David Axelrod, former senior adviser to President Barack Obama, excoriated former Vice President Joe Biden over a video touting the pair’s relationship and Biden’s role in the Obama administration.
In the video, released hours before Biden and nine Democratic rivals take the debate stage in Houston, the former vice president praises his former boss, calling him an “extraordinary man.” The video shows images of Biden with Obama together, while touting the Affordable Care Act, and the Lilly Ledbetter Act covering equal pay among male and female workers.
Biden’s campaign accompanied the video with a tweet, “Barack Obama was a great president. We don’t say that enough.”
That approach didn’t sit well with Axelrod, chief strategist for then-Illinois Sen. Obama’s 2008 winning presidential bid, and his successful reelection effort in 2012 against Republican nominee Mitt Romney. Now director of the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics and a CNN contributor, Axelrod has for months publicly expressed skepticism over Biden’s chances in the crowded Democratic field.
“This pre-debate video tribute to @BarackObama from @JoeBiden is about as subtle as a screen door on a submarine,” Axelrod tweeted Thursday. “Not only is he claiming co-authorship of Obama’s record. He’s sending message to the others: ‘You want to attack Obama’s record? Make my day!'”
This pre-debate video tribute to @BarackObama from @JoeBiden is about as subtle as a screen door on a submarine.
Not only is he claiming co-authorship of Obama’s record. He’s sending message to the others:
“You want to attack Obama’s record? Make my day!” https://t.co/Y0ixbXztMv— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) September 12, 2019
An Axelrod tweet soon after sought to soften his critique of Biden’s approach.
“Just to be clear, I’m not criticizing @JoeBiden for touting his partnership with @BarackObama, which was genuine and strong. Nor am I criticizing the video or its timing, hours before the debate. I’m just noting the obvious strategy behind it.”
Just to be clear, I’m not criticizing @JoeBiden for touting his partnership with @BarackObama, which was genuine and strong. Nor am I criticizing the video or it’s timing, hours before the debate. I’m just noting the obvious strategy behind it. https://t.co/XwgLzqvF9k
— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) September 12, 2019
Biden found himself defending Obama era policies last time he was on the debate stage with his fellow Democrat primary opponents on issues ranging from deportations of illegal immigrants to the administration’s signature health care law.
Biden later went after his opponents for their attacks, telling reporters, “I was a little surprised at how much incoming there was about Barack, about the president.” He added, “I’m proud of having served him. I’m proud of the job he did. I don’t think there’s anything he has to apologize for.”
Axelrod is among the more prominent former Obama advisers not bullish about Biden’s presidential chances. Former Obama White House Communications Director Jen Psaki has also raised concerns.
[Also read: Biden falsely claiming he turned against Iraq War ‘the moment’ invasion was launched]
