Senior Democratic strategist David Axelrod clarified his stance on President Joe Biden‘s potential 2024 run following a stir caused by his recent social media comments.
What Happened: David Axelrod, chiefly known for orchestrating Barack Obama's triumphant presidential runs in 2008 and 2012, clarified to Politico that his viral tweet was not urging for Biden to drop out of the 2024 race.
“It’s overreacting to say I told him to drop out,” Axelrod stated, emphasizing that the decision rests solely with Biden.
"I didn't do that," Axelrod said, adding, "He's the only one to make the decision. And if his decision is ‘no, I'm the best person to take this on,' then he will."
Axelrod’s initial tweet followed a New York Times/Siena College poll revealing Biden trailing by four to ten points in crucial battleground states. The political strategist, known for his role in Obama’s campaigns, suggested that Biden should contemplate whether his continuation in the race was in his or the nation’s best interest.
The comments sparked a backlash from Biden’s allies, with some suggesting Axelrod’s critical stance is typical of his punditry work. A group text among Biden’s current and former aides featured jibes at Axelrod’s social media activity.
The White House’s response, through deputy press secretary Andrew Bates, was succinct: “We appreciate his thoughts.”
Why It Matters: Friction between the Obama and Biden factions is not a recent development, but it has become more noticeable in recent days. This is partly due to Axelrod’s remarks and also because Obama has become increasingly vocal about his apprehensions regarding Israel’s government and its actions in Gaza.
Obama, in a recent interview, discussed the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing the need for everyone to acknowledge their part. “If you want to solve the problem, then you have to take in the whole truth. And you then have to admit nobody’s hands are clean, that all of us are complicit to some degree,” he said.
Obama also shared a frosty relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly regarding the approach to a two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
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