Axelrod explained that Biden should be appealing to Americans who are concerned about the cost of living, rather than touting how strong the economy is. He says Biden “should lead with empathy,” or his “pride” could cost him the White House. ...

“The polling data has been wrong all along,” Biden said. “You guys do a poll at CNN, how many folks do you have to call to get one response? The idea that we’re in a situation where things are so bad … when I started this administration, people were saying there’s going to be a collapse in the economy. We have the strongest economy in the world. Let me say that again: in the world.”

Axelrod agreed that the economy is strong, but Biden’s avoidance of showing empathy for those experiencing economic turmoil is “a terrible mistake.” Scott Jennings, a former Republican political director and CNN panelist, agreed with Axelrod and called Biden’s messaging “incredibly weak.”