By Salam Bustanji
Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2024 presidential race, announcing a Democratic primary challenge against President Joe Biden.
Phillips' official campaign launch is slated for Friday in Concord, New Hampshire, where he plans to file for the state's Democratic primary. Notably, he has already reserved $50,000 in ad time in the state, highlighting his campaign's emphasis on New Hampshire.
In his announcement video, Phillips underlines the importance of engaging directly with voters, a practice Biden won't be undertaking.
Phillips, while commending Biden's past performance, emphasizes that this election is about the future, stating, “I will not sit still, I will not be quiet in the face of numbers that are so clearly saying that we’re going to be facing an emergency next November.”
The move has raised some eyebrows within the party, particularly as Biden will not be filing for the New Hampshire Democratic primary ballot due to a dispute over the revised nominating calendar. Instead, Democrats will pursue a write-in campaign for the president.
Despite Phillips' personal wealth, which is substantial, he is likely to face challenges in garnering major Democratic donors who are already backing Biden. Additionally, he acknowledges that he lacks the name recognition of other potential Democratic contenders for the presidency.
Phillips has chosen to focus on New Hampshire, even as the Democratic National Committee sought to elevate South Carolina in the primary calendar. This decision may pose difficulties for him in the Palmetto State's primary.
Phillips' recent stance against Biden seeking reelection has led to some fractures within his own party. He stepped down as co-chair of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee after facing criticism for his position.
While polling indicates a desire among Democrats for an alternative nominee, Biden remains the frontrunner, having raised significant funds for his reelection bid. Incumbents traditionally do not participate in primary debates, leaving little room for challengers.
Phillips' entry into the race adds an interesting dynamic to the 2024 presidential landscape, setting the stage for a primary battle within the Democratic Party. The road ahead will be challenging, but Phillips says he is determined to offer a new vision for the future of the country.
