Former President Joe Biden’s decision to seek reelection has divided many longtime Democratic advisers, especially with new revelations about his cognitive health and alleged cover-ups from his administration.
Ron Crane, Biden’s ex-chief of staff, has pushed back against David Axelrod, a former aide to Barack Obama, for frequently drawing attention to Biden’s age. Axelrod expressed concerns, stating, “Presidential roles are incredibly demanding, and, well, the president is nearer to 90 than 80 by the end of the second term, which could be a significant issue.”
After a New York Times article in June 2022 highlighted these worries, Crane responded to both Axelrod and political commentators, asserting that they were being overly cautious.
New book suggests Biden had difficulties filming his 2024 campaign video due to his declining health, noting that he “couldn’t speak.”
In a heated conversation, Crane remarked to Axelrod that the idea anyone other than Biden could beat Trump was flawed. He emphasized that uncertainty about potential candidates could jeopardize the country’s future.
Axelrod, while a key figure in Obama’s campaign victories, also voiced apprehension about Biden’s capability to campaign effectively at the age of 77. He had, after all, been one of the last advisers to meet Biden prior to his selection as Obama’s running mate in 2008 and had doubts about Biden’s potential for a presidential run back in 2015.
Although nobody anticipated that Biden would run for president at this older age, discussions about his capabilities only grew more intense. Axelrod eventually echoed concerns about Biden’s age, particularly as he prepared for his reelection bid. He subtly suggested that perhaps Biden and his family hadn’t adequately considered the implications of another campaign.
In light of challenging electoral conditions in 2023, Axelrod urged Biden to withdraw from some races, cautioning that missteps could be severely detrimental. He posed a question to Biden: was it wise to continue his candidacy?
Crane, in defense of Biden, challenged Axelrod’s criticisms, reflecting back on similar concerns expressed during the 2019 debates. The back-and-forth continued, with Axelrod’s commentary indicating a split among Biden’s supporters about the legitimacy of his candidacy.
One excerpt from a recent book noted that following Axelrod’s comments, Biden privately expressed frustration, suggesting that he was aware of the potential doubts surrounding his campaign.
In response to the portrayals of him in the media, a Biden spokesperson stated, “The claims about his performance are unfounded. There’s no evidence presented that suggests any failure in leadership or threats to national security. Joe Biden remains an effective president who leads with empathy and skill.”
