Staff Reports
In an interview with the New York Times, Democratic strategist David Axelrod voiced his skepticism about President Joe Biden’s chances of winning reelection in 2024. Axelrod compared Biden’s hopes to those of Hillary Clinton in 2016, suggesting that relying on former President Donald Trump to lose again could be a risky strategy. According to Axelrod, Biden’s belief that he can “cheat nature” and secure victory in the upcoming election has only a “50-50 shot” of working.
Axelrod’s comments are just the latest in a series of criticisms he has made about Biden’s presidential campaign. He has previously raised concerns about the president’s age and questioned whether it is wise for him to run for a second term. Axelrod even went so far as to call on Biden to “get out or get going” in his campaign.
At 81 years old, Biden is already the oldest president in U.S. history. Critics, both Republican and Democratic, have expressed doubts about his ability to effectively serve in the White House, especially considering that he would be 86 by the end of a potential second term. Recent incidents, such as trips and falls, malapropisms, and moments of confusion, have only added to these concerns.
Furthermore, Biden and Clinton faced similar challenges in terms of third-party candidates. Independent candidates posed a threat to both of their campaigns, with Jill Stein being blamed by some of Clinton’s allies for Trump’s victory in 2016. In September, Biden reportedly sought advice from Clinton on how to counteract the impact of third-party candidates. This similarity raises questions about whether Biden can successfully navigate this obstacle in 2024.
Adding to concerns about his reelection prospects, a recent New York Times/Siena College poll found that Trump is leading Biden in five battleground states and making gains among black and young voters – both crucial demographics for Biden’s 2020 victory.
Overall, Axelrod’s comments and the current political landscape suggest that Biden may face an uphill battle in his quest for a second term. If he continues to rely on the hope that Trump will lose instead of actively winning over voters, his reelection chances could be in jeopardy.
