David Axelrod, former senior adviser to President Barack Obama, has sharply criticized President Joe Biden’s recent ABC interview, describing it as “sad” and indicative of Biden being “dangerously out of touch” with voters’ concerns. Axelrod’s remarks followed Biden’s lackluster debate performance against former President Donald Trump, which has raised significant concerns within the Democratic Party.
Axelrod’s critique came shortly after the full interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos aired. “The president is rightfully proud of his record. But he is dangerously out of touch with the concerns people have about his capacities moving forward and his standing in this race,” Axelrod posted on X. He highlighted that Biden, who was once 10 points ahead of Trump at this stage in his campaign years ago, is now trailing by six points.
Biden attempted to downplay his debate performance, calling it “a bad night,” but Axelrod’s comments underscore a broader issue regarding Biden’s perceived cognitive and physical abilities. “The president needs to connect with the voters on these issues, and this interview did not help,” Axelrod suggested.
The reaction from within the Democratic Party has been mixed, with some expressing support for Axelrod’s frankness. “The writing is on the wall. You know when diehard Dem Axelrod starts trash talking Biden, the campaign is over,” remarked a user on X.
Others pointed out that Axelrod’s criticism might reflect broader discontent within Biden’s advisory circle. “Instead of picking on Biden, he turns it back on the faceless advisors who are clearly shielding Biden from reality,” noted another commenter.
Axelrod’s blunt assessment is particularly significant given his close ties to Biden during the Obama administration, adding weight to his concerns. The interview has done little to allay fears about Biden’s ability to effectively campaign and govern, as his poll numbers continue to decline.
As the campaign season heats up, the pressure on Biden to demonstrate his fitness for office will likely intensify, with party insiders and voters increasingly questioning his capacity to lead. Axelrod’s comments could mark the beginning of more open critiques from prominent Democrats, potentially influencing the direction of the 2024 presidential race.
