Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips has made a surprise announcement by filing a long-shot presidential bid, calling on Joe Biden to step aside. While it is highly unlikely that Phillips will win the nomination, his entry into the race indicates a growing dissatisfaction within the Democratic Party towards President Biden. This move reflects Phillips’ belief that a “moderate” Democrat should lead the party in the next election. The Congressman, who has been serving in the House of Representatives since 2019, represents a suburban district that includes parts of Minneapolis. Phillips has formally filed papers to appear on the primary ballot in New Hampshire, a crucial state as it hosts the first US primary election.
In an interview with CBS, Phillips expressed both admiration for Biden’s accomplishments and concerns about his ability to win a nationwide general election, particularly against former President Donald Trump. He emphasized the urgency of the upcoming election and his motivation to take action in order to address the challenges the country faces. This move comes at a time when Biden’s approval rating among Democrats has dropped by 11% in the past month, according to a Gallup poll. However, it is important to note that national poll numbers this far outside of an election cycle may not be an accurate representation of the final outcome.
Phillips’ decision to challenge Biden also stems from the controversy surrounding the dilution of New Hampshire’s influence in the 2024 primary calendar. Some Democrats in the state fear that this change could open the door for “insurgent candidates” who may compromise the party’s chances in the general election. Despite this dissatisfaction, Biden continues to enjoy widespread support from establishment Democrats and donors. Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz, in a fundraising email for Biden, indirectly criticized Phillips’ bid, emphasizing the state’s loyalty to the President.
While Phillips’ presidential bid may appear to be a “moon shot” due to his limited name recognition outside of his home state, some candidates use this strategy as a means to gain media attention and elevate their profiles. However, it is essential to bear in mind that there are still several months before the 2024 elections, and much can change during this period. Alongside Phillips, two other Democrats, self-help author Marianne Williamson and left-wing talk show host Cenk Uyghur, have also announced their intentions to challenge Biden in the primaries. Additionally, Robert F Kennedy Jr initially planned to run as a Democrat but later declared his intention to run as an independent candidate.
Ultimately, Phillips’ presidential bid serves as a reflection of the growing discontent within the Democratic Party and highlights a call for a more moderate candidate. However, it is too early to predict the outcome of the 2024 elections based solely on current poll numbers. The political landscape is subject to change, and much can happen between now and November, making it important to closely monitor the developments and shifts in the race. As the primary season progresses, it will become clearer how the party and its voters respond to this shake-up and whether Phillips’ bid will have a lasting impact on the presidential race.
