Minnesota representative Dean Phillips (D.) has expressed his contemplation of challenging President Joe Biden in a presidential primary, citing concerns over the lack of alternative options and the potential for a disastrous Democratic Convention.
In an interview with Steve Schmidt's podcast The Warning, Phillips stated, "I am thinking about it. I haven't ruled it out." This comes as President Biden's popularity is declining, with recent polls showing him trailing former President Donald Trump by 10 percentage points in a potential 2024 rematch.
The Washington Post recently published an election poll that revealed Biden's overall approval rating at 37 percent, with many attributing this decline to his failed economic policies and concerns about his mental fitness.
These findings have prompted Phillips to consider a potential bid for the presidency, although he acknowledged that there may be individuals "better prepared to campaign" than him. He has also encouraged other Democratic leaders to enter the race, stating that he believes the majority of people want to move on from the current administration.
Phillips clarified that his concerns are not solely based on President Biden's age but rather on how people feel about the current state of affairs. He emphasized the need for the Democratic Party to act as the "adults in the room" and criticized their handling of the electoral strategy.
If Phillips decides to run, he will join the ranks of other Democratic contenders such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Marianne Williamson, whose presidential bids have yet to gain significant traction in the polls.
As the 80-year-old President's popularity continues to wane, the possibility of an internal challenge within the Democratic Party adds another layer of uncertainty to the political landscape.
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