Journal’s article.

WSJ criticizes political landscape under Democrats

The editorial went further, expressing dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party for not addressing Biden’s mental health more openly. It suggested that this inaction may correlate with the party's current political position while also highlighting the repercussions of such oversight.

In addition to his mental health, Biden recently faced another health setback. On Sunday, it was announced that President Biden had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, bringing another layer of complexity to discussions on his well-being. Despite the editorial critique, the Wall Street Journal expressed wishes for Biden's recovery from his diagnosis, adding a human element to their otherwise critical stance.

A note in the editorial underscored these well wishes, acknowledging that the article was written before news of Biden’s cancer diagnosis surfaced. This note illustrated a compassionate dimension amid a tense dialogue about the appropriate way to cover a sitting president's health concerns.

Broader implications for political reporting

The episode has broader implications for how such concerns should be handled by both the press and political entities. The balance between protecting privacy and ensuring transparency remains a topic of discussion, particularly when the health of national leaders is in question.

Tapper and the Wall Street Journal’s discord reflects an ongoing tension in media circles about the responsibility journalists have in addressing delicate topics such as a leader’s health. This tension also speaks to larger challenges facing political reporting, especially as public figures encounter health and scrutiny crises that evolve over time.

This recent critique and corresponding defense illustrate the complexities involved in navigating journalistic integrity and ethical considerations when reporting on figures of significant political power. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the relationship between the media and political figures will remain under scrutiny, demanding nuanced and responsible reporting.