In a recent interview, former top Obama official David Axelrod expressed concern for Republicans if President Biden were to step down as the Democratic presidential nominee following his lackluster debate performance. Axelrod's remarks came after the first debate held in Atlanta, where Biden, aged 81, stumbled through his responses, leading to a debate that left some Democrats worried and Republicans claiming victory.

Axelrod appeared on CNN following the debate and directed his comments towards the Republican strategists on the panel. He cautioned them, stating, "If, for whatever reason, there's a change at the top of the ticket, you guys are in trouble with Donald Trump because the guy who was up there tonight is not a guy who's going to inspire people." Axelrod's forceful assertion highlighted his view that Biden had not demonstrated any significant change during the debate.

One of the Republican strategists, Scott Jennings, acknowledged Trump's strong policy exchanges during the debate, particularly on topics such as immigration and the economy. However, Jennings agreed with Axelrod's observation that Trump failed to present an optimistic vision for the future. "He should have turned the page and sounded an optimistic note on what we could become as a people and as a country," Jennings remarked.

Jennings further argued that the enduring image from the debate would be Biden's struggle to articulate his thoughts. Axelrod responded by reiterating his initial point, emphasizing the potential impact of Biden's absence as the Democratic nominee. Although Axelrod acknowledged that the chances of Biden dropping out were "pretty remote," he highlighted concerns raised by some strategists about replacing the presumptive nominee due to his early stumbles.

Axelrod also noted that Trump did not have a great night during the debate. However, he posited that if Biden were not the candidate and another nominee replaced him, Trump would face significant challenges in the election.

Axelrod's sentiment was echoed by former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, who took to Twitter to react strongly, writing, "Mark my words... Biden will not be the Democrat nominee. Republicans, get your guard up!" Haley's statement appeared to align with Axelrod's warning regarding potential changes to the Democratic presidential ticket.

While Axelrod recognized that it was not a good night for President Biden, he underlined the notion that Trump also did not shine during the first debate. Despite the subpar performances from both candidates, Axelrod stressed the importance of a nominee who could inspire the American people.

Axelrod's comments have sparked a discussion regarding the potential implications of Biden's presence or absence as the Democratic nominee. Whether these concerns materialize or remain speculative, Republicans and Democrats alike are taking notice of the challenges each party may face come November.