For a while, it seemed like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would run as a Democrat to challenge Joe Biden for the e2024 presidential nomination. After significant pushback and seeing what he called a “rigged” primary system created to help Biden, RFK passed and decided to run as an independent.
That does not, however, mean Joe Biden will face zero opponents in his re-election bid for the presidency.
Calling for a new generation of leaders and fearing that Joe Biden is on a downward trend, Rep. Dean Phillips, of Minnesota’s 3rd congressional district, is launching a presidential campaign to seek the Democratic nomination in 2024, according to CBS News:
Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota has decided to challenge President Biden for the Democratic presidential nomination and will launch his 2024 campaign on Friday in New Hampshire, where he will file to appear on the state’s primary ballot.
“I am. I have to,” Phillips told CBS News chief election & campaign correspondent Robert Costa in an exclusive interview for “CBS Mornings” that will air on Friday, when asked whether he is making a late entry into the Democratic race.
In the interview, Phillips, 54, said he admires Mr. Biden, 80, but believes it is time for a new generation of Democrats to lead the party, especially with former President Donald Trump poised to potentially be the Republican presidential nominee.
Phillips said he has studied polling data and is alarmed about the prospect of Trump beating Mr. Biden, should the 2024 election end up becoming rematch of the 2020 race.
This is a case of Phillips saying the quiet part out loud. Democrats know Joe Biden isn’t up for another term, he’s barely up for the term he’s stuck in right now. It’s not just his age, though that’s a factor, it’s his garbage form of leadership in general leaving the country in an economic lurch and the world on the brink of widespread conflict.
Phillips is well aware this is a no-win battle. Joe Biden, if he wants it, is the default nominee. However, Phillips is putting his own money into it and seems to be launching a serious effort, bus tour and all:
Phillips acknowledged that he faces an uphill climb since many Democrats are fervently backing Mr. Biden and are convinced the president remains well-positioned to once again beat Trump. But he believes some Democratic voters are craving an alternative who provides a generational contrast and has a centrist message, which Phillips has honed since he was first elected to the House in 2018.
Phillips added that he is encouraging other Democrats to enter the race, with the hope that additional competition will provide the party with a tested and strong nominee.
Phillips spoke with Costa on Thursday at a home he owns in rural Middleburg, Virginia, and is scheduled to be in New Hampshire on Friday, which is the filing deadline for candidates to appear on the primary ballot. He will also kick off a bus tour.
The fact that Phillips will be on the ballot in New Hampshire means there could be some embarrassment since Joe Biden’s name will not be there. According to the 2024 delegate selection rules set out by the DNC to specifically help Joe Biden, South Carolina is the first primary state, and New Hampshire, holding anything before that, is in violation of the rules. Therefore, Biden is not participating in the Granite State primary.
What this means is that someone like Phillips, or some other random Democrat, will “win” in New Hampshire, though it won’t mean much.
Democrats know Joe Biden’s political career is a sinking ship. Whether he’s impeached for financial corruption of accepting millions of dollars in bribes, or just his terrible policies for the country, Biden’s on the down escalator.
Phillips isn’t going to be the 2024 Democratic nominee, but there’s no guarantee Joe Biden will be, either.
