Democratic strategist David Axelrod told GOP strategists during a postdebate panel discussion that they and former President Trump would face “trouble” if President Biden is replaced at the top of the Democratic ticket.
“If, for whatever reason, there’s a change at the top of the ticket, you guys are in trouble with Donald Trump. Because the guy who was up there tonight is not a guy who’s going to inspire people,” Axelrod said on CNN following Thursday’s debate, in a clip highlighted by Mediaite.
“He did not show in any way that he has changed from the guy who people have a very positive opinion of, for a lot of good reason.”
Biden’s debate performance sparked fears among his own party, as his voice was raspy and he struggled with his words. Operatives and pundits indicated following the debate that discussions were happening about Biden bowing out before the upcoming election.
“I think there was a sense of shock, actually, at how he came out at the beginning of this debate. How his voice sounded. He seemed a bit disoriented. He did get stronger as the debate went on,” Axelrod said on CNN. “I think you’re going to hear discussions that I don’t know will lead to anything, but there are going to be discussions about whether he should continue.”
Biden had a cold during the debate, according to a White House official, and his camp defended him as questions swirled around his position at the top of the Democratic ticket.
“President Biden is the only person who has ever beaten Donald Trump. He will do it again. Donald Trump did not give voters any reason to vote for him tonight. On the issues, the American people are with Joe Biden,” a Biden adviser said.
A CNN flash poll of registered voters who viewed the debate found 67 percent saying Trump won the debate and 33 percent saying Biden won it.
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