"If you are willing to change positions on fundamental issues of principle how are we to know what you would do as president?" Mr. Axelrod said. He was inspired to call for the press call after watching the G.O.P. debate last night in which he said Mr. Romney reversed himself from previous positions on the economy, health care reform and social issues.

"If this were just one instance you would say maybe it was a momentary lapse may be he succumbed to the politics of the moment. But it is a pattern, time and time again," Mr. Axelrod said.

He particularly bashed the former Massachusetts governor for opposing the payroll tax cut that is part of Mr. Obama's jobs plan.

"The thing that was most stunning--I shouldn’t say stunning given his history--but the most appalling thing about that was just two months ago Gov. Romney was equally vehement in support of this payroll tax cut," Mr. Axelrod said.

Mr. Axelrod declined to say if the thought that Mr. Romney would be the nominee, but when asked why he wasn't criticizing other Republicans in the field, like Rick Perry or Herman Cain, Mr. Axelrod quipped, "That's the two o'clock call" then went back to knocking Mr. Romney.

"One of his problems has been that he has not inspired a whole lot of confidence or enthusiasm among Republicans because I think across the political spectrum people have the same questions," Mr. Axelrod said. "I don't presume to say he is the nominee but he does deserve to be scrutinized."