Democratic Representative Dean Phillips from Minnesota announced his bid for the Democratic nomination for president, expressing concerns that President Joe Biden might not secure victory in the upcoming 2024 general election. Phillips, in an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker, emphasized his belief that if the election were held today, President Biden could lose to former President Donald Trump, deeming it an existential threat to the United States.
Phillips clarified that his decision to run was not aimed at undermining Biden but was rooted in a desire to secure the nation’s future. Despite policy differences, he stressed his commitment to the Democratic cause, stating, “I’m not running against Joe Biden… I’m a proud Democrat.” He pointed to issues at the southern border as an area where he believes Democrats have fallen short.
When questioned about his potential candidacy, Phillips made it clear he would not run as an independent, urging other candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West to join the Democratic nomination race. He pledged unwavering support for the eventual Democratic nominee, vowing to dedicate all his energy to ensure their victory, underscoring the critical importance of the upcoming election.
Phillips criticized the U.S. political system as “broken” and “corrupt,” emphasizing the need for fresh perspectives, unburdened by decades in Washington. His decision to challenge Biden stirred reactions from Biden’s campaign spokesman, Kevin Munoz, who highlighted the president’s unified support within the Democratic party and the campaign’s efforts to mobilize a winning coalition.
Phillips initially revealed his presidential aspirations in an interview with CBS News, setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing and competitive Democratic primary race.
