Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) has yet to decide on challenging President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination in 2024. However, he is urging other Democrats to consider entering the race.
During his appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday, Phillips highlighted the desire among Democrats for a competitive primary rather than a straightforward nomination. He cited a poll from the New York Times indicating that a majority of Democrats would prefer a candidate other than Biden for the 2024 presidential race, Politico reported.
Biden’s age has become a factor for other voters as former President Donald Trump is the frontrunner for the GOP nomination.
Critics have feared a second Trump term as the former president has been announcing promises for his second term.
Phillips stressed the importance of heeding this call, warning of potentially disastrous consequences if ignored. He encouraged those who are well-prepared and possess good character to consider running, emphasizing the need for competition within the party.
“If we don’t heed that call, shame on us. And the consequences, I believe, are going to be disastrous,” Phillips said.
“So, my call is to those who are well positioned, well-prepared, have good character and competency — they know who they are — to jump in because Democrats and the country need competition.”
Biden is currently facing internal party competition from author Marianne Williamson and lawyer as well as anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Despite the substantial advantage the president holds within the field, a recent poll conducted by The New York Times/Siena College revealed that 64% of Democratic voters expressed a preference for a candidate other than Biden.
Phillips, positioned as a moderate Democrat, recently met with donors in New York to discuss the potential of entering the primary race. However, on Sunday, he stated that he hasn’t reached a conclusion about launching a candidacy yet.
“I think I’m well positioned to be president [of] the United States … I do not believe I’m well positioned to run for it right now,” he said.
Unlike the GOP field, the Democratic Party doesn’t have a high competition of candidates.
Netflix star, Joe Exotic, is the only Democratic candidate that isn’t making headlines as he is serving a 21-year prison sentence for a murder-for-hire scheme and the murder of other animals.
Exotic had previously criticized the sentencing of President Biden’s son, Hunter, as he is currently contesting his guilty counts.
Vermont Senator and former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders announced he would not make another run for president as he has endorsed Biden for the Democratic nomination.
“People will do what they want to do,” Sanders said of other potential primary challenges. “I think Joe Biden will be the Democratic nominee. And my job, and I think the progressive movement’s job, is to make certain that he stands up and fights for the working class of this country and does not take anything for granted.”
Democrats currently have control both the Senate and the White House as the GOP maintains control of Congress.
Produced in association with Benzinga
