In a strategic move to mitigate criticism surrounding his latest literary endeavor, CNN's Jake Tapper has enlisted the expertise of a seasoned public relations professional.
Tapper, who has been a vocal critic of President Joe Biden's cognitive abilities, is now on a nationwide tour promoting his book, "Original Sin," which delves into a cover-up he was allegedly involved in. To navigate the choppy waters of public opinion, Tapper has turned to Risa Heller, a veteran in the communications field, known for her work with high-profile clients such as Elizabeth Holmes and Anthony Weiner.
According to The Washington Free Beacon, Tapper's decision to engage Heller's firm earlier this month is a calculated effort to soften the blow of critical coverage. Heller, who has a history of managing crises for media personalities, has delegated the task to Nate Evans, a former Democratic campaign official now serving as a senior vice president at her firm. Evans, who has a rich background in political communications, is spearheading the campaign to reshape Tapper's public image.
The irony of the situation has not gone unnoticed. "Its hysterical," remarked a former Biden aide. "Its a book that the Bidens dont want anyone to read or believe, but now a former Biden admin official is doing the flacking for the book." This comment underscores the complex dynamics at play, as individuals once aligned with the Biden administration now find themselves in roles that could potentially undermine it.
While Tapper has faced criticism for his past coverage, his coauthor, Alex Thompson of Axios, has been more forthcoming about the media's shortcomings. At the White House Correspondents Dinner, Thompson acknowledged, "We, myself included, missed a lot of this story, and some people trust us less because of it. We bear some responsibility for faith in the media being at such lows." This admission highlights the broader issue of media accountability and the erosion of public trust.
Evans's efforts to rehabilitate Tapper's image appear to be yielding results. In a candid moment on Megyn Kelly's podcast, Tapper admitted his misjudgment regarding Biden's condition. He also revealed a private apology to Lara Trump, whom he had previously dismissed. "I called her months ago and said, You were right," Tapper confessed. "She saw something that I did not see at the time, 100 percent, and I own that."
Evans's journey to Heller's firm in January 2025 marks a significant shift from his previous roles. Having served as a spokesman for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations and holding positions in the campaigns of Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Hillary Clinton, Evans brings a wealth of experience to his current role. His involvement in Kamala Harris's 2020 primary bid further underscores his deep ties to Democratic politics.
Despite repeated inquiries, Risa Heller has remained silent, declining to comment on the situation. As Tapper continues his book tour, the unfolding narrative raises questions about the intricate relationship between media figures and political operatives, and the lengths to which they will go to control the narrative.
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