Biden will lose debate if he focuses on his record, former Obama adviser says – Washington Examiner

Former Obama adviser David Axelrod believes that if President Joe Biden spends the whole debate talking about his own record, he will lose it.

Axelrod, appearing on CNN before the network hosts the presidential debate between Biden and former President Donald Trump, issued the warning about the president’s strategy.

Former Obama Advisor David Axelrod: If Biden spends the whole debate talking about his record, “he will lose this debate, and he may lose this election.”

CNN Panel: 🦗🦗🦗 pic.twitter.com/UJOAKShZAx

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) June 27, 2024

“I actually admire the president’s record, but if he spends the whole night extolling his own record and doesn’t take the case to Trump, he will lose this debate, and he may lose this election,” Axelrod said on CNN on Thursday.

Axelrod has been critical of Biden’s approach to messaging, saying last month that the president “should lead with empathy” on economic matters rather than constantly touting the economy as being strong.

Biden has low approval ratings, with the Real Clear Politics polling average showing he has a net 16.7% disapproval rating on his job performance as president. Biden and Trump have similar negative favorability ratings.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The debate on Thursday is a rematch of the two presidential debates from 2020, with both men seeking a second term in the White House in November.

Entering the highly anticipated showdown, Trump holds leads over Biden in most polls nationally and in the swing states. The debate begins at 9 p.m. Eastern and will be aired by multiple cable and television networks.