CNN political commentator David Axelrod David AxelrodThe Memo: Warning signs flash for Trump on debates GOP hunts for leverage in revived COVID-19 talks Pelosi says there shouldn't be any debates between Biden and Trump MORE, a former chief campaign strategist for former President Obama, on Wednesday described former Vice President Joe Biden Joe BidenFormer Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick Bloomberg rolls out M ad buy to boost Biden in Florida MORE as "Mr. Magooing his way through" the 2020 Democratic primary while speaking in a panel discussion on the network following the Democratic debate from Atlanta.

"Biden. I wouldn't say he was a house of fire in any of the debates that we've been to," Axelrod said of the top-tier Democratic hopeful's debate performances.

"And yet he comes, kind of bumps along, kind of Mr. Magooing his way through this," he added, referring to the popular cartoon character known for being nearly blind.

ADVERTISEMENT

"You keep worrying he's going to hit a wall, but he's moving forward," he added.

Following some laughter from the panel, Axelrod continued, saying that if the former vice president can survive tough early tests in Iowa and New Hampshire, he could do really well in the next round of primaries.

"Obviously, he's losing some altitude in Iowa, New Hampshire, that should be concerning to him," the host of "The Axe Files" said. "But if he can survive those states because of his strong support in the African American community and because he has a cultural kinship with working-class whites, non-college whites, you know, he has a play here."

Biden raised eyebrows during a few of his answers in Wednesday's debate that was co-hosted by MSNBC and The Washington Post. He faced particular scrutiny for one of his answers on the topic of domestic violence.

"No man has a right to raise a hand to a woman in anger other than in self-defense, and that rarely ever occurs," said Biden. "So we have to just change the culture, period, and keep punching at it and punching at it. No, I really mean it."

First, Joe Biden talks about how Men can only hit women in 'Self defense'



Then he proceeds to use the term"punching it, punching it, and punching it" in the very next sentence...



That's one heck of a front runner the Democratic Party has... pic.twitter.com/DaeLq0mgcL — Brigitte Gabriel (@ACTBrigitte) November 20, 2019

Biden also touted his ability to get the black vote, claiming to have the endorsement of the only black woman elected to the Senate, which was quickly rebuffed by Sen. Kamala Harris Kamala HarrisTexas Democratic official urges Biden to visit state: 'I thought he had his own plane' The Hill's Campaign Report: Biden on Trump: 'He'll leave' l GOP laywers brush off Trump's election remarks l Obama's endorsements A game theorist's advice to President Trump on filling the Supreme Court seat MORE (D-Calif.), who was standing on the stage with Biden.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I’m part of that Obama coalition,” Biden said. “I come out of the black community, in terms of my support. If you notice, I have more people supporting me in the black community that have announced for me, because they know me, they know who I am. Three former chairs of the Black Caucus, the only African American woman that has ever been elected to the United States Senate. A whole range of people.”

Biden then clarified that he meant the first black woman to be elected to the Senate.

Biden has remained at the top or near the top of most polls since announcing his 2020 bid.

He currently leads the RealClearPolitics average of polls by 12.7 points over Sen. Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenOvernight Defense: Appeals court revives House lawsuit against military funding for border wall | Dems push for limits on transferring military gear to police | Lawmakers ask for IG probe into Pentagon's use of COVID-19 funds On The Money: Half of states deplete funds for Trump's 0 unemployment expansion | EU appealing ruling in Apple tax case | House Democrats include more aid for airlines in coronavirus package Warren, Khanna request IG investigation into Pentagon's use of coronavirus funds MORE (D-Mass), with 30.7 percent support. Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersSirota reacts to report of harassment, doxing by Harris supporters Republicans not immune to the malady that hobbled Democrats The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Republicans lawmakers rebuke Trump on election MORE (I-Vt.) is in third with 16.7 percent support.

No other candidate is in the double digits.