In a pointed discussion on his podcast, The Chuck ToddCast, journalist Chuck Todd raised significant concerns regarding the implications of a forthcoming book on former President Joe Biden.
Co-authored by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again is poised to cast a shadow over the future of Democrats linked to Biden, particularly as the party looks ahead to the 2028 presidential election.
Todd argued that the revelations in the book could not only undermine Biden’s standing but also render any former cabinet members—such as Pete Buttigieg—“toxic” candidates for higher office.
“In many ways, I think this Biden book is only going to not just undermine Biden, but I think make it toxic for anybody that worked for Biden,” he stated.
He emphasized that the narrative surrounding the book would inevitably lead to questions about the involvement of those close to the president: “Where were you? How did you participate in the cover-up?”
Specifically referencing Buttigieg, the former Secretary of Transportation, Todd pointed out that the scrutiny surrounding Biden could impact Buttigieg’s potential candidacy.
“Are you gonna now tell us, ‘Yeah, I didn’t have much interaction with him’? Well, then why didn’t you say something?” Todd questioned, highlighting the precarious position Buttigieg may find himself in as he considers a run for the presidency.
Todd recounted an off-the-record conversation with a cabinet member who expressed concern over their lack of interaction with Biden, reinforcing the notion that all former officials will now face similar interrogations about their roles in the administration.
“I think it’s a question anybody who worked directly for Biden will have to confront,” he noted.
Buttigieg, who has been performing well in early Democratic primary polls, currently ranks second behind Vice President Kamala Harris in potential candidate surveys.
However, Todd’s warning suggests that the political landscape might shift dramatically if the book’s contents resonate with voters.
The implications of Todd’s commentary extend beyond Buttigieg. As more Democrats eye a presidential run, they may find themselves grappling with the fallout from Biden’s presidency and the narratives that emerge from the book.
The association with a president facing scrutiny could become a liability, rendering those linked to him politically vulnerable.
As the 2028 election approaches, the dynamics within the Democratic Party will likely continue to evolve.
Todd’s insights underscore the complexities candidates must navigate as they consider their futures in a landscape influenced by Biden’s legacy and the forthcoming revelations that could shape public perception.
[READ MORE: Dems Back Off Impeachment]
