Joe Biden warned to avoid 'death embrace' during DNC speech

A CNN contributor and Democratic strategist weighed in on what President Joe Biden needs to say in his speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Biden is scheduled to speak in a prime-time slot Monday night at the convention, which just two months ago was set to be his coronation as the party's repeat nominee. But following a disastrous debate performance, Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take over the top of the ticket.

As such, he may have to walk a tightrope Monday night — highlighting his own accomplishments while lifting up his vice president.

David Axelrod noted to fellow CNN panelists that there's no precedent for what Biden must accomplish.

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"On the one hand, he ought to claim credit for some of the really important accomplishments he made," said Axelrod. "And he should say very positive things about his vice president."

Axelrod added: "You want it to be handoff — not a death embrace."

"You don't want him to ... make her a part of his legacy that it seems like a seamless handoff but not a change in direction," said Axelrod.

Posters on Friday branded Harris as "a new way forward." That message is what Biden must deftly navigate, he added.

Watch the clip below or at this link.