The political strategist who helped former President Barack Obama take the White House in 2008 thinks President Joe Biden should be working on an exit plan instead of a reelection campaign.
David Axelrod on Sunday suggested Biden drop out of the 2024 presidential race following new poll data that shows the 80-year-old president trailing in five of six key battleground states.
The poll from The New York Times and Siena College shows Biden behind former President Donald Trump in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada and Pennsylvania. Biden won the six battleground states during the 2020 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," Axelrod posted on X, formerly Twitter.
"Only Joe Biden can make this decision," Axelrod added. "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?"
While Biden is "justly proud of his accomplishments," Axelrod said the poll numbers will "send tremors of doubt thru the party--not 'bed-wetting,' but legitimate concern."
Axelrod also pointed to Biden's age as a reason for falling out of favor with voters. If reelected, Biden would be 86 at the end of his second term. According to the poll, 71% of respondents say Biden is "too old to be an effective president" -- compared with just 39% who feel the same about Trump, who is nearly four years younger.
"The greatest concern is that his biggest liability is the one thing he can't change. Among all the unpredictables there is one thing that is sure: the age arrow only points in one direction," Axelrod said.
The Democrats could still have a chance, Axelrod predicted, if someone else was to be the party's nominee.
"Yes, there also is risk associated with changing course now, as there is little time left for a primary campaign--and campaigns are how we test candidates. (Re @RonDeSantis.) But there is a lot of leadership talent in the Democratic Party, poised to emerge," he said.
The president has not commented on Axelrod's remarks.
