Axelrod to GOP strategists: If Biden is replaced, ‘you guys are in trouble’

[mystery-ak]

 Axelrod to GOP strategists: If Biden is replaced, ‘you guys are in trouble’
by Tara Suter - 06/28/24 8:32 AM ET

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.”

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https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4745498-biden-debate-trump-challenge/

[Maj. Bill Martin]

Well, he's right.  And that's the risk.

The problem for Democrats is that there isn't a consensus alternative around which they all will rally.   Bypassing Kamala Harris would create a whole other issue for them.

Also, Trump should withdraw from the next debate.  Not now, but a couple of weeks before.   He could legit say that it would be cruel to put Biden through that again, and he doesn't want to be a part of that.  Because a whole lot of folks will be thinking that exact thing.

[LMAO]

Well, he's right.  And that's the risk.

The problem for Democrats is that there isn't a consensus alternative around which they all will rally.   Bypassing Kamala Harris would create a whole other issue for them.

Also, Trump should withdraw from the next debate.  Not now, but a couple of weeks before.   He could legit say that it would be cruel to put Biden through that again, and he doesn't want to be a part of that.  Because a whole lot of folks will be thinking that exact thing.

If they replace Biden, I can see them doing it with a Democrat governor. Newsom would be tough to sell to the Midwest. Whitmer has a much better chance.

[DefiantMassRINO]

Who would the Dems replace him with?

Dem talent pool is a stagnant cesspool.

[DB]

I think both are widely disliked. A sudden replacement could win in a landslide as a way out for people to avoid voting for either of them.

The Democrats will bend rules and/or laws to make it happen. They'll do whatever it takes because the facade of Joe Biden has collapsed in prime time.

The longer they wait, the less time remains to vet whomever they replace him with. And that works in their favor. Just picking someone likeable who can talk without it all being about themselves would go a long way.

[Maj. Bill Martin]

I was talking with my brother about this, and the best route we came up with for Democrats is this:

The best replacement candidate for him would be Hakeem Jeffries.  He's on the left, he's black, and he's popular within their party.  Having him replace Kamala would likely ruffle the fewest progressive feathers.

The Democrats just changed their rules for nominees to give themselves the ability to remove the nominee even after the convention if he is incompetent. So, if they can't convince Jill and Joe to withdraw, they would always have that mechanism.

If they were forced to remove him involuntarily as the nominee, that would still leave a guy they just declared incompetent as president. And that would mean they could invoke the 25th amendment to remove him.  If they removed him, Kamala would immediately become president, which would mean they would finally have the first black female president.   So even if Jeffries is the nominee, they'd still get to claim that victory to appease women.

[Free Vulcan]

That's just ratty, desperate playground punk A-holerod. The Rats ain't got jack to replace Biden and you know it.

I look at it that there are three players: Her Royal Heinous Jill, Mooch the Wookie, and Kamashamalamadingdong. Kama probably has the least support among insiders, but she also has the 25th at her disposal and alot of fear to manipulate.

Unless Mooch defers, I think Newsome is out, and I don't see any other dark horse wild cards coming to the forefront.

This might get fun. 

[DB]

Expect the unexpected...

[IsailedawayfromFR]

Expect the unexpected...

You mean like the 25th Amendment executed by convention time and Harris sworn in as President with Barak nominated to replace her as VP?

If that ticket wins, Harris would either be a Biden-like puppet or would drop out for some unexplained personal reason and we have Barak's third (or 4th) term.

[Smokin Joe]

Celebration of the debacle is premature.
It only underscores the need for the Dems to change strategy.
...and they will change horses in mid stream.

Mooch/Hillary.

[Fishrrman]

LMAO:
"If they replace Biden, I can see them doing it with a Democrat governor. Newsom would be tough to sell to the Midwest. Whitmer has a much better chance"

Nope.
How about:
- Josh Shapiro of PA (a critical state to win)
- Andy Brashear (sp?) of Kentucky
- Roy Cooper of North Carolina
or even
- That lady governor of Kansas (Laura Kelly)
???

All have proven they can win in red or purple states.