Go back to the basement, Joe.
That's the opinion of an Obama administration official following former President Donald Trump's victory in New Hampshire's Republican primary on Tuesday.
“If I were Biden, I would be hiding,” CNN pundit Van Jones said during the network's election coverage. “I'll tell you why. He doesn't inspire confidence and he's not a good messenger for himself.”
“There's something wrong with this campaign,” said Jones, who served as President Obama's special assistant for environment and employment. Although he was hidden inside — he expected Mr. Biden to start, adding: [to] Come out now and become Flash Gordon and save this campaign. It's his own campaign.
“Those who are benefiting from the Biden economy, and those who exist, should be empowered to speak out,” he concluded.
Former White House communications director Kate Bedingfield disagreed with Jones' point, saying, “I think Mr. Biden ran a very disciplined campaign. I was like, 'Oh, he was hiding in the basement? I think it's something like “?” Well, remember we were in the middle of a global pandemic. We were in the midst of a once-in-a-generation crisis. And frankly, the way Joe Biden handled things made people feel safe, which was a big reason why he was elected president in 2020. ”
Former Obama campaign strategist David Axelrod, a frequent critic of Biden's re-election efforts, responded later in the segment: However, there are problems with his performance. And that is reflected in public opinion polls. And it translates into an image of weakness. ”
“There's a sense that the world is out of control and he's not in command. And that's what President Trump is squarely aiming for. And that's what they have to beat in this campaign. “It's a thing,” Axelrod added. “And they need a counter-narrative to that. And it's not, 'I'm a great president, but he was a terrible president.'”
Jones had warned in the previous hour that Republicans were “not afraid of Joe Biden.” they are not afraid.
“They frankly don't think they're doing themselves any harm by elevating someone who is this damaged, who has so many deficits, who is mentally deranged, because 978 Because polls show time and time again that he's still on par with the president, even though he committed serious crimes.'' Biden. ”
“There are some worrying signs with President Trump,” Jones added. “There must be worrying signs for Democrats.”
Mr. Obama himself privately worries that Mr. Trump is very likely to win a rematch with Mr. Biden in November. According to multiple reports.
Mr. Biden's team largely ignored these complaints.
“We're going to run like we're behind,” Biden campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond told reporters Wednesday. “Do you think we'll win? Absolutely.”
According to most polls, Trump has a 3.8 point lead over Biden in the general election popular vote. Recent RealClearPolitics tallies.
