David Axelrod, former adviser to Barack Obama, has expressed serious reservations about the potential exclusion of Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot, citing concerns that such a move could further divide the nation. Axelrod's comments come in response to the news that Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows blocked Trump from the state's ballot, alleging a violation of the 14th Amendment related to his actions on January 6.
In an interview with a media network, Axelrod voiced his concerns, stating, "I have very, very strong reservations about all of this." He emphasized the potential for severe consequences, suggesting that preventing Trump from running could "rip the country apart" due to the substantial number of supporters eager to vote for him.
Axelrod also noted that Trump's popularity seems to have increased despite facing various indictments, including federal charges of mishandling classified documents, to which Trump has pleaded not guilty. Trump was previously blocked from Colorado's 2024 ballot, and Axelrod predicts that these decisions could contribute to a surge in Trump's popularity.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a Republican Presidential hopeful, characterized the court decisions, particularly the one in Maine, as turning Trump into a martyr in the eyes of voters. Axelrod acknowledged the unexpected resilience of Trump, stating, "What you thought might be kryptonite for him has turned out to be battery packs, and this is a big one for him."
Axelrod issued this warning a month after advising President Joe Biden to enhance his campaign strategy. Despite Biden's reported irritation with Axelrod's advice, Axelrod reiterated the importance of a strategic approach, suggesting that defeating Trump would likely require success at the polls.
The former adviser also touched on Biden's age, highlighting that, if re-elected, Biden would be 86 at the end of his second term, making him the oldest sitting President. Axelrod hinted at the possibility of Biden dropping out of the race, urging him to either "get out or get going." He pointed to potential Democratic challengers, including Representative Dean Phillips, author Marianne Williamson, and YouTube news anchor Cenk Uygur.
(With Agency Inputs)
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