Barack Obama's former adviser David Axelrod expressed "very strong reservations" on booting Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot, saying it could tear the nation apart.
Reacting to the news that Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows blocked Trump from the state's ballot because she alleged Trump violated the 14th Amendment through his actions on January 6, Axelrod told a media network : "I have very, very strong reservations about all of this."
Axelrod said: "I do think it would rip the country apart if he were actually prevented from running because tens of millions of people want to vote for him."
He also suggested that Trump has only "gained" popularity since the various indictments against him, which include federal charges of mishandling classified documents. He has pleaded not guilty to all 91 felony charges.
Trump was also blocked from Colorado's 2024 ballot earlier this month, and combined with the Maine decision; Axelrod predicted Trump would only become more popular.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a Republican Presidential hopeful, said the court's decisions, especially Maine, made Trump a martyr before the voters.
"What you thought might be kryptonite for him has turned out to be battery packs, and this is a big one for him," Axelrod said.
"I think if you're going to beat Donald Trump, you're going to probably have to do it at the polls."
Axelrod issued the warning a month after he advised President Joe Biden to ramp up his campaign strategy.
Biden reportedly became "irritated," and as a result, Axelrod said he would "live with the fact that the President is unhappy with me".
"Again, my feeling is: either get out or get going," Axelrod said, suggesting it may be wise for President Biden to consider dropping out of the race, largely due to his age. Biden is the oldest sitting President at 81. If he wins, he will be 86 at the end of his second term. Biden's Democratic challengers are Representative Dean Phillips, author Marianne Williamson and YouTube news anchor Cenk Uygur."
23 injured in two separate road accidents in Tripura
At least 10 students and a woman suffered breathing problems and six of them immediately shifted to the government-run Govind Ballabh Pant Medical College and Hospital and their condition stated to be not serious.
Abhinaba Banik to represent Tripura in National Youth festival 2025 as state youth icon student-scientist
The Directorate of Youth Affairs & Sports of Tripura government has nominated Abhinaba Banik to represent the state as State Youth Icon Student-Scientist at the National Youth Festival.
Odisha's strategic position under PM Modi's 'Act East Policy' to take centre stage at PBD event
There is no denying the fact that under the visionary and dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s connection with its global diaspora has strengthened significantly over the last decade. A number of initiatives have been launched for the welfare of Indian nationals living abroad.
India well prepared to handle HMPV, surveillance shows no unusual surge: Centre
India is well-prepared to handle respiratory illnesses and surveillance shows no unusual surge in the country, according to the government, as reports surface about rising cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China in the past few weeks.
PM Modi guarantees continuation of free welfare schemes in Delhi
No existing public welfare scheme in Delhi will be withdrawn after BJP comes to power in Delhi, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, virtually guaranteeing the continuation of free water, power and bus travel for women offered by the current AAP government.
Three killed as Coast Guard chopper crashes in Gujarat's Porbandar
An Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) crashed in Gujarat's Porbandar on Sunday, killing all three crew members on board, a top police official confirmed.
AAPda govt lacks vision to drive Delhi's development: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a sharp critique of the AAP government in Delhi, calling it an "AAPda government" that lacks vision for the city's progress.