During a panel discussion with CNN anchors John Berman and John Avalon, Democratic strategist Paul Begala, a CNN contributor, expressed his strong disapproval of President Joe Biden’s press conference following the release of Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report on his handling of classified documents. Begala firmly believes that the press conference was a complete disaster. It is worth noting that this discussion took place on Friday, coinciding with the announcement of John Avalon’s departure from the network.
“Well, how much democratic bedwetting do you think there will be? I bring up the term (inaudible),” Berman said.
“It’s a political term of art, John,” Avalon said.
“It is used in democratic being de-politics, is what people say about Democrats. I’m not say anything offensive to Paul’s,” Berman said.
“Delicate sense,” Avalon said.
“Delicate ears. So, how much of that will there be? And if you are the White House, how do you assuage said bedwetting?” Berman said before Begala chimed in.
“Oh yes. Look, I’m a Biden supporter. I slept like a baby last night. I woke up every two hours crying and wet the bed. This is terrible for Democrats, and anybody with a functioning brain knows that. But here’s what you do, instead of calling a press conference saying I really am sharp, you attack the other guy,” the Democrat strategist said.
“You know, Joe Biden gave the strategy in 2012. He was, I remember, he was vice president, and he said don’t compare us to the Almighty compares to the alternative. So everything was Biden has to be not I’m great but the other guy’s really damaging, dangerous, a threat,” he said.
“You know, the — this is an — John is exactly right, right? This is going to be a really rough, ugly, unpleasant campaign. Look at years ago, David Duke, the former Klansman, was running for governor against Edwin Edwards, who had been charged, indicted, and convicted of any number of crimes. Edwin won the campaign with a bumper sticker that said, vote for the crook. It’s important. And they’re going to tell Democrats, look, both for the old guy, support the old guy. It’s important…,” he said.
“So you think they blew it last night? Just to be clear, do you think last night was — it was a mistake to have him out there?” Berman said.
“Well, no. I want to see more of Joe Biden, but the gaps are built in. But instead of simply saying, ‘I’m OK.’ He just simply — he needs to be on the attack 24/7 for the next 269 days,” the strategist said.