Congressman Dean Phillips on whether he would consider running for president
As reported first in Politico’s “Playbook” this morning, I had the opportunity to speak with Congressman Dean Phillips, the U.S. representative from Minnesota's 3rd congressional district, on the latest edition of The Warning podcast. He is considering challenging President Biden for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. Here’s what he had to say about that possibility:
I hope you’ll watch our entire conversation, which you can do by clicking below. Or, if you’d prefer to just listen to it, you can do so on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred podcast platform.
Unknown congressman from Minnesota, in only his second congressional term, who's considered a "moderate", and is one of the richest members of the House with a net worth of more than 70M, running against a successful incumbent president, during a time of unprecedented chaos, with our democracy literally on a knife's edge? Sounds like a fantastic plan...
The only downside to Biden's age is that people won't shut up about it. He's not ill or crazy. He's VERY effective. He maintains a schedule that would challenge people half his age. And his ACTUAL track record is better than any other modern president, and beyond measure over any theoretical president. Sounds to me like he's just about the exact correct age he should be, and that we should reelect him.
I'm facinated and appaled by the suicidal tendencies of some people to entertain such a foolish notion as abandoning the current President of the United States of America in an upcoming election that will have enormous consequences on the trajectory of our country. This illogical argument put forth by some in the Democratic party and other so-called pundits that either (a) we need to primary the President or (b) we need a 3rd party candidate -- is so hollow and transparently designed to undermine the current President and Democratic administration that it would be laughable if not for the sheer malicous intent.
The arguments for selecting a candidate other than Joe Biden fall into the following 4 blatantly flawed categories:
1. Joe Biden is too old. This is perhaps the most common yet least logical arguments of all. Too old for what? To successfully get an enormous amount of legislation passed as he did in the first term? To rally the worlds leaders of NATO against authoritarian agression? To assemble and skillfully manage a cabinet? To advocate for American workers, women's rights, appoint a qualified Supreme Court Justice if the opportunity arises? To visit the battlefield in Ukraine? To understand the concerns of the younger generation like climate change and gun violence? I don't hear any of those accusations -- just that he's too old. How about "too old to vote" arguments? Should we permit older citizens to vote because maybe we believe they aren't focused on future generations?
2. Polls show 75% of Americans would rather have someone other than Biden and Trump running. Guess what, I've lived through a dozen presidential elections and that is almost always the case. Secondly, the poll (if it even accurately reflects the general population) has no bearing on how people will vote. Its a fools errand to ever ask the American citzen if they are happy or satisfied with anything.
3. We need a 3rd Party! Well, I remember Ross Perot (even voted for him) in the hopes that getting him double-digits in the election would spur a serious 3rd party movement. It didn't. Bush voters probably correctly feel that it sabotaged Bush. The problem with any notion of a 3rd Party is you need to build it from the ground up - and not start with the presidency! Where are the Libertarian, Green, No Labels folks in the state legislatures? They (especially No Labels) are just vessels that will hand the car keys over to anyone not in one of the 2 major parties to sabotage the election to their liking.
4. Democrats need someone their base is more excited about. Really? We were plenty excited about Obama. Biden was more experienced and by the comparison of their terms in office has probably done a better job than Obama. Biden got the most votes of anyone in the history of our country. We need someone who voters (including Independents and sane Republicans) can support in a critical election to keep the insurectionists out of power. We don't need a charismatic rock star - although, frankly, Dark Brandon is having some moments.
I've heard the comments from Steve Schmidt and others that Democrats say one thing on camera and another off camera. That's on them. Not Biden. Its a requirement to be pessimistic if your a Democrat. But as coach Bill Parcells always said "You play with the team you've got, not the one you wish you had". 2024 is Team Biden.