Jon Stewart Calls Out CNN for Plugging Book Amid Joe Biden’s Health Diagnosis
On a recent episode of “The Daily Show,” host Jon Stewart took aim at CNN for continuously promoting Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson’s book “Original Sin,” which discusses the decline of Joe Biden’s health, especially in light of the former president’s prostate cancer diagnosis.
Stewart started the segment by showcasing clips of CNN’s Tapper repeatedly promoting his book, teasing viewers with promises that they “won’t believe” the information he uncovered.
“Shouldn’t news outlets be obligated to report new information when they discover it?” Stewart questioned. “Isn’t that the essence of news—sharing breaking developments, not keeping secrets? That’s why people tune in for breaking news.”
Stewart then played a montage of various news programs reacting to “Original Sin,” using dramatic phrases like “bombshell allegations,” “damning claims,” “damaging new details,” and a “tsunami” of revelations.
“Despite the frenzy surrounding Biden’s cognitive health, could anything halt this wave of news coverage, except perhaps an update on his physical well-being?” Stewart pondered, referencing Biden’s recent cancer diagnosis. “It almost seems disrespectful to report on one while ignoring the other. Can CNN navigate this delicate balance? How do you transition from hyping your anchor’s book to acknowledging a serious health issue?”
Stewart then shared clips of CNN anchors attempting to address both topics, but ultimately failing to downplay the book promotion. In one segment, a CNN employee remarked, “This week was already going to be challenging, and this just adds to the difficulty. Our colleagues, Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, have a book coming out on Tuesday.”
“It’s a tough time, a time of sorrow, and the pain his family must be experiencing is unimaginable,” Stewart sarcastically quipped, mimicking the anchors. “But act now and use the code ‘backslash tap that book’ for a 20% discount.”