CONCORD, N.H. — Dean Phillips Launches Presidential Challenge to Joe Biden
On Friday, Dean Phillips, a three-term Minnesota congressman and millionaire businessman, announced his campaign to challenge Joe Biden outside the New Hampshire statehouse. As Phillips stood in front of his new campaign bus, emblazoned with his catchy slogan “Everyone’s invited,” an onlooker in the crowd asked, “Which one is Dean?” This question is likely to follow Phillips throughout his campaign.
Phillips faces the daunting task of introducing himself to voters and convincing them that he is ready to make the leap from Congress to the White House. With concerns over Biden’s age, a significant issue in public polling, and the disappointment of New Hampshire voters over losing their first-in-the-nation primary status for Democrats in 2024, Phillips hopes to present himself as a viable alternative.
While the Biden campaign seems indifferent to Phillips’ challenge on the surface, there are signs that they are paying attention. The campaign sent out a fundraising email, titled “Minnesota loves Joe Biden,” signed by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Additionally, allies and operatives working on Biden’s reelection have offered criticisms of Phillips and his campaign strategist, Steve Schmidt.
Phillips knows that he will face opposition from former friends and colleagues. He expects a backlash on social media, MSNBC, and from White House press releases. However, he remains determined and ready to compete.
If Phillips has any chance of success, it will likely be in New Hampshire. Although the Democratic National Committee supports Biden and has staffers on the ground in the state, they are primarily focused on attacking Republican candidates. Biden will not compete in New Hampshire’s primary due to a scheduling conflict, but Phillips hopes that prioritizing the state and promising to “restore” its first-in-the-nation status will resonate with voters.
During his campaign, Phillips plans to loan $2 million of his own money to support his bid. He will focus on winning voters in early states like New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Michigan, and plans to hold 119 town hall events. Despite missing the filing deadline in Nevada, Phillips believes it is a non-issue.
While some New Hampshire Democrats and independents appreciate Phillips as a realistic alternative to Biden, he will face challenges in convincing independent voters to cast their ballots in a one-sided Democratic primary. Groups like Primary Pivot and Primary Power are already encouraging independents to vote in the GOP contest to weaken Trump’s chances in key battleground states.
Furthermore, Phillips is relatively unknown to many voters in New Hampshire. Even politically informed individuals passing by his launch event expressed unfamiliarity with the Minnesota Democrat. However, some voters, like 81-year-old Democrat Carol Harris, are willing to take a look at Phillips due to concerns about Biden’s age.
