Democratic strategist David Axelrod told Republican strategists during a post-debate panel that Republicans would face “trouble” with former President Trump if President Biden were to unseat him as the top Democratic candidate.
“If for some reason there’s a change in the top candidates, Donald Trump is in trouble because the guy who was there tonight is not an inspirational guy,” Axelrod said. Said The clip aired on CNN after Thursday’s debate and was picked up by Mediaite.
“He has shown no signs of having changed at all from the man about whom people have a very positive opinion for many good reasons.”
Biden’s performance at the debate, in which he sounded hoarse and struggled with words, sparked anxiety within his own party, and after the debate, insiders and commentators suggested there was talk of Biden withdrawing before the next election.
“I was actually struck by how he came out at the beginning of this debate, the tone of his voice. He seemed a little confused. He certainly got stronger as the debate went on,” Axelrod told CNN. “I don’t know if it’s going to lead to anything, but I think you’re going to hear some debate about whether he should continue.”
A White House official said Biden had been suffering from a cold during the debate, and his campaign defended him as questions swirled about his status as the top Democratic candidate.
“President Biden is the only person who has beaten President Donald Trump. He will win again. President Donald Trump gave voters no reason tonight to vote for him. On the issues, the American people support Joe Biden,” the Biden adviser said.
A CNN poll of registered voters who watched the debate found that 67% said Trump won the debate, while 33% said Biden won.
