In a recent report by Politico’s Jonathan Martin, the pressure-packed world of the U.S. presidency came to the forefront as President Joe Biden allegedly referred to Democratic strategist David Axelrod as a “prick” in a private conversation. The incident is speculated to be linked to comments Axelrod made concerning Biden’s re-election strategy. As the news circulated, CNN’s Kasie Hunt confronted Axelrod about the incident on CNN Max’s State of the Race.
Axelrod, a seasoned political veteran and the mastermind behind both of former President Barack Obama’s electoral victories, appeared unfazed by the expletive. When asked about Biden’s remark, Axelrod acknowledged that he “wouldn’t be the first” to receive such a label from the President. Despite the choice of words, Axelrod defended Biden and reiterated his own concerns regarding Biden’s campaign against the former GOP frontrunner, President Donald Trump.
In response to Hunt’s inquiry, Axelrod shared his perspective, stating, “Listen, I understand he was irritated because I raised concerns that many, many Democrats had.” Axelrod further elaborated on his critique, expressing dissatisfaction with the status quo approach and the seemingly carefree attitude towards the campaign’s challenges. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the unique nature of running against Donald Trump and the profound impact the election outcome could have on American democracy.
Axelrod urged Biden to take a serious look at the campaign landscape and reconsider the current strategy, emphasizing the need to shift away from a passive stance and actively confront Donald Trump. The stakes, according to Axelrod, are exceptionally high, as the battle is not against an ordinary opponent but against a figure as formidable as Donald Trump.
Listen, I understand he was irritated because I raised concerns that many, many Democrats had. And again, you know, my feeling is either get out or get going. But the status quo, the way they were approaching the campaign, this sort of “What me, worry?” attitude about the campaign was was not going to get him to where he needs to go.
And the stakes are so high. Kasie, this isn’t, you know, Mitt Romney or John McCain or anybody else on the other side. This is Donald Trump. It’s a fundamental question as to what American democracy is going to look like the day after the next election.
So the stakes are very high. He knows that. What I think he needs, he needs to take a sober look at the whole landscape. And yes, he’s committed to moving forward. I get that he ought to, but he ought to then look at what his campaign is doing and what they need to do, and get out of this sort of referendum frame and go after Donald Trump every day because Donald Trump will be the nominee of the Republican Party.
Addressing a previous tweet that sparked speculation about Biden potentially dropping out, Axelrod clarified that he didn’t explicitly call for such action. He suggested that Biden needed to decide whether continuing the campaign was in his best interest or the country’s. Despite potential misinterpretations, Axelrod stood firm on his stance and asserted that he would “live with the fact that the president’s unhappy” with him.
The exchange between Axelrod and Biden underscores the tensions within the Democratic party, particularly regarding Biden’s candidacy and the strategic approach to the upcoming election. As political figures navigate the complex landscape, public scrutiny and internal disagreements are inevitable, marking the intricacies of presidential campaigns and the multifaceted relationships within the political sphere.
