Whatever one thinks of David Axelrod, he is certainly an astute political tactician and observer of campaign politics. Axelrod’s take on the Clinton campaign’s decision to trot out Chelsea to attack Bernie Sanders on Sanders’ long-held position in favor of universal health care, therefore, is worth noting.
Axelrod observes:
“On the other hand, I really regret that the Clinton campaign sent Chelsea out to make the attack she made today. I don’t think it was the right attack. Bernie Sanders is proposing single-payer, universal health care. You could hardly say he is trying to take health care away from anyone or retreat from Obamacare. He’s trying to exceed it. And so it’s really not an honest attack, and it’s not something that they should have sent her out to do.”
Axelrod has shown no bias for Sanders or against Clinton. He has predicted since the outset of the campaign that Democrats will ultimately settle on Clinton. He has also had a chance to view a Clinton campaign up close back in 2008. He recognizes the kinds of campaign tactics a Clinton camp will resort to in the face of unexpected adversity.
What we’re seeing from the Clinton camp the last couple of days is to be expected, given what transpired in 2008. I expect Bill’s upcoming campaign swing through Iowa to bring back memories of his 2008 jaunt through South Carolina.