An unexpected contender may be stepping up to challenge President Joe Biden in the Democratic primary for the 2024 election. According to recent reports, Democrats have set their sights on Representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota, hinting at rising concerns over Biden’s age and current approval ratings.
As speculation about third-party candidates grows, many within the Democratic Party are reportedly searching for a new champion, one who might bring a fresh perspective to the table.
It’s been revealed that Phillips will be in New York City next week, engaging in discussions with Democratic donors about a possible 2024 run. However, this potential move only seems likely if President Biden’s health or popular standing among voters takes a serious hit.
Phillips, described as a ‘moderate’ by some, has outlined a series of key policy areas on his campaign site. These include women’s health and reproductive freedom, gun violence prevention, immigration reform, diversity, equity, inclusion, and climate action.
While no one within the Democratic Party wants to jeopardize a potential Democratic victory in 2024, Phillips was previously quoted stating that the consensus behind closed doors is the exact opposite. He suggested that sticking rigidly to the current path could actually increase the risk for the party.
Phillips’ appeal to donors isn’t just limited to his support for a Democratic primary. His outspoken criticism of the centrist organization, No Labels, for considering a third-party ‘unity ticket’ in 2024, has also grabbed attention. There is a rising concern among Democrats that such a move would divert more votes from Biden than from the Republican nominee, possibly paving the way for a second term for former President Donald Trump.
Phillips’ condemnation of the potential disaster of a third-party run is not only echoed by moderate Democrats but also by his moderate Republican friends. He warned against such a strategy, suggesting it would backfire spectacularly.
With President Biden’s approval rating sitting at a concerning 38 percent and disapproval at 52 percent, according to a recent Big Village CARAVAN poll, the stage seems to be set for a potential shake-up.
Rep. Phillips, a businessman before he entered politics, made his way into the House in 2018, winning his seat by a comfortable margin of 55.6 percent to 44.2 percent. He managed to secure re-election in 2022, leading by an impressive 20 points.
However, the recent RealClearPolitics average for the 2024 national Democratic primary, based on polls conducted in early July, still places Biden in a commanding lead with 63.2 percent support. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Marianne Williamson follow, with 13.7 percent and 5.3 percent, respectively.
As we keep a close eye on these developments, it’s clear that the Democrats’ roadmap to 2024 is shaping up to be an intriguing one. A possible shift towards moderate policies could prove interesting for the broader American political landscape.
