Staff Reports
Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN), the millionaire businessman and apparent glutton for punishment, has set his sights on the ultimate political prize: the presidency. Phillips, who represents Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District, announced his bid for the Democratic primary challenge against President Joe Biden. While it’s as futile as trying to teach a goldfish to play the piano, Phillips hopes to at least damage Biden’s reputation in the process.
At 54, Phillips is a relative newcomer to politics, having been elected to Congress in 2019. However, his wealth and success as the creator of Talenti Gelato have made him a force to be reckoned with. With a net worth of $77 million, Phillips has the financial resources to mount a serious campaign. Unfortunately for him, his centrist views and dissatisfaction with the current administration have left him at odds with his own party.
Who is Dean Phillips, the possible Democratic challenger to Joe Biden? | Washington Examiner https://t.co/rp9qurZCv7
— Suzetta Anne (@suzettaanne) October 25, 2023
Despite voting in lockstep with Biden on every issue, Phillips has been openly critical of the president’s performance. He has called for a candidate to challenge Biden in 2024 and has expressed concerns about his age. Phillips seems to forget that Biden is only eight years older than him and has a lifetime of experience in public service. But why let facts get in the way of a good primary challenge?
While some may dismiss Phillips’s bid as delusional, there are legitimate concerns that he could siphon support away from Biden, who remains the most formidable opponent to former President Donald Trump. However, political experts argue that Phillips simply doesn’t have the time, resources, or national following to mount a serious challenge. Larry Jacobs, director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, summed it up best: “He’s self-immolating.”
So, while Phillips may enjoy a few moments in the national spotlight, his 2024 campaign is destined to be nothing more than a blip on the radar. Perhaps he should stick to making gelato and leave the politics to the professionals.
