Democratic strategist David Axelrod’s stark warning after the recent debate has highlighted growing concerns within the Democratic Party about President Biden’s candidacy.
During a panel discussion following the debate, Axelrod suggested that Biden should be replaced at the top of the Democratic ticket, but he cautioned Republicans that if that happens, they would face a formidable challenge from Donald Trump.
“If, for whatever reason, there’s a change at the top of the ticket, you guys are in trouble with Donald Trump, because the guy who was up there tonight, is not a guy who’s going to inspire people,” Axelrod said on CNN following Thursday’s debate.
Axelrod also critiqued Biden’s performance, noting that he failed to inspire and showed no signs of the vigor that earned him positive regard in the past.
“I think there was a sense of shock, actually, at how he came out at the beginning of this debate. How his voice sounded. He seemed a bit disoriented. He did get stronger as the debate went on,” Axelrod said. “I think you’re going to hear discussions that I don’t know will lead to anything but there are going to be discussions about whether he should continue.”
Biden’s debate showing, marked by a raspy voice and occasional struggles with speech, has sparked internal anxieties among Democrats. Operatives and pundits have openly discussed the possibility of Biden stepping aside before the upcoming election.
The Biden camp attributed his performance issues to a cold, though speculation about his suitability as the nominee persists. Defenders of Biden insist that he remains the strongest candidate against Trump, citing his past electoral success and contrasting it with what they see as Trump’s lack of substantive appeal in the debate.
A CNN poll of viewers gave a decisive edge to Trump, with 67 percent declaring him the winner compared to 33 percent for Biden. These results underscore the urgency of the discussions within Democratic circles regarding Biden’s candidacy.
As pressure mounts and debate fallout continues, the focus on Biden’s ability to lead the party into the election intensifies, reflecting broader concerns about his electoral viability against a resurgent Trump.
