Dean Phillips to Challenge Joe Biden in Primary

By Better Today On Oct 27, 2023

TL/DR –

Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips has announced his run for president, becoming a Democratic primary challenger to incumbent President Joe Biden. Phillips’ campaign centers on fixing the economy and addressing issues of high prices and border chaos, which he believes are vulnerabilities for Biden. Despite Biden’s broad support among top Democrats, Phillips seeks to court disenchanted New Hampshire Democrats who are frustrated with Biden’s actions that have reportedly diluted their state’s influence on the primary calendar.

Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips Challenges President Biden in Democratic Primary

Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips called for months for a Democratic primary challenge to President Joe Biden with no public interest from other potential alternatives. Eventually, the 54-year-old decided to enter the race himself.

Phillips announced his candidacy outside New Hampshire’s statehouse. Despite his low chances of beating Biden, he poses a symbolic challenge to national Democrats who assert there is no reason to question Biden’s electability.

Phillips aims to address the economy, high prices, and border chaos, which are potential weak areas for Biden. His engagement with New Hampshire Democrats stems from their frustration over Biden’s reduced state influence on the 2024 Democratic primary calendar.

Despite Biden’s claims of being uniquely qualified to beat former President Donald Trump, Phillips aims to appeal to constituents who question whether Biden should serve another term. Biden’s re-election campaign released a statement emphasizing its dedication to mobilizing a winning coalition to defeat Trump.

Phillips is unknown on a national level, and missed the deadline to enter the Nevada primary. His campaign’s Twitter account was briefly suspended before his launch.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, a member of Biden’s reelection campaign’s national advisory board, criticized Phillips’ bid as an insulting attention-seeking stunt.

Historically, primary challenges have harmed incumbent presidents. Still, Phillips’ message must resonate with voters to gain traction. While Democratic primary debates are not scheduled, self-help author Marianne Williamson is another contender for the 2024 primary.

An AP-NORC poll revealed that words like “old” and “confused” were most associated with Biden, and most respondents believed Biden was too old for another term.