Former 2020 presidential candidate Andrew Yang has thrown his support behind Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., in a surprising twist to the Democratic presidential race.
Speaking at a campaign event in New Hampshire, Yang urged voters to consider Phillips as a fresh alternative to the anticipated Biden vs. Trump rematch, which he described as a scenario "no one wants."
Phillips, a moderate Democrat from Minnesota, is seen as an unlikely contender for the Democratic presidential nomination. However, his campaign gained momentum on Thursday when he and Yang made a joint appearance in the Granite State, ahead of the primary on Jan. 23.
The two politicians attended a gathering at Dartmouth in Hanover, New Hampshire, where Yang formally introduced Phillips as his preferred candidate. He also mentioned other Democratic leaders, such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who have refrained from entering the presidential race due to President Biden's reelection bid.
Yang emphasized the importance of seizing the moment, stating, "If you want to run for president, your time is right now. In this time of need, only one person decided to place his country above his professional aspirations." He then proudly endorsed Phillips as the next President of the United States.
Reflecting on his past support for Biden, Yang acknowledged that the last four years have been less than ideal. He suggested that if circumstances had been different, he might not have been endorsing Phillips that evening.
Yang praised Biden as a "substantial, accomplished president," and a "good man, a true public servant and a great American." However, he argued that while Biden was the right candidate four years ago, he is not the right candidate for 2024.
Yang reminded the audience of Biden's 2020 campaign promise to serve as a bridge to the next generation. He argued that the country needs Biden to fulfill this role, citing the president's low approval rating and his declining popularity in several swing states that he won in 2020.
The former presidential candidate also highlighted Biden's age as a potential obstacle, stating that at 81 years old, it will be challenging to "reinvent grandpa." He pointed out the demanding nature of campaigning, which includes traveling, rallying, meeting new voters, and conducting friendly interviews.
Yang warned that the upcoming election cycle will be more difficult for Biden than it needs to be for the candidate who will face off against Donald Trump. He cited polls showing Biden trailing Trump by several points in swing states, while a generic Democrat is predicted to outperform Trump.
Yang concluded by praising Biden's leadership but suggested that he should not seek reelection in 2024. He claimed that many Democrats share this sentiment, yet few are willing to challenge the status quo.
Yang lauded Phillips as a candidate who is not beholden to special interests and is well-suited to the current political climate. He asserted that Phillips is the type of candidate that most Americans, particularly independent voters who often determine election outcomes, are looking for. Above all, Yang expressed confidence in Phillips' ability to win the election.
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