President Biden should seek a second term as commander-in-chief, with veteran Democratic political strategist David Axelrod set to run as polls show the incumbent will lose to former President Donald Trump next year. He belittled those who questioned whether the matter was true or not, calling him a “troublesome person.”
The 80-year-old Biden’s temper and penchant for profanity are an open secret in Washington, and his disdain for Axelrod, according to reports on Monday. Politico columnist Jonathan Martin This is the latest sign of conflict between Biden supporters and veterans of President Barack Obama’s administration.
Axelrod, best known for masterminding Obama’s victories in the 2008 and 2012 elections, said a New York Times/Siena College poll found Biden trailing Trump in five of six states. Biden, 77, initially said earlier this month that he should consider his position after it appeared likely he would lose. Decide the outcome of the 2024 vote.
“Only @JoeBiden can make this decision. If he continues to run, he will be the Democratic nominee. What he needs to decide is whether it is wise or not. Or is it in the country’s interest?” Axelrod posted on X.
That prescription didn’t sit well with Biden’s allies.
Former White House chief of staff Ron Klain, who likes to trash talk on social media, fired back at Axelrod later in the day.
“The man who called Biden ‘Mr. Magoo’ in August 2019 still does it today,” Klain wrote, referring to the venerable comic book character.
On CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, Axelrod insisted he was not telling Biden to drop out of the 2024 race, just that he should “think about it.”
“I have no concerns about the polls a year from now. I mean, we’ll have to look at them, analyze them, and adjust,” he said. “But I was in a situation in 2011 as a strategist for Barack Obama where I was facing difficult polling.
“The only numbers that were concerning in the poll and the CNN poll that followed the New York Times poll had to do with age. And that’s one thing you can’t undo. And no matter how competent Joe Biden is behind the scenes and in front of the cameras, what he projects is causing people concern.”
According to Politico, Biden is sensitive about his age and suitability for the presidency, and last year he lashed out at an acquaintance, saying, “You don’t think I know how old I am?”
The president also dismissed the polls during an unusual audience with reporters outside the White House last week.
“You don’t read the polls,” Biden said on Nov. 9.8 of them, I’ll beat him [Trump] In such places. 8 of them. You’re only doing two. CNN and the New York Times. Check it out. Check it out. We will send you copies of all other polls. ”
Asked if he thought he was trailing in key states, Biden reiterated, “No, I don’t.”
