U.S. House Representative Dean Phillips’ uphill battle against President Joe Biden in the upcoming 2024 Democratic primary hasn’t played out as he had envisioned. Phillips, who launched a primary challenge against the incumbent president, has faced poor polling numbers in New Hampshire, with only 10% support among Democrats and independent voters compared to Biden’s over 60%. Despite his history of supporting Biden’s policies in Congress, Phillips has cited concerns about Biden’s age and his ability to take on former President Donald Trump as reasons for his challenge.
The Minnesota lawmaker remains undeterred by his low polling numbers, attributing them to lack of name recognition. His campaign is fueled by concerns over general election polling showing Biden being beaten by Trump. Phillips, 54, has been an advocate for new Democratic leadership, urging Biden to step aside in favor of a new generation and criticizing the President’s economic messaging as being out of touch with the struggles of the American people.
Although Phillips has aligned with Biden on almost every policy position, he has focused his campaign against the President primarily on the economy. Rather than outrightly disagreeing with Biden’s economic policy, Phillips believes the President’s messaging around the economy misses the mark in conveying the struggles of everyday Americans.
At present, the Minneapolis lawmaker has steered clear of praising most Democratic plans, claiming that Biden’s economic approach fails to unite Americans on both the left and right. In his ongoing campaign, Phillips has outlined plans similar to those of Biden, but remains critical of the President’s ability to address Americans’ economic challenges.
