Staff Reports
Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) has joined the chorus of Democrats questioning whether President Joe Biden should run for re-election in 2024. And you know what? He might just be onto something. Even fellow Democrats are starting to worry that an 80-year-old Biden might not be the best choice to lead the party into the future. It’s not just young voters and Independents who have their doubts, a recent poll from The New York Times shows that even some Democrats are hesitant to support another Biden run.
Potential Biden Challenger Dean Phillips Is All Over the Place About Kamala Harris https://t.co/HCA1FHlq1R
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) August 8, 2023
But what makes Phillips stand out is his rejection of the idea that Vice President Kamala Harris should automatically be the next in line if Biden doesn’t run. And you know what? He’s absolutely right. Harris is one of the most unpopular vice presidents in NBC polling history. That’s saying something. Even though Phillips thinks she’s “absolutely qualified,” he believes she’s been unfairly portrayed. Let’s just say, the American people aren’t buying it.
Minnesota Democrat Rep. Dean Phillips calls on Democrats "who are well positioned" to "jump in" the presidential election "because Democrats and the country need competition" pic.twitter.com/VsgHfnepRp
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) August 6, 2023
Democrat Rep. Dean Phillips says Kamala Harris is actually "more competent and able than many give her credit for," she's just "mis-portrayed" pic.twitter.com/LFWEmbwAeY
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) August 6, 2023
"Would [Kamala Harris], in your mind, be the heir apparent if for some reason the president of the United States were not to seek the nomination in 2024?"
Democrat Rep. Dean Phillips: No pic.twitter.com/1QOo8xiCWE
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) August 6, 2023
During an appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Phillips was grilled by host Major Garrett about why Harris isn’t seen as the leading contender for the Democratic nomination. Garrett, like many of us, was confused by the mixed messages coming from Phillips. On one hand, he’s questioning whether Biden should run again, but on the other, he doesn’t see Harris as the obvious alternative. It’s a dance that only a politician could master.
But Phillips isn’t just concerned about Harris. He wants more competition within the Democratic Party. He believes that anyone with talent, energy, and the ethics to enter a primary should do so. And he’s right again. The Democrats have been lacking in options while the Republicans already have twelve candidates vying for the nomination. It’s time for the Democrats to step it up and show that they believe in competition and choice.
And let’s not forget the numbers. Harris is struggling in the polls. Her job approval rating is at a measly 40.7 percent, with a whopping 55.7 percent disapproving. Her favorable rating is even worse, with only 37.6 percent viewing her positively while 53.1 percent have an unfavorable view of her. It’s clear that the American people aren’t convinced that Harris is the answer.
So, in conclusion, Rep. Dean Phillips deserves credit for speaking his mind and questioning the status quo. He’s right to be concerned about Harris and right to call for more competition within the Democratic Party. It’s time to do better, Democrats. Otherwise, they might just find themselves handing another victory to former President Donald Trump or Governor Ron DeSantis. And I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready for that.
