Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips, a Democrat, has called out fellow Democrat Rep. Ilhan Omar on CNN, stating that it wasn’t ‘reasonable’ to pull U.S. aid to Israel. However, Phillips might not be on the ballot for the Democratic Party’s presidential primary in Nevada, as he missed the Monday deadline to place his name on the list released by Nevada’s Secretary of State’s office. This raises speculation about Phillips potentially launching a primary challenge against President Biden.
Phillips has been critical of Biden, citing the president’s age and urging for a serious contender to challenge him for the party’s 2024 nomination. He has previously set a September deadline to decide whether to launch a primary challenge against Biden, but that deadline has passed. However, there are indications that Phillips is taking steps towards a potential challenge, as he has reached out to Democratic operatives and party officials in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire, traditionally one of the early primary states, is expected to move up the date of its primary to late January. Phillips has until October 27 to file and place his name on the New Hampshire primary ballot. While there is support for President Biden among likely voters in New Hampshire, concerns over his age and physical and mental stamina have led to speculation about potential primary challengers.
Currently, best-selling author and spiritual adviser Marianne Williamson is mounting a long-shot primary challenge against Biden. Additionally, environmental lawyer and high-profile vaccine critic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who comes from a famous political dynasty, had initially planned to challenge Biden but has since announced his independent candidacy.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has expressed its full support for Biden’s re-election, passing a resolution committing to his campaign. The DNC has also stated that there will be no primary debates between Biden and his challengers, a move that has drawn criticism from Williamson, Kennedy, and others. However, it is worth noting that no incumbent president has participated in primary debates in modern times.
If Phillips decides to proceed with a primary challenge against Biden, it would likely face resistance from Democrats in New Hampshire who support the president. This could lead to a write-in effort for Biden by Democrats in the state. Jim Demers, a political consultant and lobbyist in New Hampshire, has labeled Phillips’ potential challenge as “a ridiculous idea” and believes it would only serve to divide Democrats and help former President Donald Trump.
It remains to be seen whether Phillips will officially enter the presidential primary race, but his consideration of a challenge against President Biden adds another layer of intrigue to the evolving political landscape within the Democratic Party as the 2024 election approaches.
