David Axelrod, a prominent Democratic strategist, shared his thoughts during a CNN interview on Saturday, stating that former President Donald Trump’s political and legal challenges are becoming increasingly real now that Vice President Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee for this year’s presidential election.
Harris took over the nomination from President Joe Biden after he stepped back from the race, gaining Biden’s endorsement on July 21. Unlike Biden, who consistently lagged behind Trump in polls, Harris is now surpassing him in numerous surveys and has emerged as a frontrunner for the November election in the eyes of multiple bookmakers.
As the Republican nominee, Trump is campaigning for a second term while grappling with legal issues stemming from his conviction for 34 counts in a New York hush money trial earlier this year. He is scheduled to be sentenced in September.
Additionally, Trump is embroiled in several other significant legal battles, including cases in Georgia and federal election interference, as well as one concerning classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Although U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the classified documents case, that ruling is being appealed by the Department of Justice’s special counsel, Jack Smith. Trump has maintained his innocence across all allegations.
If victorious in November, some predict Trump might attempt to influence the DOJ to dismiss the federal charges he’s facing.
During the interview, CNN’s Michael Smerconish raised the question of whether Trump was deliberately sabotaging his campaign to which he asserted that Trump’s personal freedom and financial stake in the election are paramount—prompting Axelrod to agree that Trump’s situation is dire.
Axelrod articulated that Trump’s stakes in this election are significantly higher than those of an average candidate. “The consequences of a loss could lead him to confront the justice system directly, which is a far cry from the expectations he had during the Republican National Convention,” Axelrod said. “Now, his reality seems daunting.”
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In a recent ruling, a state appeals court declined to postpone the proceedings in Trump’s Georgia racketeering and election subversion case until 2025.
Financially, Trump is also struggling. A recent report revealed he owes over $100 million due to legal liabilities, including substantial amounts linked to E. Jean Carroll’s lawsuits, one of which has already cost him $5 million for defamation and sexual abuse.
Axelrod emphasized that Trump’s strategy seems centered on framing Harris as “the incumbent,” a tactic that appears to have faltered as Trump’s focus has shifted back to his legal problems in recent public statements.
In a press briefing at his Trump National Golf Club, Trump expressed a disdainful attitude towards Harris, claiming he feels “entitled to personal attacks.” Axelrod likened Trump’s aggressive demeanor to that of a “rattled old boxer” facing a skilled opponent, suggesting that he appears desperate and agitated.
“It’s like watching someone unravel in real-time,” Axelrod quipped, noting Trump’s inability to maintain composure amid his current challenges.