Axelrod Says Trump Could Win If Election Happened Now

During CNN's coverage of the Democratic National Convention, former Obama adviser David Axelrod expressed concerns about the current political landscape, suggesting that if the election were held today, Republican former President Donald Trump could emerge victorious. Despite Vice President Kamala Harris leading in some national polls, Axelrod cautioned that the race remains highly competitive, particularly in key battleground states. Axelrod highlighted a shift in sentiment since the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee, where there was a prevailing sense of optimism among Democrats. He noted that while Harris has made significant strides, the dynamics of the race have changed dramatically, indicating that Democrats should not become overly confident. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the Electoral College rather than national polling numbers, which can be misleading. The former adviser pointed out that for Democrats to secure victory in battleground states, they need a substantial lead in the Electoral College. He referenced President Joe Biden's previous win, where he garnered a national popular vote lead of seven million but only a narrow margin in critical states. This underscores the necessity for Democrats to translate enthusiasm into tangible electoral action. Axelrod concluded by stressing the importance of maintaining enthusiasm within the Democratic Party while also mobilizing that energy into effective campaigning. He indicated that this dual approach will be crucial for Democrats as they navigate the upcoming election cycle.