In a significant development within Democratic circles, U.S. Representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota has decided to conclude his long-shot 2024 Democratic presidential bid after failing to garner significant traction in a primary contest against President Joe Biden. Phillips made the announcement during an interview with WCCO Radio in Minneapolis, where he also revealed his endorsement of President Biden.
Phillips, a 55-year-old multimillionaire and one of the wealthiest members of Congress, had positioned his White House campaign around the call for a new generation of Democratic leadership while leveraging his personal fortune to finance his bid. Despite his efforts, the relatively unknown congressman failed to strike a chord with Democratic voters, leading to his decision to step back from the presidential race.
As the sole elected Democrat to challenge President Biden for the nomination, Phillips’ inability to gain momentum underscores the prevailing support for the 81-year-old incumbent within the Democratic Party. While some Democrats harbor reservations about Biden’s age and reelection prospects, the president has consistently portrayed himself as the most capable candidate to defeat Republican opponents, particularly Donald Trump.
Throughout his campaign, Phillips had often raised concerns about Biden’s age, suggesting that the president might be unfit for a second term. However, in his endorsement of Biden, Phillips acknowledged the president’s competency, decency, and integrity, emphasizing the dangers posed by a potential Trump reelection bid.
“We only have two of them,” Phillips remarked, referring to the presidential candidates. “And it’s going to be Donald Trump or Joe Biden. And while indeed I think the president is at a stage in life where his capacities are diminished, he is still a man of competency and decency and integrity.”
Phillips’ decision to endorse Biden effectively rules out the possibility of running as a third-party challenger on a potential No Labels ticket. His campaign had centered on key battlegrounds like New Hampshire, where he sought to capitalize on Democratic discontent over the Democratic National Committee’s reshuffling of the 2024 primary calendar, ultimately to no avail.
As the Democratic primary field narrows, President Biden solidifies his position as the party’s standard-bearer, with Phillips’ endorsement highlighting the unity within Democratic ranks as they prepare for the upcoming election cycle.
