Former Obama adviser David Axelrod recently criticized President Biden's economic strategies, expressing his frustration with the president's approach to touting the strength of the economy. Axelrod, during an appearance on a podcast, mentioned that he found it exasperating when Biden highlighted the supposed 'miracle' of his economy while many Americans are struggling to afford basic necessities like groceries.
Axelrod suggested that Biden's strategy of emphasizing the economy's strength was not effective. He pointed out Biden's Easter interview where the president referred to having the 'strongest economy in the world,' which Axelrod believed was the wrong message to convey. Instead, Axelrod proposed that Biden should empathize with working-class Americans by acknowledging their economic challenges.
Axelrod emphasized the importance of Biden aligning himself with working people and their economic struggles. He recommended that Biden shift his messaging to reflect a deeper understanding of the everyday financial concerns faced by Americans, such as rising grocery prices, gas costs, and rent expenses.
Furthermore, Axelrod raised concerns about Biden's standing in hypothetical election matchups against former President Trump, particularly in crucial swing states. He highlighted the significance of appealing to working-class voters and urged Biden to adopt a more relatable and empathetic approach to secure their support.
In a broader context, Axelrod advised Biden to embody his roots as 'Joe from Scranton' rather than appearing detached as 'President Biden from Washington.' He stressed the pivotal role of working-class voters in determining the outcome of the election and emphasized the need for Biden to connect with them on a personal and economic level.
Additionally, Politico columnist Jonathan Martin referenced a private incident where Biden reportedly referred to Axelrod in a derogatory manner, indicating internal tensions within the political sphere. Martin criticized Biden's handling of the situation and cautioned against engaging in confrontational exchanges that could hinder his re-election prospects.