Senior Democratic strategist David Axelrod on Wednesday criticized President Biden’s economic message after a campaign event in Milwaukee, saying the president’s “pride” could lead to a failure in November.
Mr. Biden has consistently framed his fight against the economy in the past tense, treating the issue as already won. Most Americans disagree, with polls showing they have more confidence in former President Trump on the economy.
Axelrod, former President Barack Obama’s campaign strategist, said it is “absolutely true” that the economy has improved significantly under the Biden administration.
“But people don’t experience the economy that way,” he said in a CNN appearance. “They’re experiencing it through the lens of the cost of living. He’s someone who’s built a career on empathy, so why not lead with empathy?”
“I think he’s making a terrible mistake,” he continued. “If he doesn’t win this race, maybe it’s his own pride that won him, not Donald Trump.”
At a campaign event in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Biden said his administration has “already turned around” the economy. Axelrod said pride in past accomplishments may not translate well to voters who have more negative views of the economy.
The economic message has been a struggle for Biden’s campaign after last year’s failed Bidenomics tour and concerns about inflation and gas prices remain.
The inflation rate in March was only 2.7% compared to a year ago, a significant drop from last year’s high level, but this is not reflected in voter sentiment. The issue remains a top concern for voters, according to a Gallup poll.
A Gallup poll last week found that just 38% of Americans have “a great deal” of confidence in Biden’s ability to lead the economy, near an all-time low. President Trump has never received less than 42% confidence on this issue during his entire tenure.
Currently, 46% of Americans say they have “a great deal” of confidence in President Trump, a difference that could affect the president’s chances of being re-elected this November.
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