CNN commentator and former Obama adviser Van Jones has sharply criticized the Democratic Party for allegedly concealing President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline during his final year in office. Appearing on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Jones described the concealment as “a crime against this republic,” asserting that those who knew and remained silent bear responsibility for misleading the public.
Jones’s remarks follow revelations from the upcoming book “Original Sin” by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, which details the extent of Biden’s health decline and efforts by his inner circle to hide it. The book alleges that Biden’s aides were aware of his deteriorating condition but continued to support his re-election bid, prioritizing political interests over transparency.
The controversy intensified after the release of audio excerpts from Biden’s 2023 interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur, in which Biden struggled with memory lapses and confusion on personal and political matters. These recordings have fueled criticism about his mental fitness and the Democratic Party’s decision to back his candidacy.
Jones emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “There are people who knew and said nothing. And that is a crime against this republic.” He warned that the Democratic Party would face long-term political consequences for its role in the alleged cover-up.
Former Obama strategist David Axelrod also criticized Biden’s top aide, Mike Donilon, for perpetuating the belief that Biden could still win re-election, calling the idea “preposterous.” Axelrod revealed that internal polling had shown Biden’s chances of victory were less than 5% before the first presidential debate.
The Democratic Party now faces internal turmoil and external backlash, with prominent voices like Jones warning that the fallout could impact future elections. The book’s release is set for Tuesday this week.
