David Axelrod, a former adviser to President Obama, has indicated that President Joe Biden might consider not seeking reelection in 2024. This comes in the wake of a disconcerting poll by The New York Times-Siena College that positions
Biden behind former President Donald Trump in key battleground states. In an online discussion, Axelrod reflected on whether it would serve the nation’s interests for Biden to lead the Democratic ticket, given the potential of a Trump victory.
The poll results show a notable lead for Trump over Biden in states such as Nevada, Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, and Pennsylvania — all of which were won by Biden in the 2020 election. Conversely, Biden maintains a slight edge in Wisconsin. Axelrod highlighted the challenges of introducing a new Democratic candidate at this stage but acknowledged the poll’s implications as a source of genuine concern within the party.
Age appears as a central issue for voters regarding Biden, according to Axelrod, who suggested that despite the President’s achievements, the risks of a Trump reelection are too significant to disregard. Axelrod described Trump as a “dangerous, unhinged demagogue,” emphasizing the high stakes involved in the upcoming election.
It's very late to change horses; a lot will happen in the next year that no one can predict & Biden's team says his resolve to run is firm.
He's defied CW before but this will send tremors of doubt thru the party–not "bed-wetting," but legitimate concern. https://t.co/g6zeWF0T87— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) November 5, 2023
Further troubling for the Democrats, the poll also uncovered a shift in Black voter support towards Trump and widespread voter dissatisfaction with Biden’s policies across all income levels, especially concerning their impact on personal finances and the economy.
The sense of unease extends beyond Axelrod’s comments, with Democratic strategist James Carville openly discussing the party’s apprehensions about Biden’s prospects in the next presidential race.
Amidst these concerns, reports from Axios suggest that prominent Democrats, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, are subtly increasing their visibility on the national stage, potentially positioning themselves for future presidential bids.
