House Democrat Dean Phillips announces primary bid against President Biden

Minnesota Representative Dean Phillips announced on Thursday his presidential campaign, initiating a challenging Democratic primary bid against President Joe Biden. In an online clip shared by CBS News, Phillips expressed his admiration for President Biden's exceptional leadership but emphasized the importance of focusing on the future rather than dwelling on the past. With concern for the imminent emergency in the upcoming November election, Phillips vowed to be proactive and vocal, refusing to remain passive or silent.

Phillips is expected to officially announce his campaign on Friday in Concord, where he will file to run in the Democratic primary in New Hampshire.

The congressman, who recently stepped down from his position in the House Democratic leadership amidst party tensions over his support for an alternative to Biden, has argued that the president's age and low approval ratings make him a weak candidate for the general election. However, Phillips' campaign launch comes at a time when Democrats are aiming to unite behind Biden, prevent interference from independent candidates, and highlight the accomplishments of the administration to voters. Biden's allies have dismissed talk of Phillips running as a distraction that would only emphasize the president's vulnerabilities.

In August, Phillips made an attempt to contact Biden, but unfortunately, the president was not available, according to a source. Instead, Phillips had a conversation with Jeff Zients, the White House chief of staff, who attentively listened to him. However, Zients conveyed the message that the president is the most suitable candidate to secure victory in 2024 and complete the tasks at hand.

Phillips informed CNN that his intention at the time was to notify Biden out of courtesy about his plans, which involved advocating for a new generation of candidates to vie for the nomination. He described his discussion with Zients as brief yet amicable.

Already, Phillips' campaign strategy is causing problems for the party. In response to the state not following the national party's revised nominating calendar, Biden has decided not to file for the New Hampshire Democratic primary ballot, which has been moved to second place. Instead, Democrats will start a write-in campaign for the president.

With Phillips joining the race, the importance of this effort will increase for New Hampshire Democrats, as they aim to protect Biden from an early primary loss. In fact, Phillips has already allocated $50,000 for advertising in the state this week, as reported by AdImpact's data.

Phillips is receiving guidance from Steve Schmidt, a former Republican strategist, according to two individuals who are acquainted with the campaign. Schmidt, who departed from the GOP in 2018, previously served on the campaigns of former President George W. Bush and the late Arizona Sen. John McCain.

During a recent episode of his podcast "The Warning with Steve Schmidt," the seasoned strategist extended words of support to Phillips.

Upon being informed about the potential scenario of Dean Phillips introducing himself as a presidential candidate and seeking the Democratic nomination in the state of New Hampshire, Schmidt speculated that this action would result in significant reactions. Schmidt mentioned that there would likely be a considerable uproar from individuals in Washington, while others in various parts of the country would express their support and enthusiasm. Regarding his association with Phillips, Schmidt did not provide an immediate response to The Messenger's request for comment.

Outside of New Hampshire, Phillips will encounter a more challenging journey. Despite having a personal wealth amounting to tens of millions, as per his most recent financial disclosure, it will be difficult for him to secure substantial financial support from influential Democratic donors who are not already backing Biden. Additionally, he has consistently rejected contributions from political action committees.

Phillips willingly acknowledges that he lacks the level of familiarity enjoyed by other Democrats who are perceived as potential future presidential candidates, such as California Governor Gavin Newsom or Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

However, his choice to prioritize New Hampshire instead of South Carolina, following the Democratic National Committee's attempt to give priority to South Carolina in the primary calendar, might have negative consequences for him in the Palmetto States February 3 primary.

"The Palmetto State is a crucial battleground for potential presidential candidates, and unfortunately, Dean Phillips seems to be underperforming," expressed Christale Spain, the Chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party. "We are thrilled to once again support President Biden as our chosen nominee."

Calls for new leadership

Phillips, formerly recognized as an amiable moderate, was among the many individuals who contributed to the Democrats' acquisition of the House in 2018. As the descendant of Abigail Van Buren, the well-known advice columnist nicknamed "Dear Abby," and inheritor of a Minnesota liquor enterprise, Phillips initially concentrated his campaign on safeguarding the Affordable Care Act and rectifying governmental dysfunction.

Within the last year, he has emerged as the leading advocate in his party urging Biden not to run for reelection. He emphasizes the necessity for a younger generation of leaders to take the forefront. However, this standpoint has resulted in a loss of support within his own party. Phillips recently declared his resignation as co-chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, responsible for the party's messaging, after receiving criticism during a private caucus meeting for diverging from the party's position on Biden's reelection attempt.

Phillips faces a primary challenger, Ron Harris, a member of the DNC Executive Committee, in his suburban Twin Cities seat. Phillips has until June 4 to register for reelection in Minnesota before the August 13 primary for nonpresidential races.

Following his departure from leadership, Phillips expressed feeling "liberated" and empowered to speak more openly. He has consistently expressed his belief in Biden's competence as president, but acknowledges that voter polls indicate concerns about Biden's age and low job approval ratings.

"I find it hard to dismiss the evidence from what we hear, see, sense, and read. It all seems to lead to the same conclusion," stated Phillips in his interview with CNN following his resignation from leadership. "If Democrats fail to listen now, I fear we will be facing another Trump administration."

According to a CNN poll conducted in September, a majority of Democrats, specifically two-thirds, expressed their preference for someone other than Biden as the party's nominee. However, 67% of Democrats also believed that it is highly likely or extremely likely for Biden to secure the nomination, and 82% admitted to not having a specific challenger in mind against the president. About half of Democrats mentioned concerns about Biden's age as their primary worry regarding his 2024 campaign.

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Biden, who managed to raise an impressive $71 million for his reelection and the Democratic Party during the third quarter of 2023, is widely regarded as the frontrunner for the party's nomination. Showing unwavering support for Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the DNC's membership unanimously passed a resolution in February to fully endorse their reelection campaign in 2024.

As per tradition, incumbents have historically refrained from engaging in primary debates, and this current cycle is no exception as no such debates have been scheduled.

The lack of opportunity for challengers has limited the options. Despite launching her campaign in March, Marianne Williamson, a Democratic candidate with little chance of success, has been unable to gain traction in the polls.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer and critic of vaccines, withdrew from the Democratic primary to run as an independent. This move has raised concerns among Democrats that he could split the vote, potentially benefiting Republicans and harming Joe Biden. Conversely, supporters of former President Donald Trump, the leading contender for the 2024 GOP nomination, are concerned that the Kennedy campaign could enhance Biden's chances.

Congressman Phillips has consistently voted in alignment with the president and has refrained from criticizing his policy positions, which has been highlighted by the White House.

"We value the congressman's unwavering support, which has been nearly 100%, for this president as he has pursued vital legislative priorities on behalf of the American people," stated White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during a press briefing on Tuesday.

CNNs Jeff Zeleny, Arlette Saenz and David Wright contributed to this report.