David Axelrod, former chief advisor to Barack Obama, has publicly distanced himself from President Joe Biden, casting doubt on Biden's chances of winning the upcoming US presidential election. Axelrod criticized Biden's understanding of his position in the race against Donald Trump, highlighting Biden's advanced age and poor performance in a recent TV debate as significant concerns.
Axelrod explained that Biden's resilience stems from his life experiences, including significant suffering and failure, which make him less affected by his current low poll numbers. Despite acknowledging the critical nature of the upcoming election, Axelrod believes that Biden should step down due to his age and declining performance.
The Democratic Party is facing internal turmoil, with prominent figures like Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi reportedly playing key roles in efforts to persuade Biden to withdraw from the race. Sources indicate that Obama has been in contact with influential Democratic donors, while Pelosi has publicly and privately expressed concerns about Biden's ability to win against Trump.
Pelosi has been encouraging Democratic members of Congress, especially those in swing districts, to focus on their re-election campaigns, even if it means distancing themselves from Biden. However, she has recommended waiting until after the current NATO summit to take any public stance.
In response, Biden's team is preparing a counteroffensive, planning meetings with members of Congress to address their concerns and demonstrate Biden's capability to lead an aggressive campaign against Trump. Biden is also expected to hold a critical press conference to solidify his position.
The situation is further complicated by the potential consequences of a Trump victory, as outlined by Harvard political scientists Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt. Their book, 'Tyranny of the Minority,' warns that Trump's governance could lead to a minority ruling over the majority, fundamentally altering US democracy. The Heritage Foundation's 'Project 2025' manifesto, which aims to consolidate executive power under Trump, underscores these concerns.
Despite the internal strife, Biden remains resolute, stating that only 'almighty God' could convince him to withdraw. The coming weeks, particularly Biden's press conference, will be crucial in determining the Democratic Party's strategy and Biden's political future.
- Behind the scenes, the Democratic Party is grappling with a significant crisis. Former President Barack Obama and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi are reportedly involved in efforts to encourage President Joe Biden to step down from the presidential race. This marks a dramatic shift in the party's attitude towards Biden's candidacy.
- Obama has been in contact with key Democratic donors, including actor George Clooney, who recently published a scathing opinion piece calling for Biden's resignation. Although Obama did not explicitly push for the publication, his lack of objection signals his concern.
- Pelosi has been more vocal, both publicly and privately, about her doubts regarding Biden's chances of winning against Trump. She has advised Democratic members of Congress to prioritize their re-election efforts, even if it means distancing themselves from Biden. However, she has urged them to wait until after the NATO summit to make any public statements.
- In response to these internal challenges, Biden's team is organizing meetings with Congress members to reassure them of Biden's capabilities. Additionally, Biden is planning a critical press conference to address these concerns and assert his readiness to campaign vigorously against Trump.
- The stakes are high, as highlighted by Harvard political scientists Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt in their book 'Tyranny of the Minority.' They warn that a Trump victory could lead to a minority ruling over the majority, fundamentally changing the nature of US democracy. The Heritage Foundation's 'Project 2025' manifesto, which aims to centralize executive power under Trump, adds to these concerns.
