Things keep getting worse for sleepy Joe.
Democratic strategist David Axelrod recently criticized President Joe Biden in a scathing op-ed published on CNN, raising concerns about Biden’s cognitive abilities following a contentious interview with ABC. Axelrod expressed dismay over Biden’s interview, which he believed exacerbated fears about the president’s mental decline rather than allaying them.
Axelrod highlighted Biden’s apparent attempt to move past a disappointing debate performance by sitting down with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos. However, Axelrod contended that Biden failed to achieve his goal of reassuring the Democratic Party, instead furthering concerns about his mental acuity.
During the interview, Biden dismissed suggestions about his cognitive state and refused to entertain the idea of undergoing a neurological test despite Stephanopoulos’ persistent questioning. The president attributed his poor debate showing to exhaustion rather than any serious condition, describing it as a regrettable episode.
Axelrod criticized Biden’s reluctance to acknowledge mounting concerns about his reelection prospects, warning that continued denial could lead to a significant defeat against a controversial former president. He characterized Biden’s stance as one of denial, delusion, and defiance, emphasizing the potential consequences for both the election and Biden’s legacy.
This isn’t the first instance where Axelrod has publicly criticized Biden. Earlier in the year, he condemned Biden’s handling of economic issues, labeling it a significant error. Axelrod’s critique joins a growing chorus within the Democratic Party urging Biden to consider stepping aside, with Representative Angie Craig becoming the latest to break ranks and call for Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race.
In Axelrod’s view, the focus on Biden’s age and cognitive abilities risks overshadowing critical policy debates and allowing his opponent to capitalize on perceived weaknesses. He urged Biden to confront these challenges directly to avoid jeopardizing his historical legacy and the Democratic Party’s electoral prospects.