David Axelrod, a former senior adviser to President Barack Obama, has called on Democrats to abandon any hopes of nominating a candidate other than President Joe Biden for the 2024 presidential election.
The Daily Caller reported that Axelrod dismissed the notion of a new Democratic candidate during an appearance on "Real Time with Bill Maher," emphasizing that Biden is the current nominee despite concerns surrounding his age and polling struggles.
In his appearance on the talk show, Axelrod firmly rejected the notion that the Democratic Party might consider another candidate for the 2024 election. This response followed Maher's suggestion that an upcoming presidential debate could offer Democrats an opportunity to reassess Biden's candidacy.
“The debate is June 27, we never had one before the convention, if Joe [Biden] really underperforms, would that be a good opportunity to make the switch then?” Maher asked Axelrod.
Axelrod responded by labeling this idea a "fantasy" and stressed that Biden's nomination was already decided by the voters. “Right now, he is the nominee of the Democratic Party,” Axelrod stated.
The discussion arises as high-level Democrats express concerns regarding Biden’s electability. Notable apprehensions include Biden's advanced age and the potential impact of an independent candidacy by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Despite these troubles, Axelrod maintained that 2024 is not comparable to the political shifts of 1968 where a convention could decide the nominee. “There’s no delegation of elders who are going to go to the White House and tell him that he can’t run,” he said.
Biden’s age appears to be a significant issue for many voters. A March Wall Street Journal poll revealed that only 36% of registered voters believe Biden is mentally fit for the job, and 73% think he is too old to run.
Biden is facing stiff competition from former President Donald Trump in crucial swing states. Recent polling from Roanoke College shows Biden tied with Trump at 42% each in Virginia.
However, Trump's recent conviction might inadvertently benefit Biden by shifting support from independents and some Republicans away from Trump.
Pew Research surveys have documented voter dissatisfaction with both Biden and Trump. About half of those surveyed favored replacing both candidates, indicating significant disaffection across both major parties.
Axelrod reiterated that Biden's nomination was secured through the Democratic primary process and not by any future convention decision. He urged Democrats to accept this reality and focus on the choices voters have before them.
“You can take the easy way out and say I’m not going to vote for either of them, but one of those guys is gonna be president,” Axelrod warned. He emphasized that it’s important to confront the reality of the upcoming election rather than hope for an alternative candidate.
Axelrod's comments come as party leaders grapple with myriad strategic decisions heading into the 2024 race, particularly around addressing voters' concerns without destabilizing their base.
Axelrod’s call to abandon the "fantasy" of replacing Biden underscores a push within the Democratic ranks to unify behind the incumbent president. This is seen as essential to maintaining a cohesive campaign against the Republican nominee.
Despite worries over Biden's fitness for office, Axelrod's statements reflect strategic considerations about the risks of dividing the party at a critical juncture.
As the debate on June 27 approaches, Democratic leaders are anticipated to watch closely but are expected to continue rallying behind Biden.
Voter sentiment remains a significant variable as Biden and Trump gear up for the 2024 contest. Amidst these dynamics, both candidates face the challenge of winning over a skeptical electorate.
Polls from CBS News/YouGov, New York Times/Siena College, Forbes/HarrisX, and Fox News echo similar findings, consistently showing substantial share of the electorate holding unfavorable views towards both Biden and Trump.
As the nation moves closer to the November 2024 election, the clarity provided by the debates and evolving voter preferences will shape the final stretch of the campaign.
In conclusion, Axelrod's remarks highlight a critical call for unity within the Democratic Party. He urges an acceptance of Biden's candidacy and discourages the pursuit of an alternative nominee, focusing instead on the immediate electoral challenges and political realities.
