David Axelrod on the AC360 interview Biden did two days ago

[highplainsdem]

Axelrod's usually unreasonably critical of Biden, IMO, and recently he wrote something indicating he's a Warren supporter.

So I was glad to see he was willing to admit how moving Biden's comments were:

Link to tweet

I was reminded tonight, when he was speaking with @AC360, how compelling and powerful @JoeBiden can be when he speaks of loss and recovery; a quality so desirable in times of national tragedy.

Link to tweet

And yes, @BetoORourke also projects palpable empathy- and, not coincidentally, also has experienced a tragic loss in his life.
I do believe that decency is in demand. This will be a major plotline as the story of this next election plays out.

The replies are well worth reading.

Some of them:

After tonight, I’m done. Joe is the leader we need. The debates are idiotic and are a format that doesn’t test skills needed for the office. Stop those formats period.


And I’d argue, after restoring our place in the world, leading our nation through post Trump healing will be one of the most important jobs of the next President. He’s uniquely qualified to do both.


The interview was a respite in the day. I was spellbound watching and listening to all that a president should be,coming from this special man. If I turned my head, I could swear I was hearing Pres Obama...


He’s the candidate of “Wisdom” ... and it shows


Kindness, compassion, wisdom, empathy, honesty ... imagine


He showed depth and perspective that makes his challengers look a little - or a lot - wet behind the ears. 'America is an idea; we hold these truths to be self evident;…….everyone gets an equal chance.' He's electable on that line alone and can beat challenges from left & right


Joe Biden was stellar last night on AC360. It was refreshing and raw. He's so intelligent and compassionate. It was one of the best interviews I've seen AC do.


You're so right. A President doesn't just set policy. He's also the Consoler in Chief, the one who is supposed to help a wounded and grieving nation. (Not inflict the wounds.)


Get behind Biden and a broad campaign to win the Senate @davidaxelrod it's going to take FDR era majorities to right things.


Biden is the President we need instead of the madman we have.

Editing to link to a thread with video clips of the interview:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1287229037

[BeyondGeography]

1. Axelrod's an informed critic first, if he supports anyone it doesn't get in the way of his judgement

That's what he strives for at least. That's why what he says matters more than the usual partisan.

[highplainsdem]

2. He's been sniping at Biden for months. Just google

axelrod critical of biden

and you'll see what I mean.

I was glad that he at least made his support for Warren clear, because it helped explain why he's been trying to cut Biden down.

And it was good to see Axelrod admit how moving Biden's remarks in that interview were.

But he has NOT been fair to Biden.

I've even wondered at times if Axelrod was envious of Biden's friendship with Obama.

But his apparent support for Warren is a simpler answer.

[BeyondGeography]

3. That's because Biden has been a mostly mediocre campaigner and his first debate was an epic failure

I sincerely doubt Axelrod is in the tank for Warren. Her campaign reminds him of Obama in some basic ways, ie the strong link between biography and message. But he has been pretty blunt about the challenges she'll face on policy. He has had very kind words for Buttigieg as well. Most impartial/informed observers would say those two have been the strongest campaigns so far, or at least in the top three.

[highplainsdem]

4. Disagree, but I'm not going to waste time arguing about it.

[Skya Rhen]

5. You are spot on. When Biden was deciding on a 2016 run, Axelrod was the loudest and most critical

voice against it - with a mean undertone. I was left to believe that it was something personal between him and Biden that will probably never be publicly revealed.

Now it seems as if he forces himself, from time to time, to put aside any ill feelings and give Biden the credit that he deserves.

[highplainsdem]

6. Axelrod was pushed out of the Obama White House:

https://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/Felsenthal-Files/September-2013/Obama-Axelrod/


I was reminded of that when he sniped at Biden on Twitter for posting a photo of a friendship bracelet on Best Friend's Day:

https://thehill.com/homenews/media/447691-axelrod-mocks-bidens-best-friends-day-tweet-to-obama-this-is-a-joke-right


These YouTube videos explain the background for that Biden tweet:

As you can see from the second video there, the earlier one, Obama started the friendship-bracelet joke.

It was petty and mean-spirited, and quite possibly envious, for Axelrod to go after Biden for that tweet.

I've thought his sniping at Biden was beneath him, so I was glad to see him finally saying something nice about Biden.

It's a shame it took something as impressive as an interview that moved a number of DUers to tears to get some reaction from Axelrod that wasn't criticism.

[Skya Rhen]

7. This is why I take extra note whenever Axelrod says the slightest positive thing about Biden because

it is very rare...

[Cha]

8. Thanks for this, highplainsdem..

I didn't see it yesterday but now is good to KICK it!