Staff Reports
Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) has officially announced his run to challenge President Joe Biden for the Democratic Party’s nomination in 2024. Phillips, who had been teasing his candidacy for months, made his announcement after his presidential tour bus was spotted earlier this week. The website Dean24.com, which appears on the tour bus, is not yet live.
It Looks Like Dean Phillips Might Have Already Made His Presidential Run Offical
https://t.co/ocShvj4hpd— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 25, 2023
Phillips has been vocal about the need for a new Democratic nominee, citing concerns about Biden’s age. He has received support from voters, including fellow Democrats, who share these concerns. Phillips is not confident in Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom he does not consider a Democrat, as a primary challenger to Biden.
However, Phillips’ run has faced criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Sens. Peter Velch, Richard Blumenthal, and Elizabeth Warren, who previously ran against Biden for the nomination, as well as House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, have downplayed or lambasted Phillips’ campaign. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin also made a quip about buses from Minnesota gaining attention, likely referencing Phillips’ bus and Sen. Eugene McCarthy’s run in 1968.
Phillips’ spokesperson declined to comment, but it is still too early to determine his potential vote percentage. In terms of polling, RealClearPolitics currently includes only Biden and Marianne Williamson, with the president leading by a significant margin. Phillips has already missed the filing deadline in Nevada, a crucial early state.
Although there isn’t much available on Phillips’ campaign account, he recently expressed a willingness to help Rep. Tom Emmer secure the speaker’s gavel by abstaining from the vote. However, Emmer dropped out shortly after receiving the Republican nomination due to a lack of support from fellow Republicans.
It’s no surprise that Rep. Dean Phillips has decided to challenge President Biden for the Democratic nomination. The Democratic Party is in desperate need of fresh faces and new ideas. While Phillips may praise Biden’s supposed accomplishments, it is evident that he recognizes the concerns many voters have about the president’s age. It’s no wonder that fellow Democrats are downplaying Phillips’ campaign, as they fear a primary challenge could expose the weaknesses of their party’s current leadership. It’s still early in the race, but Phillips has already missed an important deadline in Nevada, which raises questions about his campaign’s organization and preparedness. Only time will tell if Phillips can gain the traction necessary to become a serious contender in the Democratic primary.
