The obstacles to President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign are mounting. A significant voice from the Obama administration has expressed grave doubts regarding Biden’s prospects. David Axelrod, President Barack Obama’s trusted advisor during his two successful presidential campaigns, recently shared his thoughts on CNN. He declared bluntly of Biden, “He’s not winning this race.” This is a significant claim considering Axelrod’s background and standing in Democratic circles. He even went so far as to say that Biden might “lose by a landslide” to former President Donald Trump.
Axelrod’s Concerns: Age and Performance
Axelrod’s comments come at a time when Biden’s age and aptitude for the position are under intense scrutiny. Following a recent CNN debate, where Biden’s performance raised questions, Axelrod addressed the issue head-on. While praising Biden’s determination and resilience, he highlighted a critical concern: “What he can’t beat is Father Time. And that’s really the concern here. It’s not about his record. Every time he’s asked about whether he can do the job until he’s closer to 90 than 80, he says, well, look at what I did the last four years. That’s just not the way it works,” Axelrod noted, as per Mediaite.
Division Within the Democratic Party
Axelrod is not alone in his concerns. Some Democrats are openly calling for Biden to step aside. At least five House Democrats have suggested that Biden should not run again, as reported by The New York Post. They worry that his age and performance issues could hand the election to Trump. However, Biden remains defiant, insisting he is the best choice to beat Trump and protect democracy. In a recent ABC News interview, he took responsibility for his debate performance but maintained he is up to the job.
A Disconnect with Voters
Despite Biden’s confidence, Axelrod perceives a disconnect between the president and the electorate. He believes Biden “doesn’t seem to grasp what is the big concern that people have.” This sentiment is echoed by other Democrats who demand a change in the candidate lineup. However, some key figures, including former President Obama, continue to support Biden.
Trump: The Looming Threat
For many Democrats, Trump represents a serious threat to democracy, making the choice of nominee crucial. Axelrod, like many within the party, views Trump’s potential return to power with alarm. He suggests that if Biden cannot secure a win, he should step aside for someone who can. This sentiment is gaining traction among some Democrats, who fear a repeat of the 2020 election dynamics but with potentially different outcomes.
Polls and Public Opinion
Current polls show a tight race. The national polling average from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ indicates that Trump leads by a narrow margin of 1.1 percentage points, with 44.2 percent to Biden’s 43.1 percent. Despite this slim lead, Axelrod believes Biden’s chances of a narrow win are lower than the risk of a significant loss.
Biden’s Legacy at Stake
Axelrod does acknowledge Biden’s accomplishments, stating, “History will be much kinder to him than voters are being right now.” However, he suggests that for the sake of his legacy, Biden should consider stepping down. This perspective adds to the growing debate within the Democratic Party about the best path forward.
Conclusion
As the 2024 election approaches, the Democratic Party faces critical decisions about its leadership and strategy. Axelrod’s stark warning underscores the urgency of addressing voter concerns and ensuring the strongest candidate is positioned to defend against a Trump resurgence. Biden’s determination to stay in the race sets the stage for a contentious and high-stakes campaign season, where the stakes for American democracy could not be higher.
