CHICAGO — Less than 24 hours after suggesting that should reassess his 2024 campaign, David Axelrod clarified in an interview that he was not advising the president to drop out of the race.
“It’s an overreaction to claim that I urged him to drop out,” said Axelrod, who was instrumental in former President ‘s electoral victories. “I did not do that.”
“He’s the only one who can decide. And if he decides that he’s the best candidate for this, then he will,” Axelrod added.
Axelrod’s remarks followed a tweet in response to a viral New York Times/Siena College poll that showed Biden trailing by four to 10 points in key battleground states. In the tweet, the longtime Obama hand said, “Only @JoeBiden can make this decision. If he continues to run, he will be the nominee of the Democratic Party. What he needs to decide is whether that is wise; whether it’s in HIS best interest or the country’s?”
The remarks were met with scorn by Biden supporters, some of whom argued that Axelrod has a history of criticizing the president as a cable news pundit. A text chain among current and former Biden allies mocked Axelrod’s tweets while prominent alums like Ron Klain openly pushed back.
“Axe is a little unhelpful,” said one former Biden aide on the group text thread, where “head-scratching Axe tweets” are often shared. “It’s the kind of thing he’s been doing for years.”
Asked about Axelrod’s remarks, White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said only, “We appreciate his thoughts.” Several Biden allies noted that while Axelrod’s comments were seen as irritating in the moment, there’s no sign they represent any broader rebellion among Obama alums.
Tensions between the Obama and Biden camps are not new. But they have become more pronounced, partly due to Axelrod’s comments and as Obama himself has become more vocal about his concerns with Israel’s government in Gaza.
Among Obama alums, there was early resentment during Biden’s presidency that his team kept touting his record without acknowledging their own achievements. Conversely, Biden aides feel that Obama alums don’t consider them politically.
At an event marking 15 years since Obama was elected, some of Biden’s close supporters were frustrated that the reunion didn’t do more to support the president. However, the event was held by a nonprofit organization, the Obama Foundation, which is constructing the Obama Presidential Center.
An exception was a separate event organized by Rufus Gifford, the Biden-Harris campaign finance chair who also held the same position for Obama in 2012. Gifford addressed Biden’s fundraising and the need to ramp up donations now, as opposed to later.
In an interview, Gifford said he was surprised at the “standing-room only” turnout, emphasizing the need to connect the communities that elected past presidents.
Axelrod echoed Gifford, emphasizing the high stakes of the situation and suggesting that Biden’s campaign draw stronger contrasts with Donald Trump.
Others at the Obama alumni event also want to see Biden pivot to contrast with Trump and recognize the current emotional energy about preserving democracy.
