Dean Phillips Plans to Challenge for Democratic Nomination
Minnesota Representative Dean Phillips is making moves to enter the 2024 race for the White House and compete for the Democratic nomination.
According to sources speaking to Politico, Phillips is set to officially launch his presidential campaign this upcoming Friday in Concord, New Hampshire.
A permit for the State House Plaza in Concord was confirmed to have been secured by the Democratic consulting firm Fletcher Ridge, fueling speculation about Phillips’ intentions.
The congressman’s decision comes after he recently stepped down from the House Democratic Leadership, expressing his contemplation of challenging President Biden.
Political Dynamics and Challenges
Phillips’ engagement with the Democratic Party was confirmed by Democratic Party chairman Ray Buckley, who revealed that Phillips had reached out to him about filing for the ballot.
Interestingly, Buckley admitted that he had to Google Phillips to find out who he was and cautioned him that once he filed his name, he couldn’t remove it.
Comparing this endeavor to Joe Biden’s long-standing political career, Buckley implied that introducing oneself and making a significant impact in such a short time frame would be challenging.
Mixed Reactions within the Democratic Camp
Fellow Democrats in Washington and New Hampshire have expressed a mix of opinions about Phillips’ decision, with some viewing it as potentially divisive and weakening Biden’s candidacy.
Representative Betty McCollum of Minnesota expressed her perspective, stating that Dean Phillips is free to pursue his ambitions, but she didn’t explicitly endorse his decision.
Meanwhile, some believe that Phillips’ timing might be unfavorable, as the event announcing his candidacy would coincide with the deadline to file for a presidential run in the state of New Hampshire.
The Challenge of Timing and Opposition
Some political veterans in New Hampshire, like Terry Shumaker, have indicated that Phillips may have entered the race too late.
They argue that Biden has done a commendable job, and Phillips’ candidacy might not gain the traction he hopes for.
This sentiment is fueled by the fact that Biden has not yet faced a significant challenge from within his own party despite concerns about his age, gaffes, and a desire for an alternative candidate among some voters.
The Age Factor in the Democratic Landscape
Age is a prominent factor in this discussion, as Biden, at 80, is the oldest president in U.S. history.
Polls have consistently shown that a significant portion of voters, including Democrats, believe Biden is too old for a second term.
In fact, a Wall Street Journal poll indicated that 75 percent of voters share this concern, with two-thirds of Democrats echoing these sentiments.
Biden himself has acknowledged the focus on his age but argued that his experience is an asset.
Dean Phillips, a three-term moderate Democrat from the Minneapolis suburbs, brings an interesting dynamic to this political landscape, and his entry into the race raises questions about the future of the Democratic primaries.
This commentary provides insight into the political dynamics surrounding Dean Phillips’ presidential bid, including reactions within the Democratic party and the challenge of timing in the 2024 race.
It also highlights the age factor in American politics and its influence on the Democratic landscape.
