Axelrod: Biden 'pride' may cost him election

[brooklynite]

The Hill

Senior Democratic strategist David Axelrod hit President Biden over his economic messaging Wednesday following a campaign event in Milwaukee, saying the president’s “pride” could be his undoing in November.

Biden has consistently framed struggles with the economy in the past tense, and treated the issue as already won. Most Americans disagree, with polls showing most trusting former President Trump on the economy more.

Axelrod, who was former President Obama’s campaign strategist, said it’s “absolutely true” that the economy has significantly improved under Biden.

“But that’s not the way people are experiencing the economy,” he said in a CNN appearance. “They are experiencing it through the lens of the cost of living. He is a man who’s built his career on empathy, why not lead with the empathy?”

“I think he’s making a terrible mistake,” he continued. “If he doesn’t win this race, it may not be Donald Trump that beats him, it may be his own pride.”

I tend to agree with Axelrod's assessment of the current condition. You can't tell voters they're wrong in how they feel. You have to first acknowledge voter concerns and THEN discuss everything you've done to address them and THEN talk about what you'll do in addition.

[brush]

1. Hmmm. Whose side is Axelrod on? Support the Dem candidate for God's sake.

Seems he should be criticizing the repug candidate who's on trial for election interference and has three other indictments pending.

Maybe just a little, Axelrod.

[brooklynite]

5. Axelrod is a political strategist

He's talking to political people about tactics, not ordinary voters.

[Demsrule86]

60. Axelrod. doesn't like Biden and never did...so his words are not relevant really. Although I am disappointed with such

an important election looming, he would speak ill of our nominee.

Thanks to Google, here are some pages of Axerod's anti-Biden nonsense.


Axelrod: Biden 'pride' may cost him election

The Hill
https://thehill.com › homenews › campaign › 4653464-...
10 hours ago — Senior Democratic strategist David Axelrod hit President Biden over his economic messaging Wednesday following a campaign event in Milwaukee ...
Missing: life ?| Show results with: life

Ex-Obama Strategist Names 'Terrible Mistake' That Could ...

HuffPost
https://www.huffpost.com › entry › david-axelrod-joe-...
16 hours ago — "If he doesn't win this race, it may not be Donald Trump that beats him," suggested former Obama adviser David Axelrod.

David Axelrod pummels Biden's defiant stance on ...

Fox News
https://www.foxnews.com › media › david-axelrod-pu...
12 hours ago — Former Obama adviser David Axelrod panned President Biden's dismissal of polls about his handling of the economy during a CNN interview,Axelrod explains why he thinks Biden's pride could lose the election ..

YouTube · CNN
51.2K+ views · 23 hours ago
CNN's David Axelrod, Jeff Zeleny, Scott Jennings and MJ Lee join Erin Burnett to discuss her interview with President Joe Biden where he ...
Missing: doesn't ?life

'Joe Biden Called David Axelrod a 'Prick.' It Won't Shut Him ...
Jan 12, 2024 — A Q&A with the former Obama strategist who's not afraid to critique the Biden campaign.

My colleague Jonathan Martin reported in the fall that Biden recently used the P word (“prick”) to describe Axelrod. Like Murphy, the Republican strategist who co-hosts the “Hacks on Tap” podcast with Axelrod, recently joked that if Biden were to get close to Axelrod, the president may end up convicted of manslaughter. (“I’m too quick for him!” Axelrod responded.)' Thus the joke pins. My colleague Jonathan Martin reported in the fall that Biden recently used the P word (“prick”) to describe Axelrod.



https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/01/12/david-axelrod-obama-biden-2024-00135194

So funny...can we even call Axelrod a Democratic political strategist? How nice that supposed Democratic strategist Axelrod has a podcast with a Republican...Mike Murphy. and goes after the Democratic nominee

[brooklynite]

61. All of your citations are responses to Biden political strategies.

Which is what political strategists do.

The reality is that Biden isn’t clearly winning at this point, and the States he needs to win won’t come through solely on appeals to base voters. How do you propose he cover vote margin he needs?

[Demsrule86]

67. Give me a break...not once did he ever say anything positve about Biden...seriously he is scum. Biden has to beat Trump.

I suppose you think what he does it helpful. I don't.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

101. I voted biden

But Biden needs to address people where they Are At and respond to what they are feeling. Be it on the economy or the war on Palestine.

He needs a better grip on the pulse of the youth and the lower classes.

I hope he listens to Axlrod on this.Axlrod is a douchenozzle but this time he is right.

[Demsrule86]

135. I find that nonsensical...so Biden needs to address your issues or you won't vote? Sorry vote Democatic in every

election. The economy is good...better than any time in my lifetime. Fuck during Trump's reign of terror, we were basically needing to go to food banks...worse unemployment since the Depression. I don't care about the war in Palestine. don't want to take sides. It is not our war. And I don't want to see anyone attacked that would include American Jews. Biden can only do so much. I will vote for Biden. I think he has been a great president. Trump gets in all Palestinians are cleared out of GAZA by expulsion or death and Trumpers get fancy hotels...so spare me. Trump said to let Israel kill everyone in Palestine you know.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

149. I vote democratic in every election as well.

But my suggestions are not nonsense.
The stock market is an abstract to people with lower incomes like mine. We see the high cost of groceries etc.

https://www.americanprogress.org/article/working-class-families-getting-hit-sides/

You have to meet people where they are and there are many working class and lower class people out there that would vote democrat if they thought it could make their lives better directly.
People still believe the lie that republicans are fiscally responsible

I resent the bullshit you said about my issues I was not talking about my personal issues. I was noticing a similar situation from my own that a lot of people are suffering through despite this “ wonderful” economy .
That incongruence is glaring here.

There are people that need help ,the lower and working class people. The ones that rarely get mentioned in political speeches while everyone focuses on middle class this or that.

In case you haven’t noticed the middle class is being hollowed out. Biden needs to address this.

The middle class isn’t feeling the same pinch as the poor and working poor do and our numbers are growing.

People offering jobs are faking offering jobs I have heard about people applying and applying but just never hired.

https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/what-are-ghost-jobs-and-why-are-they-everywhere-now/435666

[shrike3]

164. It's not the message. It's the means.

Why air this publicly? Why not talk to the campaign. All this does is give the opposition more to work with.

[PatSeg]

127. Unfortunately, some Obama people are not Biden people

I can understand that I suppose, but it would be nice if they kept their mouths shut during an election year. What good does it serve to give Biden unsolicited advice and criticism publicly? Wait until after the election OR put it in your next book.

[Demsrule86]

136. What do Axelrod want to accomplish? Do they want to help elect Trump. Biden is the nominee. He beats Trump or Trump

win. So attacking Biden all the time is foolish. And Axelrod knows better. He never liked Biden and is making money trashing him. There is no excuse for what Axelrod is doing.

[PatSeg]

141. I think it pisses him off that

Biden's presidency has been so successful and that Biden has been able to accomplish some things that Obama didn't even though Obama had bigger majorities in congress in the beginning.

Joe doesn't have an Ivy League education, but he is good with people and knows how to negotiate. His many years in the senate have really paid off.

I really don't understand. What Axelrod is doing is very small and petty, not to mention dangerous for the country. I'm glad I never watch CNN, because I never have to see his face anymore.

[Demsrule86]

144. There is no question that Biden has achieved more legislation...although Obama gave us health care. I doubt my husband

would be alive without the ACA. They were both great presidents. Axelrod and that crew as you said looked down on Biden...old style politics is how things get done.

[PatSeg]

147. Yes, they were both excellent presidents

though I think Obama could have accomplished even more if he knew how to glad-hand a bit. He was great on the campaign trail. I saw him twice in person and he was incredible. I think that Obama needed to show up more in DC. He had us all in the palm of his hand.

The old style politics that Axelrod and his gang eschewed were once the politics of the Democratic party, the politics of LBJ and FDR, who reached out to the working class.

[Demsrule86]

64. Axelrod has been on every network including Fox...trashing Joe Biden so while he may be a political straegist of sorts,

he is not a Democratic political strategist. One wonders...could he support a different candidate? How nice how he makes the rounds including Fox to trash President Biden who is the only one who can beat Trump. And how exciting for David that he and Republican Mike Murphy have a podcast where they trash Biden on a regular basis-such fun!...

"David Axelrod recently got a gift in the mail.

"It was a box of political pins that captured the unique role that the former top Barack Obama strategist has carved out for himself as a 2024 political commentator — and how allies of the current president see Axelrod at this moment in time.
The message on the pins? “Pricks for Biden.”
For years now, Axelrod has used his many platforms — two podcasts, CNN punditry and regular interviews with political reporters — to offer a lot of unvarnished advice for and criticism of Joe Biden.

In November, he suggested Biden think long and hard about running for reelection. He has been withering about Biden’s skills as a candidate and communicator. He is deeply concerned about the president’s age. And unlike other Democrats in the anti-bedwetting set, Axe has been clear that the party should be freaked out by the polls."

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/01/12/david-axelrod-obama-biden-2024-00135194

Search Google and see how often Axelrod has attacked Biden.
https://www.google.com/search?q=axelrod+doesn%27t+like+Biden&sca_esv=4219658475e40e9f&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS1002US1002&sxsrf=ADLYWIKEKZIcfUaur9IfHzdPCAtgllJESQ%3A1715301179697&ei=O2s9ZoGaKuzBkPIPlYKukA0&vedahUKEwjBo_7r6oGGAxXsIEQIHRWBC9IQ4dUDCBA&oq=axelrod+doesn%27t+like+Biden&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiGmF4ZWxyb2QgZG9lc24ndCBsaWtlIEJpZGVuMggQABiABBiiBEjaL1C9BljhDHABeAGQAQCYAWqgAdEBqgEDMC4yuAEMyAEA-AEBmAIDoALgAcICChAAGLADGNYEGEeYAwCIBgGQBgiSBwMxLjKgB7oD&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

[brush]

74. See posts 24 and 65.

[LiberaBlueDem]

78. Biden should ask the people if they want a Socialist as President

A Socialist would control grocery prices.

A Socialist would control gas prices

A Socialist would control housing prices

Biden has done nothing a Socialist would do except for controlling some medicine prices and saving students from paying more than their share for loans.

So the people would respond, YES we need a Socialist President! Right?

[brush]

79. Not a socialist by classic definition...from each according to his/her ability, to each according to her/his needs...

but a social democracy, a la the Nordic countries with thriving market economies which support a robust social network of unversal health insurance, free college for those who want it, generous yearly vacations/holiday time, free childcare, generous parental time at child birth.

Higher taxes but since everything is mostly covered by the social contract and the thriving market economy, the taxes don't hurt much.

And btw, the countries with social democracies, are always rated as the societies with the best quality of life. Much better than our dog-eat-dog rat race, and better than doctrinaire socialism also...sort of a combination of the two equals way better than both.

[LiberaBlueDem]

80. But the people think Biden is responsible

But he isn't a socialist, yet

[brush]

84. Not even close. Joe will tell you at the drop of a hat that he's a capitalist.

I have a feeling if he had the option, he opt for social democracy just as he's adapted some progressive position in his admin, surprising some of the progressives like AOC, Bowman, Pressley and the other Squad members.

[LiberaBlueDem]

87. Right

Biden has been caught up in the right stuff, ya know, with Bernie and them

Thing is do the people want a Socialist or not?

[shrike3]

90. Axelrod was one of the "Biden should step aside" people.

If he cared about Democrats winning, he could have talked about all this behind closed doors. Instead, he talked to the press.

[Cha]

94. Hmm Wonder who "Prideful" Axe thought should

step up? Phillips?

I know he's an Asshole.. I just didn't know how big of one.

[shrike3]

166. Why isn't he doing this in meeting rooms, rather than in a public forum?

If he's talking to political people about tactics.

[Demsrule86]

65. Axelrod hates Biden and regularly trashed him...I wouldn't one sentence on a guy makes appearances on Fox and trashes

our candidate. He can fuck off.

[brush]

72. Agreed. I remember during the 2020 campaign he tried everything to stop Joe from getting the nomination.

I don't know if bad blood developed during the Obama admin but Axelrod made it known. It's almost as if he resented Joe for having the temerity to try to accomplish what he and David Plouffe accomplished for Pres. Obama.

Who knows, could be something else.

[Demsrule86]

77. I don't know why but there is bad blood...the sneered at Biden before South Carolina...and then breathlessly

announced Biden would lose...he was wrong. And he is wrong now.

[brush]

82. Yes, he needs to stop the near-repug spew about Joe.

He's bitter and it's just making he himself look bad...getting the side eye...like on this thread.

[PatSeg]

129. I read recently that during the Obama years,

there were a number of Obama people who snubbed Biden and didn't want him to run in 2016 or 2020.

I got the impression that Biden was often treated poorly, yet he was loyal and steadfast for the entire eight years. He certainly does not deserve this now. Maybe Axelrod is irked because Biden has accomplished so much in such a short period of time. It certainly sounds like sour grapes.

Leon Panetta said of Biden: “He was loyal, I think, to Obama in every way in terms of defending and standing by him, even probably when he disagreed with what Obama was doing. To some extent, [he] oftentimes felt that that loyalty was not being rewarded.”

[emulatorloo]

2. Frankly Alexrod seems to have a personal grudge against Biden. Anybody know the history?

[brooklynite]

6. The history of a non-existent grudge? No I don't

Do you object to critiquing campaign strategies that may be flawed?

[emulatorloo]

10. Constructive criticism good. Chronic hate boners bad.

See Ritabert’s post below, they see it too.

[brooklynite]

12. I listen to him regularly and don't hear "chronic hate"

[emulatorloo]

16. You're a smart guy who I agree with a lot. But we all have blind spots.

[Oopsie Daisy]

22. Naturally.

[emulatorloo]

24. Possible history, I wonder?

How Obama Pushed Axelrod Out of the White House
It wasn’t exactly “no drama Obama” in the dismissal of a trusted advisor, Richard Wolffe’s new book reveals.
BY CAROL FELSENTHAL
SEPTEMBER 24, 2013, 10:00 AM

https://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/Felsenthal-Files/September-2013/Obama-Axelrod/

Axelrod was insecure, and, Wolffe writes, “fretted about his status, not least after getting pushed out of the West Wing, and he loved to be courted by TV producers. The fleeting fame of TV punditry offered some comfort from the harsh critique that came from internal political disputes…” The new powers that be decided that Axelrod didn’t come off so well on television, and so his role as surrogate was limited there too—not before he had a shouting match with deputy campaign manager Stephanie Cutter, who also had a tenuous tie to the new order, and an especially toxic relationship with Jim Messina. Axelrod thought Cutter had poached an invitation from CBS This Morning. Axelrod and Cutter, now a host on CNN’s Crossfire, eventually resolved their differences, although neither seems to have resolved things with Messina.

[Cha]

102. Oh great.. a much longer history

of resentment from the "wounded" Axe.

This shouldn't even be on DU. It's Vote Depressing.. Axe must be so Proud.

Mahalo, emulatorloo

[Demsrule86]

68. Have you ever listened to his podcast with Mike Murphy (Republican) or perhaps seen him on Fox... He trashes Biden on a

a regular basis. I don't understand how you missed it.

[Demsrule86]

140. Tell me the nice things he has said...if you can think of any.

[greatauntoftriplets]

20. Maybe his buddy Barack Obama needs to have a word with him and set him straight.

Ax has to realize that there's a unique imperative to voting for Biden in this election. On the other hand, Mr. and Mrs. Man on the Street likely haven't a clue who Axelrod is.

[Cha]

21. Axe is Depressing the fucking Vote I know this.

Pres Biden called Axe a "Prick".. no they don't have a feud going.

Biden in spat with ex-Obama adviser who urged him to ‘get out or get going’

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/14/joe-biden-david-axelrod-election-2024

Fuck Off Axerod

[BComplex]

39. And there it is! Biden was right...yet again!

And Axelrod is spreading stupid.

[Cha]

41. Thank You! 🕯️🕊️💙🌊🇺🇸😎

[sheshe2]

55. I didn't know about this!

Thank you, Cha.

[Cha]

57. AXe is Projucting his "Pride" on to Pres Biden,

in my Opinion, she.

You're Weclome

[shrike3]

92. I remember this. Yeah, it's personal.

[Cha]

93. Thought So .. and it's Not

freaking Obvious or anything.. just by reading Axe's words.

He's Projecting his "pride" on to Pres Biden".

It's Terrible anyone giving Axe a Platform to spread his Vote Depressing for the 2024 Election.

[Demsrule86]

66. I believe it dates back to when Biden was a vice-president...He has called Axelrod a prick...which IMHO is true.

[brewens]

3. 10% working class tax cut. Make the wealthy pay for it. It's a slam dunk no brainer. He might not get it through

but just the proposal to make things right with inflation would be a winner.

Trump made that phony announcement a number of times leading up to the 2018 mid-term election and there was nothing to it. Complete bullshit. I never understood how he got away with it. Especially MAGAts that squall like little bed wetting mama's boys about taxes. How the hell did they not flip out over that?

[Alliepoo]

4. I keep saying that people vote by their wallets.

People’s wallets are hurting and that’s a fact. I don’t think most folks give a dang about stuff going on in the country besides the cost of groceries and goods, gas, the cost of housing, taxes etc. It’s up close and personal every single week when we have to pay bills and buy food, fill our tanks. It hurts and Biden has to address that. He absolutely has to. Like now. And continue til the election. Pound on it.

[myohmy2]

56. +1...

....

[Demsrule86]

111. Not this year. Roe Roe your vote. We have won every election since 2016. This one will be no different.

And things are good. This is the best economy in my lifetime...you have GOP types claiming. It is untrue. We have the lowest unemployment in my memory...so it is bad enough dumb Republicans spread this shit. But we shouldn't. It is not true. Can you imagine what would be said if Trump was president about how great it all is? Not only do we have liar GOP types but we have to deal with really bad media who rarely give us a break while supporting the right...But in the end, Roe and the truth will persevere.

[Elessar Zappa]

158. People also care about reproductive choice,

especially women. This has been shown in several races where Democrats have overperformed by a large margin.

[shrike3]

165. It's not the message. It's the way Axelrod chose to deliver it.

He could have addressed it privately. Instead, he chose a public forum, and so may have given the opposition more to work with.

[Raven123]

7. Biden is contrasting his record with TFG's

He does not deny more needs to be done, but he’s running for reelection. He is suppose to remind voters of his administration’s accomplishments. The fact that there are so many seems to flummox Axelrod. None of us sees every campaign event, but what do you expect him to do? Ignore low unemployment? Ignore the infrastructure bill? Ignore successful medication price negotiations?

I’m not an election savant, but I loath these criticisms from prior campaign officials as counterproductive.

[brooklynite]

8. "I hate Trump's corruption, but I heard that a political strategist didn't like Biden's campaign message, so....."

Definitely will have an impact on voters.....

[Demsrule86]

69. I hope not...I would like to believe since Biden is the only one who can beat Trump that Axelrod should STFU.

I don't think what he says is true...and I have no use for him and his shitty podcast with Republican cohost.

[brooklynite]

168. And his Democratic cohost...

and his many Democratic and professional political analysts.

[shrike3]

167. If it doesn't matter, why say it?

[Ritabert]

9. Axelrod's been doing this for awhile

He whines about Biden but offers no actions that Biden can take. Biden can't rein in greedflation. The Republicans won't let him target record corporate profits.

[Demsrule86]

70. Axelrod said Biden was to old in November which is when he became dead to me...He is as Biden reportedly said...

a prick.

[Ritabert]

130. Agreed

[Silent3]

11. Maybe "You can't tell voters they're wrong in how they feel", but I think endless apologies and caveats...

...like "I know many of you are still suffering", "You many not be feeling it yet...", "Look, I know we have a long way to go", etc., don't cut it either.

Part of the reason many Americans aren't feeling the improvement in the economy is the constant doom-and-gloom focus of the media. Biden and his campaign have to counteract that by touting his SIGNIFICANT accomplishments.

[brooklynite]

14. "I feel your pain"

Starting point for Bill Clinton.

How'd that work out?

[Silent3]

18. My memory is fuzzy on how "I feel your pain" worked out for Clinton.

He obviously won two terms, but I don't remember anymore if the "I feel your pain" approach was considered harmful or helpful.

[brooklynite]

63. If you ever saw Clinton in person...

He was incredibly empathic towards voter’s concerns, legitimate or not.

[RobinA]

171. He Was

excellent in person. And, as he was sandwiched between Bushes, gets major points for being able to speak English.

[BeyondGeography]

32. How didn't it work out?

[live love laugh]

35. It worked out well he served two terms.

[awesomerwb1]

42. He lost 2 Presidential elections right?

[NewHendoLib]

13. Good grief. With friends like these...

[Walleye]

15. How many elections has David Axelrod won?

[SleeplessinSoCal]

17. There is time to fix the message.

I don't think it's "pride". Biden has accomplished a lot to be proud of, but the rarefied air of the White House doesn't experience inflation like rest of us.

[emulatorloo]

19. Well said, and Biden is anything but prideful. He's also won a lot of elections.

[Cha]

23. Yesh the "pride" thing is Axe just putting Salt

on his insults.

[BannonsLiver]

46. I think you're exactly right

This is the kind of messaging that gets adjusted as the campaign plays out.

[Upthevibe]

25. STFU Axelrod!!!!!!!!!!!! N/T

Last edited Thu May 9, 2024, 05:51 PM - Edit history (1)

[Cha]

31. THANK YOU!! Yeah AXE is AN ASSHOLE.

Fuck his "Pride" SHIT INSULT.

I can't believe this is being Rec.. It's Vote Depressing.. Want TSF to win?

[skylucy]

43. Axelrod is always a big downer. He wasn't very helpful to Hillary

when she was the nominee either. I think it is just in his nature to be a pompous asshole.

Hiya Cha!

[Cha]

48. Oh Yeah, skylucy.. and Axe has

History with PJB, too.

I posted in this thread but I’m on my phone now so can’t post it here now.

I think Axe is Projecting his Pride insult.

Aloha! Always good to see you! 💙🌊🕯️🕊️🇺🇸😎

[former9thward]

95. Yeah, Axelrod was just the campaign manager for the last two term Democratic president.

I guess that counts for nothing...

[Demsrule86]

110. No really, others ran the show which is part of the reason why Axelrod is furious...He didn't get enouh TV time as he

really wasn't that good at it.

[former9thward]

114. Not at all accurate.

Axelrod first worked with Obama during his U.S. Senate campaign in 2004, where he coined Obama’s signature campaign slogan, “Yes We Can.”

He masterminded Obama’s win in the 2008 presidential election.

After Obama’s election, Axelrod served as the president’s Senior Advisor during his first term.

He continued to play a key role in Obama’s successful re-election campaign in 2012.

[honest.abe]

26. Im torn on this. I have a ton of respect for both Biden and Axelrod.

They are both political geniuses in my opinion. But Ax does have point. Maybe Joe needs to do something like "fireside chats" and talk to people about these issues and ensure them he understands how they feel and is going to work hard as hell to fix the financial problems many people are having.

PS. I dont like that Ax used the word "pride". I dont think that is helpful.

[Demsrule86]

71. I don't. President Biden is the only one who can beat Trump. Fuck Axelrod.

I am so disappointed in him.

[niyad]

96. Just as a matter of curiosity, what do you think he has been

doing since Jan. 2021?

[Ms. Toad]

27. I've been saying this for weeks.

We will not win the election is we continue to tell those open to voting for Trump that they can't believe their lying eyes.

When more of your money is going for food, rent, etc., the claim that the economy writ large is better rings hollow.

I disagree that it is an issue of ego; I think it is more that he isn't living paycheck to paycheck and isn't aware of how differently people who are experience the economy primarily in how far their paycheck goes.

We have to find a way to address their lived experience, rather than denying it.

[303squadron]

28. Big 3 oil companies made $85 billion profit last year

But here is the problem. You can make them pay more taxes and they'll just pass it on to the customer.

But how do you tell them not to be such effing greedy bastards!

The true reason for inflation is not Joe Biden.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

151. You tell them to stop being greedy

Bastards and do what you can to stop the greed. Greed will be what destroys capitalism and ruins our lives.

[303squadron]

155. They would shrug it off like water off a duck

The whole purpose of a corporation is to maximize profit while limiting liability. Their sole purpose is to make money for the lucky few who are shareholders while giving the rest of us the middle finger.

They don't effing care!

[I_UndergroundPanther]

169. Maybe it's time to end the profit

Imperative.

[303squadron]

170. Do you have a plan for that? nt

[I_UndergroundPanther]

172. Rewrite it

To be for the well being and health and stability of all human beings, society , animal life ,employees, the environment and life in general on this planet. The better they care for humanity society and the planet the more money they get.

Use thier greed and overweening ambitions to the whole world’s advantage. Profit seeking and ever expanding growth on a finite planet will kill us all if it is not controlled or stopped or changed.

They had thier time to amass insane wealth now it’s time to pull thier heads out of the trough and grow up and learn what kids in kindergarten learn which is empathy and to share.

Rich people do not earn what they take they are parasitic. They exploit and monetize everything. Take the price tag off the planet before it is unlivable.

[Vinca]

29. Axelrod appears to have a personal hatred of Biden for some reason or another.

He should STFU because is Biden isn't re-elected, this country as we know it will be flushed down the golden commode.

[Doodley]

30. Seems like a fair comment. Why so many comments angry at Axelrod?

[Cha]

36. Because Axe is a fucking Vote Depressing Asshole That's

why.

Pres Biden is NOT "Prideful".. Axehole is throwing Salt on his Insults at Pres Biden.

[shrike3]

88. Because this is something he could have taken up with the campaign.

Not with the press. In public. Axelrod was also one of the "Biden must step aside" crowd, so his motives are suspect to some.

He could have picked up the phone, talked to anyone in the campaign and said, "Your guy's got to get it together." Not the message, but the way it's delivered.

[live love laugh]

33. Fuck Axelrod he's made prior negative comments about Biden.

[bucolic_frolic]

34. The election is not won in May, it's won from Columbus Day forward

You don't telegraph your best pitch now. That will give your opponent time to counter. You beat around the bush now. You throttle up at the convention, and go for broke with your fastball in October. Axelrod, as much as he did for Obama, has become an insidious whiner. Too much visibility, too much a media personality. He's as bad as Rick Wilson.

[Hassler]

37. Axelrod also said Biden is too old. So is Axelrod.

[MOMFUDSKI]

38. I noticed a difference in him on his Podcast

and especially on CNN. It is just about the money for him now.

[Demsrule86]

73. He sold out and even has a GOP host on the podcast. He is paid by CNN to trash Biden. I believe he works for them.

[Sympthsical]

40. Telling hungry people "Yes, but the GDP reports are good!" is out of touch

And incredibly counterproductive. Not sure how many times in how many different ways I can explain this.

The economy looks great on paper. But it is experienced much differently in homes.

You can't tell people they're not experiencing what they're experiencing. They won't vote for you. That just opens a door for demagogues. Because give a demagogue some credit - they'll play to what people are feeling.

The costs of living have been going up, up, up for people.

Yes, I know what all the reports say, all the headlines and sound bites and op-eds. But they are written by people who are not experiencing this. So while they think, "Everything's great!" they do not see and cannot perceive the people on the lower rungs.

I can't figure out where the problem is. Is it that the media are out of touch? Which they are. They talk about the economically disadvantaged like they're remaking Gorillas in the Mist, and they've just entered the jungle of poverty to see how the natives behave in their natural habitat. Or is it the political consultants who are so insulated and data driven that they just stopped talking to actual people?

There's a disconnect here, and I desperately wish it would get recognized and fixed sooner rather than later. I've been banging this drum for two years and hoping it would change. But no. It really does seem like we're going into the election with this. Lord help us.

[Demsrule86]

139. Really? Where Iive. Jobs are plentiful and pay way better than when Trump was president...all the restaurants are fully

booked most of the time. Ths is not a bad economy.

[Sympthsical]

146. No offense but

I remember very vividly a conversation we had, when inflation around 9%, and you made a similar argument. "I don't see any prices at the grocery store going up. People are just making it up." (paraphrasing from memory of course, but it really stood out to me at the time which is why I remember it)

Which was really . . . kind of something to say. So maybe perception and reality aren't meshing?

I don't know what to tell you. I see the cost increases with my own eyes. Rents. The cost of food. Energy costs. All up up up, and people's paychecks aren't keeping up with these changes. I know what the data say, the nationwide data, but I see it on the ground all over the country. I watch my nieces and nephews in their 20s, and they're struggling. We are constantly giving them money to smooth things out for them, and they are not being idle. They have jobs. I see my renter friends trying to put their paychecks to meet the costs. People have been discussing their electric bills nonstop since January.

For someone to come down, "No, I don't see it. There are not problems." It's just not a good political posture.

I'm fine. My partner and I are awesome. But that doesn't mean we don't see that other people are struggling. The disconnect in not observing what people are screaming all over the place is happening is terrible election politics. It can't be ostriched. Gaza and all that mess doesn't worry me about November. This kind of thing does.

[shrike3]

162. I agree, but why not pick up the phone and call the campaign?

Instead of airing disagreements in public.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

150. Same here

And Biden needs to address it. If he did he would get more votes and we could trounce trump and the Republican Party into the dirt.

[shrike3]

44. How does saying this publicly help things?

Axelrod is supposed to be a Democrat. Why not make a few well-placed phone calls?

Does he want Biden to lose?

Is his pride hurt? Is he being kept out of the campaign somehow? Will his pride cost us the election?

[MustLoveBeagles]

50. Thank you

Don't give talking points to the other side.

[shrike3]

85. Exactly. Axelrod was part of the "Biden should step aside crowd" not long ago.

He's up to his usual tricks, I guess.

[SARose]

45. Biden must address this

Daughter saw a Sonic ad on tv for $0.99 large drink. Out and about she drove thru and ordered. Sonic employee says that’ll be $3.65. Daughter said saw tv ad blah blah. Oh that’s only on the app. She said forget it. They said how about 99 cents?

I truly believe Joe Biden needs to meet with CEOs from grocery stores, McDonalds, Sonic, Starbucks, etc. and go all Dark Brandon. Seriously! This is absurd.

So, yes, I agree with Axelrod. Use the bully pulpit.

[Demsrule86]

112. No he should not.

[Joinfortmill]

47. Nope. He's wrong.

[My Own Worst Enemy]

49. This is dumb. Biden is running a very similar campaign on the economy that Obama ran in 2012.

And the economy in 2012 was far worse than it is today.

Unemployment averaged 8% throughout 2012 and I don't recall Obama clamming up and not talking up all he did for the economy.

Biden isn't out there saying everyone is doing great and that all is fantastic. He's consistently admitted that there are areas of focus.

But was it hubris for Obama in 2012 when he said the economy was rebounding?

Or when he said, in spring, 2012, that "the private sector is doing just fine..."?

Did Axelrod go to the media and lambast Obama for being prideful and if he keeps it up, he'll lose reelection?

Obama was dealing with a far worse economy than today. Growth was slow. Unemployment was still high. Benefits were scarce.

Yet he would have been foolish to not focus on what he inherited and the work he did.

In the end, much of the economic frustration remains a byproduct of the press. The media continually tells Americans the economy is awful and Americans start believing it, even if it goes against their own personal situation. Why? Because they then see themselves as an anomaly. Gosh, I'm doing okay financially but the media keeps dooming about a recession so maybe the economy *is* awful.

The facts?

Inflation remains elevated because consumers keep spending. They keep spending because they have money. They have money because we have record-levels of unemployment. If the economy was in the tank and people were really struggling, inflation would eventually work itself out, as it did in the early 80s when unemployment surged to 10% nationally. People are only spending because they have the money to spend. That inherently points to a good economy.

But the media frames it as all bad all the time and that absolutely impacts it. So, Biden should lean into the economic progresses he' seen - just as Obama did twelve years ago.

[niyad]

97. Welcome to our DU family.

[doc03]

51. Oh for gawdsakes Biden's "Pride" may lose his re-election. Trump is the one that

says "I know more than anyone" about 100 different subjects and Axelrod talks about Biden's pride!
Beam me up!
I had a different name for Axlerod but changed it so not to get hidden for criticizing a Democrat.

[FSogol]

52. Axelrod is currently doing a "both sides" podcast with Kellyanne Conway. I think it is safe to ignore his advice.

[Cha]

89. Mahalo!

[FloridaBlues]

53. Biden always acknowledges there is more work to be done to help people

And the economy. Axelrod is no friend of Biden or Democrat for that matter. His Republican friend on his old podcast took over his brain years ago.

[unblock]

54. Sounds to me like it's axelrod's pride that's the problem here.

Biden has no use for axelrod and has rebuffed his overtures, so axelrod is getting his revenge through a bit of sabotage.

It's not the first time, and it won't be the last.

[Freethinker65]

58. Explain how Trump's proposals (increased tariffs, mass deportations) make things worse

Explain how successful the rebounding post COVID has been compared to other developed countries.

Explain that tax cuts to the wealthy and cuts to social programs only help the wealthiest Americans.

[brooklynite]

62. How an issue in the US compares to ann issue annywhere else is irrelevant.

[Freethinker65]

75. Actually, it is relevant.

If all, or most, or even many, other developed countries were doing better at something than the US, one has more reason to wonder why TF can't we in America do this (for example: life expectancy, healthcare costs, and yes, income inequality).

Bash the US for income inequality, possibly, but for unemployment rates or inflation, nope.

And if people honestly believe Trump deporting immigrants (that this country relies on for cheap reliable labor) and raising tariffs is going to bring down prices they are ignorant or crazy. Ignorance can be fixed. The Democrats aren't good at messaging.

And Biden does empathize with struggling Americans. He has forgiven student loans and made medicines more affordable. He has done more for rural Republican majority areas than Trump ever has or will.

[brooklynite]

81. It is not relevant to the average voter.

[Demsrule86]

59. I have not doubt...but I don't agree just as I didnt on Fetterman...you Sen. Fetterman.

[brooklynite]

83. I don't care if you disagree

I’m reporting his strategic analysis. Either you think Biden is ahead and doesn’t need to worry, or he’s not ahead and needs to come up with a strategy different from what Axelrod suggests. Which?

[Demsrule86]

137. Well Fetterman ended up winning now didn't He? This was despite the meeting where with you and Fetterman which I

think you described it as disappointing. It is been a while but it was something like that. This was despite the the breathless polls showing Fetterman was doomed -doomed I tell you. And of course, his campaign was all wrong, but he won in the end.

[brooklynite]

142. So you didn't answer the question.

I gave you the two situational options. Either Biden is ahead or he's not. Which is it?

[ms liberty]

76. How many general elections has Biden won? How many general elections has Axelrod won?

I think Axelrod has had issues with Biden for a long time now, and I'm with Joe on his strategy for what will be his
LAST GENERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN FOR AN ELECTED OFFICE, EVER.

[dawg]

107. You don't know that.

Biden might get bored after handing over the reins to President Harris in 2029 and decide to run for another Senate term. He'd still be younger than Chuck Grassley.

[ms liberty]

117. 😆

[andym]

86. Nope-- in the end, the inflation rate and interest rates will determine how people feel/vote about the economy

The price of gas in early November itself is an important metric. People do have jobs so Joe Biden can take credit for that, though macroeconomic forces probably have more to do with that and inflation than what the US President is doing. OTOH he must also state that there is work to do on inflation and he will get it done.
In the end, "Feeling your pain" as Bill Clinton stated works much better when someone else holds the oval office (like George HW Bush).

[Demsrule86]

124. Not this time. Roe Roe your vote.

[duckworth969]

91. Axelrod has become irrelevant

Nothing to see here

[question everything]

98. Constructive criticism? You are telling us what he is doing wrong. What should he do?

[larwdem]

99. it worked

for tfg to say everything is great?

[betsuni]

103. Oh, ridiculous. First there was whining that Democrats didn't tout their accomplishments enough and now

it's they do too often and we are back to the out-of-touch elites who don't understand the working American people and are too stupid to understand anything thing.

Republican voters thought the economy under Obama was horrible and the instant Trump was inaugurated thought it was terrific while Republicans always wreck the economy, have no policies to help the working/middle class and their messaging is culture wars word salad with nuts. Has nothing to do with reality.

[Cosmocat]

104. I get the point to an extent but

If he loses its because this country is stupid as shit.

My entire life this dynamic has existed where dems get slagged over inane crap like this while Rs are being complete lunatics.

That a hundred plus million people in this country are capable of ginning themselves up to vote for a morally and ethically corrupt, hateful, pos over a decent, kind and extremely competent public servant will be why Joe Biden loses if it comes to that.

[Algernon Moncrieff]

132. Never underestimate the stupidity

...or the short-sightedness.

[IbogaProject]

105. Mr Axe-to-Grind is an ass, but not wrong

The econ # are great, but the recovery has been K shaped. Many are worse off. Joe needs to run agains the do nothing GOP. Joe tried to do more with the two big 2021 spending bills, but the big money in politics plus the filibuster both made it harder to deliver. His spending bills have been transformative but below what he planned. He has to run againt the rich foljs tax cuts and has to promise to do some fixes for the bottom 70-80%. And those GOP stealth tax hikes that hit in 2023 are just showing up. He has to acknowledge the economic pain of the bottom half and direct blame towards the source the GOP. And we need clear simple promises.

[shrike3]

108. But why say it publicly?

He could have called anybody in the campaign. Instead, he talks to The Hill.

[Demsrule86]

109. He hates Biden and he is wrong...he is all about money know...and hops from one venue to another spreading his poison

including Fox and podcasts where the co-host is a Republican. He is a traitor to our party. It has been going on since 2020. He doesn't care about Roe or our democracy.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

106. I disagree with Axelrod

[brooklynite]

113. To everyone saying Axelrod is obnoxious or "has a grudge".....

...so what? Are you claiming he actually wants Biden to lose?

[IbogaProject]

115. Bad venue but not untrue

The K shaped recovery has left many behind. We wouldn't want to go back to the former administration. But food and gas were cheaper then and many voters fall for GOP sound bites.

[riversedge]

116. i do believe it is the everyday living expences that are hurting Biden-. It is constant and

I hear at the grocery line week after week. sometimes Biden's name comes up. Most of the time not. It is an uneasiness with the economy that is is affecting so many at this point in time.


How will they vote?? I do not know

[IbogaProject]

120. We are a group we have to be willing to pitch Biden

I'm focusing on what Joe did, fix the infrastructure. Last slob couldn't even stage an event, let alone get one bridge fixed. Tgat was the one supposed area of expertise he supposedly had. That way we can allow them to slither frim not voting D before whilesaving face. And then I explain that the GOP put in tax hikes to scam owning the actual cost of the Trump Tax Cuts, which are a hike on a majority of Anericans. Simple, Joe got bigger spending bills building and restoring American infrastructure than ever before and it came up short of his goal due to big money corrupting the Senate.

[Demsrule86]

123. That is nonsense...and a bit right wing. We have had a good recvery.

[Demsrule86]

122. Yes, he wants Biden to lose. He doesn't care about this election. clearly he would not be jumping from venue to venue to

attack him. I can remember nothing positive about Joe Biden coming from Axelrod. This article is from 2019, during the primary...he hates Biden and has for years. Thus, I believe anything he says or reports is suspect. And because I believe he helps Trump and hurts Biden with his snark, I despise Axelrod. He also is after the money...goes venue to venue and doesn't care who is elected...although I have often wondered if he truly hopes Trump wins.

CNN political commentator David Axelrod, a former chief campaign strategist for former President Obama, on Wednesday described former Vice President Joe Biden as “Mr. Magooing his way through” the 2020 Democratic primary while speaking in a panel discussion on the network following the Democratic debate from Atlanta.

“Biden. I wouldn’t say he was a house of fire in any of the debates that we’ve been to,” Axelrod said of the top-tier Democratic hopeful’s debate performances.

“And yet he comes, kind of bumps along, kind of Mr. Magooing his way through this,” he added, referring to the popular cartoon character known for being nearly blind.

https://thehill.com/homenews/media/471469-david-axelrod-biden-mr-magooing-his-way-through-democratic-primary/

[brooklynite]

125. So what you're saying is....

Axelrod wants Biden to lose and is therefore...saying how he thinks the campaign could be improved?

[Demsrule86]

138. Really trying to help Biden is he? I suppose saying Biden is too old is constructive criticism? Not in my book.

I don't see anything helpful in his words. I see right-wing bullshit these days. It is very disappointing.

[shrike3]

156. If he wants to help, why isn't he saying it privately?

He can't pick up a phone and call anyone in the campaign? Even call Obama?

In a tight race, you publicly trash the candidate? In what world is this helpful?

[brooklynite]

157. Why do you imagine that his saying it publicly has any negative impact?

Undecided voters don't listen to political podcasts, nor do they read Politico or other websites.

[shrike3]

159. Why do you imagine saying it publicly has any positive impact?

Why do you think saying it publicly "helps"? I'd really like to know. Common sense says you keep the dirty laundry inside, not outside.

[brooklynite]

160. If we've established that it neither helps nor hurts...

It seems to boil down to “I don’t want to hear things I disagree with”

[shrike3]

161. You didn't answer the question. Why would saying this publicly have a positive impact?

And if it doesn't have a positive impact, why say it at all?

[PatSeg]

131. Damn, that is brutal

No wonder Biden calls him the P word.

[flamingdem]

118. What about Biden turned Axelrod against him?

What a frickin' prick!

I hope it's not just about making a buck.

Why can't dems be as united as the gop.

It's really sad.

[Demsrule86]

126. I don't know but it dates back to when Obama was president. Axelrod wasn't getting on the TV shows,I have heard he

blamed Biden. Axelrod isn't very good and they didn't think he was effective. He is only on to trash Democrats...both in 20 and 24. And of course he is cashing in.

[PatSeg]

133. I found this old article that explains

a lot of the attitude toward Biden from some of the Obama people. Some of them have been putting Joe down for a very long time. Much of it was so demeaning and condescending. Meanwhile, Biden has accomplished more than any president in my lifetime - I think that might irk people like Axelrod.

Joe is a better person than I am. I would be extremely bitter.

Interviews with dozens of senior officials of the Obama-Biden administration painted a picture of eight years during which the president and vice president enjoyed a genuinely close personal relationship, built particularly around devotion to family, while at the same time many senior aides, sometimes tacitly encouraged by the president’s behavior, dismissed Biden as eccentric and a practitioner of an old, outmoded style of politics.

“You could certainly see technocratic eye-rolling at times,” said Jen Psaki, the former White House communications director. Young White House aides frequently mocked Biden’s gaffes and lack of discipline in comparison to the almost clerical Obama. They would chortle at how Biden, like an elderly uncle at Thanksgiving, would launch into extended monologues that everyone had heard before.

snip

Meanwhile, Biden loyalists stewed, aware that the vice president, who had gotten himself elected to the Senate at age 29 in the year of President Richard M. Nixon’s landslide reelection and served 36 years, had a range of Washington political skills Obama lacked. The president and his closest allies seemed unaware of how he would alienate potential allies with his preachy tone, particularly in Congress, where Biden excelled.

There's a lot more. It's a rather long article, but it was very interesting and informative.

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/08/14/obama-biden-relationship-393570

[Demsrule86]

143. Excellent article...and think it is true. IMHO Biden delivered the rust-belt to Obama in both 08 and 12 with a some

help from Bill Clinton who made some impressive stops in Youngstown Ohio and other places.

[PatSeg]

145. I'd picked up hints about the anti Biden bias

among some of Obama's people here and there, but to the public they were selling "what best buds" they were and Joe was always praising Obama.

Then last year I read the book The Last Politician: Inside Joe Biden's White House and the Struggle for America's Future by Franklin Foer and he made it quite clear that it wasn't my imagination. Biden was treated disrespectfully and apparently no one wanted him to run for president.

He must have felt like that little kid with a stutter again. Well, he did it his way, showing them all how wrong they were. Maybe people like Axelrod want Joe to fail, so then they can say they were right. Really pisses me off.

[flamingdem]

119. The economy is stellar compared to what it COULD be

after covid and Trump.

Inflation is caused by a lot of greed along the pipeline and Biden has called
it out.

Just how much worse would it be if Trump was in office again.

Those who are suffering at the bottom simply cannot believe Trump will
improve the economy.

Biden can and probably will own up to the fact of ongoing inflation. But
it is coming down.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

121. Feeling inadequate Axelrod?

[Voltaire2]

128. Or perhaps promote left populist reforms

to address legitimate economic anxiety.

Go big or go home. Who said that? Warren? She was right then and it is the right path again.

[lees1975]

148. When will Democrats ever learn?

You can't do this kind of stuff and expect to win elections.

Why does someone always seem to come along and throw cold water on everything? Geez, we're six months out and Axelrod, who knows better, pulls something like this.

Why not just concede now and gift wrap the election for the indicted criminal now?

[Traurigkeit]

154. Seeing Bibi is a Republican , its not surprising he is pulling this off to avoid going to prison himself.

[claudette]

152. Dear Gawd

Anyone with a brain would vote for President Biden rather than the orange criminal. If Dems stay home - then we're going to get what we deserve. Gawd forbid!

[Traurigkeit]

153. What "pride" is he pulling out of his --- ? Yup, when you are not a Republican the GOP media

writes as negative as possible if not even bring lies into it.

[Flash953]

163. Walmart and other corporate behemoths are bullying small businesses and driving up prices Biden needs to be Humble!

The tactics that Walmart employs keeps prices higher. Lower income people are struggling. Their buying power is more important to them. They don't have the luxury of even writing . They are too busy working.

https://time.com/6307359/government-ftc-walmart-prices/