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:
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.
199% agree with you. I suspect that there are people more concerned about President Harris than are admitting it. Not that she can't carry the torch, she smarter than smart...but because they saw half the country willing to overlook the work, dignity, and difficulties that faced Obama and were willing to vote for that walking, talking piece of trash just to stick it up congresses and the liberals' butts. I have never been in more despair than I was on the day Trump the Terrible won. So we have 2 choices. 1. Whenever someone, including Steve Schmidt, starts ranting about Biden's age ask what will be the damage if he dies in office? Do they have a problem with Harris over Trump (or any Republican)? Because dementia isn't a concern either...Biden's cabinet is NOT Trump's or Reagan's cabinet. Biden has a really strong team and it will be business as usual if he can no longer fulfill his duties. 2. Replace her by having HER decide she does not want to be president (climate change, Clarence Thomas, war, water shortages, guns, immigration, inflation...good God ya all - given the opportunity she might like a way out) and run with this wholesome, white, John Edwards type? I think #1 is the better, safest, choice and Harris will be fine if she has to step in...so I'm going to keep challenging the ageism. Teach the young voters to think critically...we have become an emotional, trigger happy society. Shooting ourselves in the foot, or cutting our own nose off to spite our face. Also, I am not bothered by the fact that Phillips is rich, he is just not ready and he means a whole new inexperienced administration! Biden isn't running alone and he isn't doing the job alone. His people are not quitting in droves or being replaced on a whim or hissy fit. Help the entire current administration to win, win back the House and lets get the job done.
I agree with you for the most part but what bothers me is him repeating that same speech last week. I personally, have to turn off the tv when Biden comes on. And I also think he should always have his aviators on because he looks even older squinting into the sunlight or lights. And there are so many that would not support him because of Kamala. I think what Biden should do, and I actually just thought of this, either appoint Widmer or Pete to the V.P. Then I would be good to go with him. And I Have nothing against Kamala, she just is not popular and will drag down the ticket.
I can't disagree with any of this, Penny. No candidate will be perfect though. Biden is more than up to the task, and replacing him would be catastrophic. So, we are where we are.
It is a two edged sword. Be careful what you wish for. Unless she says she wants out he will not change the ticket. If he does he will be accused to caving to the ageism and a large portion of his constituents will feel betrayed. As for your other concerns, lousy at speeches and squinty eyes I think they are small potatoes. Also, if you would listen to him he has given several exceptionally powerful speeches .
then I hope she says she wants out. My wishing for anything will change nothing. Will see how it plays out. If he has a health crisis, I hope it’s soon. I voted for him, I donated to him, I canvassed for him. And I will vote for him if he is on the ballot. It’s just that I, like so many others, want another choice. And the Democratic Party will not be giving us that choice.
Penny, Biden was my absolute last choice in the 2020 primaries. I was crestfallen when he clinched the nomination. But, now, I'm happy to be eating all my words of reservation about him. He is as progressive as any Democrat would ever have been allowed to be by Manchin, Sinema, and the other republicans. Perhaps more. There is no Democrat who stands a better chance of beating Trump or any other republican. We have a pretty sweet deal, if we'll take it. Even with Harris - who was a bad pick that hasn't aged well.
In total agreement. There were many other great candidates for the Dems but SOuth Carolina and Congressman James Clyburn sealed the deal and the rest is history
Biden wasn't my first choice because I didn't think he would survive the primaries. However, at the same time I believed in my heart he was the best and right choice. I knew it was going to take someone who had his VAST experience to right the sinking ship but I thought few people realized that. We couldn't afford another novice (sorry Pete) I've learned my lesson. I think if Biden thinks Harris will be a good president (if necessary) then I will support his choice. Maybe she should address the age issue. What does she think? What would she do? I hope she would keep his staff and cabinet.
For a long time I was so pleased with Steve Schmidt, and supportive, when he was fighting MAGA. Now he wants to play campaign strategist for the Democrats and he could do some damage to the successful party that is now in place. This concerns me.
Steve: fight MAGA, not Biden!!
I'm in touch with other 'The Warning' subscribers outside of this forum, and they feel the same way. Several have unsubscribed. What a disappointment. Thanks. Keep speaking up.
I like Steve too, Lisa. But I hate what he's doing here by never giving credit to the enormous accomplishments of Joe Biden and his administration. It really looks weird to completely ignore what Biden has gotten us out of after the disastrous Trump years. So, so, weird.
Yes, when I saw that Steve was doing this, my heart dropped. Biden's success, despite significant challenges, are already historical (as you know). I see that many others in this community feel the same way and some gave up. I expected better from Steve. Thanks.
That mythical creature, Candidatus Perfectus, who is guaranteed to sweep Trump from the political landscape does not exist, because there are no guarantees in politics, there is only hard work, courage, and good planning. I did not hear Steve, who wrote eloquently about Biden’s visit to Kyiv, ask Rep. Phillips any questions about that issue, or about foreign policy in general. (His colleague Brian Karem, a former war correspondent, wrote about the degree of courage that trip involved.) But Steve found time to plant a seed in the minds of the jury concerning the president for repeating himself in delivering an anecdote of obvious significance to himself. As a Michigan native I was hoping to read some comment on Biden’s remarkable decision to join the picketing UAW members. How would Rep. Phillips, as president, or for that matter as representative, handle this or any other complex crisis that could shake the economy? If it fell to his lot to manage another pandemic, how would he do it, bearing in mind that no two are alike? Instead we heard about the informal dinners he would have at the White House, whose emollient effects would no doubt prevent these crises from arising at all. I am the more disappointed, in that a previous edition of “The Warning” had an interview with Franklin Foer, whose fascinating book “The Last Politician” should convince anyone that we have a much-underestimated president. I suspect that Rep. Phillips is underestimating him as well.
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.
Here here! Love your argument. I’m a veteran of many more elections as well and i vote for the one who serves the best. Would I love a younger person, yes I would. But I’m over the redeeming white male as savior. Schmidt seems driven to put another “moderate” in our faces. This is not the election for this.
Please, Biden is a moderate! He only looks "far left" because the Republicans have moved so far to the right. Under current standards, Dwight Eisenhower would be considered a socialist. If you want "far left," there's Bernie and AOC and others who advocate such things as Medicare for All. BTW, my family and I are "far left" and we are not excited by everything Biden has done but we will vote for him
Jim, thank you for lay it out for me. This is exactly what I was thinking about when I wrote my tome this morning about who to trust and just what do insiders know that they are not telling us. When I see this I don’t see what Steve is talking about and why he keeps introducing us to new possible candidates. Not that I don’t like meeting them but c’mon what is really going on? It is difficult to discount a professional’s suggestions.
I really like Steve’s writing style and he seems like he’s come along way since working for Dick Cheney. But his thinking on this is completely incongruous with his revulsion for Trump.
I don't know if Dean Phillips or some other politician will try to challenge President Biden at the national convention next year. I do know that Biden's age concerns many. I also know that Kamala Harris is not widely accepted and that the President is at that age where anything can happen and some, though not including this progressive voter, are afraid of her as president should the worst happen.
The one thing I am sure of is that Donald Trump is unfit, dangerous, and would be the end of free and fair elections and possibly the end of our Constitution as we know it.
So, no matter who steps up and might challenge the President, I would hope that they would do it in the spirit of preserving democracy and doing the right thing to make sure we retain the presidency, give that president a working Congress and Senate, even if it's not Trump on the other side of the ballot.
The second thing I am sure about is that the GOP has been taken over by religious zealots and white Christian Nationalists and their vision of America is NOT my vision. We can not have this Christian version of the Taliban to ever gain full power again.
I believe in the First Amendment's establishment clause that says that we must not become that theocratic loser country that the founders knew was the greatest threat to what they worked so diligently for and so meticulously conveyed in that founding document concerning the separation of church and state.
Can we also remember that tRump is only 3 years younger than Biden and in terrible physical shape. Democrats are going to panic themselves right into re-electing tRump🤦♀️😱 VOTE. RE-ELECT BIDEN/HARRIS.
I get so very tired of hearing how old Biden is, without reference to Trump's age. Trump is 77, not 47 or even 67. Plus look at him! He is so fat and drives around on a golf cart when he plays golf. And remember how poorly he speaks; he cannot utter a complete sentence and appears to have a vocabulary of about 500 words. Listen to a recording of him 20 years ago and then listen to a recent recording. He is clearly suffering from cognitive decline. Trump is clearly dealing with far more age related issues than Biden!
Too bad the founders DID ALLOW for division of super rich and poverty living here together, guaranteeing a dictatorship someday. No provision of sharing the wealth, guaranteed health care and guaanteed free equal excellence in education exists in that rag of paper.
John Jay: justifying the Electoral College 1778: "The people that own' the country ought to run it"
I still believe they did the best they could in the situation they were in — to try and form a democratic government with all these flaws that were highly accepted at the time like slavery and in the divisions of stature in our society amongst other things.
That was a very interesting discussion with Dean Phillips. However, neither one of you dealt with what you had seemingly expressed antipathy for, and that is addressing the most inconvenient or uncomfortable truth of all. Slavery was our original sin, but our enduring sin is misogyny. It's why we ended up with Trump in the first place.
We were more than willing to collectively tolerate as a people a misogynistic, bigoted, racist, intellectually incurious fraud, a fundamentally stupid and corrupt man, over a very bright and accomplished woman in 2016. "But her emails!" was what we kept exclaiming and what the media kept reporting (or more accurately, transcribing) as if it were a morally equivalent issue with sexual assault by a man we now know used classified documents as scratch paper for to do lists while paying off porn stars, all so that he could fraudulently claim allegiance with the morally bankrupt evangelicals.
If this were a just world rather than the make-believe one that politicians keep defaulting to with their incessant "this is not who we are," or "we need to have a national conversation about this issue" or "we've reached an inflection point" claptrap, we would stop talking about all this extraneous bullshit and start doing something about it. We already know what the solutions are. And when we look at the list of presidents since the founding of the republic, the one thing notably absent is a female president. I've had my fill of old men, particularly old white men.
But I'm going to vote for one once again in 2024, and his name is Joe Biden, for he seems to be the only one who understands that the only person with a shot at beating the worst possible person in history to ever darken the doorway of the White House is an incumbent old white guy. He sees that his opponent will be a man, a white man, a stupid white male criminal who, even though he has been charged with 91 felonies, still has about a 50-50 shot at being president.
But that's because we've never done a goddamn thing about misogyny except refer to it with platitudes and provide rhetorical pabulum as the cure for a problem that we still do not even recognize.
Stephen, I applaud you and thank you for speaking out about the misogyny and racism in this country -core problems that drive a lot of the dysfunction that goes on and on. Keep speaking out!
I highly recommend “Corruptible” by Brian Klass. Biden as it turns out much to my surprise, especially when remembering the Clarence Thomas confirmation, has turned out to be a very good President, perhaps because he is neither a wealthy man nor one, despite the preposterous Republican talking points, using his office to enrich himself. I am so sick of wealthy men who believe their wealth nis a sign from god that they should lead the country or serve in any public office. It is a system that rewards the unfit. Whether it’s generational or self made wealth, combined with a predisposition to arrogance it leaves us in the vast majority of cases having to choose between thee lesser of two evils.
Perhaps this unfairly labels Congressperson Phillips, if so he is in a very small minority of the .1%.
I agree with commenters who are impressed by Mr. Phillips but in THIS election would rather see Democrats get solidly behind Mr. Biden. The reasons have all been listed: Accomplishments outweigh age; splitting the anti-Trump vote with a third candidacy is not smart; and how can you get tired of the public policy path that Biden’s administration has us on?
But on the 3rd-party candidacy front (eg No Labels), there’s another reason: It gives Trump supporters a place to do mischief with donations. Campaign money from people intent on siphoning votes away from Biden makes a 3rd party appear more popular than it really is. A “mainstream alternative to the extremes” and all the other good words that can be said in favor of a middle choice are great concepts, but in the 2024 presidential campaign they are fantasy. The campaign will draw money from the right and votes from the left and put Mr. Trump back in the White House.
The place for real 3rd-party incubation is at the state and local level, so that we can look forward to a pipeline of government that works for the people - the public interest - rather than gladiators who duke it out in Washington over ideology in the interest of their own careers.
Tell him , don’t waste his time! I’m voting for Biden. If something happens to him we have our VP ready to go and maybe the only way to have a woman as our leader. Guess what? I’m fine with that. Still fuming over HRC.
I’ve noticed the people who ignore electronic “news” don’t even care about the age thing. It’s a non issue for a lot of people despite the media rants.
I was very skeptical. But then I watched the video and actually listened. It was far from a softball interview. You challenged him and asked some very tough questions and he handled it extremely well. He was not only cool and at ease but very likeable at the same time. He has a lot of great ideas. I want to hear more about his philosophy. I can imagine him wiping the floor with Twitler or any other Magapublican. He knows he's a long shot. But Rep. Dean Phillips is at the very least a voice that needs to be heard during this election. Honesty... what a concept! I'm no pushover and in fact I've become quite cynical, but he (almost) convinced me that he's the first honest politician. I'm happy with what Joe Biden has accomplished and I think I understand his speaking problem better than most, having had a stutter myself for about a year when I was about seven years old. His mind is just fine. But listening to Phillips in your interview showed me what a great communicator he is. We need that. He's right; we can wait for 28. There are too many things we need to start doing now. I don't want my grandchildren to suffer from the effects of global warming. It's obviously happening and gaining speed right now. We need to stop fearing Trump and start preparing for the future. NOW!
The " founding fathers ( no women allowed)"were the first white supremacists on our soil. The approved and condoned committing genocide of indigenous people and allowing slavery. Also, the were all well-to-do LANDOWNING WHITE MEN.
What else could we have expected from such an arrogant class of All White Men?
I am an 82 year old white man born in Atlanta, and even a southerner can see clearly the criminal inadequacy of their work..
It's true that " the didn't know any better", but that is no reason to not write up a brand new constitution and throw this one into the garbage
Why not Gavin Newsom? At least Newsom is not an unknown. What does yet one more multi-millionaire really have to offer? AND, STOP writing off Biden. OMG. Get a strong VP to pony up with BIden. Harris is way too weak. But, forewarned is forearmed: Democrats always pony up at the last minute. This is not roulette. Well, come to think of it . . .
I don't think she will step aside and I don't think Joe wants her too so....and you are right, incumbent presidents are rarely challenged. Ted Kennedy challenged Carter and look how that turned out.
Eugene Debs was the last good man running for president. You cant just "tinker " with capitaism and and fix it . An obsenely Super rich and poverty class is built into capitalism.. Here , they are coexisting in one nation , causing violence and mayhem, and we could so soon easily become a truly fascist Republic because sharing the wealth is not in the constitution...
There was one other very good candidate too: Henry George. He too has been vaporized by the rich.
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.
199% agree with you. I suspect that there are people more concerned about President Harris than are admitting it. Not that she can't carry the torch, she smarter than smart...but because they saw half the country willing to overlook the work, dignity, and difficulties that faced Obama and were willing to vote for that walking, talking piece of trash just to stick it up congresses and the liberals' butts. I have never been in more despair than I was on the day Trump the Terrible won. So we have 2 choices. 1. Whenever someone, including Steve Schmidt, starts ranting about Biden's age ask what will be the damage if he dies in office? Do they have a problem with Harris over Trump (or any Republican)? Because dementia isn't a concern either...Biden's cabinet is NOT Trump's or Reagan's cabinet. Biden has a really strong team and it will be business as usual if he can no longer fulfill his duties. 2. Replace her by having HER decide she does not want to be president (climate change, Clarence Thomas, war, water shortages, guns, immigration, inflation...good God ya all - given the opportunity she might like a way out) and run with this wholesome, white, John Edwards type? I think #1 is the better, safest, choice and Harris will be fine if she has to step in...so I'm going to keep challenging the ageism. Teach the young voters to think critically...we have become an emotional, trigger happy society. Shooting ourselves in the foot, or cutting our own nose off to spite our face. Also, I am not bothered by the fact that Phillips is rich, he is just not ready and he means a whole new inexperienced administration! Biden isn't running alone and he isn't doing the job alone. His people are not quitting in droves or being replaced on a whim or hissy fit. Help the entire current administration to win, win back the House and lets get the job done.
I agree with you for the most part but what bothers me is him repeating that same speech last week. I personally, have to turn off the tv when Biden comes on. And I also think he should always have his aviators on because he looks even older squinting into the sunlight or lights. And there are so many that would not support him because of Kamala. I think what Biden should do, and I actually just thought of this, either appoint Widmer or Pete to the V.P. Then I would be good to go with him. And I Have nothing against Kamala, she just is not popular and will drag down the ticket.
I can't disagree with any of this, Penny. No candidate will be perfect though. Biden is more than up to the task, and replacing him would be catastrophic. So, we are where we are.
It is a two edged sword. Be careful what you wish for. Unless she says she wants out he will not change the ticket. If he does he will be accused to caving to the ageism and a large portion of his constituents will feel betrayed. As for your other concerns, lousy at speeches and squinty eyes I think they are small potatoes. Also, if you would listen to him he has given several exceptionally powerful speeches .
then I hope she says she wants out. My wishing for anything will change nothing. Will see how it plays out. If he has a health crisis, I hope it’s soon. I voted for him, I donated to him, I canvassed for him. And I will vote for him if he is on the ballot. It’s just that I, like so many others, want another choice. And the Democratic Party will not be giving us that choice.
Penny, Biden was my absolute last choice in the 2020 primaries. I was crestfallen when he clinched the nomination. But, now, I'm happy to be eating all my words of reservation about him. He is as progressive as any Democrat would ever have been allowed to be by Manchin, Sinema, and the other republicans. Perhaps more. There is no Democrat who stands a better chance of beating Trump or any other republican. We have a pretty sweet deal, if we'll take it. Even with Harris - who was a bad pick that hasn't aged well.
WE CAN WIN THIS.
In total agreement. There were many other great candidates for the Dems but SOuth Carolina and Congressman James Clyburn sealed the deal and the rest is history
Biden wasn't my first choice because I didn't think he would survive the primaries. However, at the same time I believed in my heart he was the best and right choice. I knew it was going to take someone who had his VAST experience to right the sinking ship but I thought few people realized that. We couldn't afford another novice (sorry Pete) I've learned my lesson. I think if Biden thinks Harris will be a good president (if necessary) then I will support his choice. Maybe she should address the age issue. What does she think? What would she do? I hope she would keep his staff and cabinet.
Agree, agree, and agree.
For a long time I was so pleased with Steve Schmidt, and supportive, when he was fighting MAGA. Now he wants to play campaign strategist for the Democrats and he could do some damage to the successful party that is now in place. This concerns me.
Steve: fight MAGA, not Biden!!
I'm in touch with other 'The Warning' subscribers outside of this forum, and they feel the same way. Several have unsubscribed. What a disappointment. Thanks. Keep speaking up.
I like Steve too, Lisa. But I hate what he's doing here by never giving credit to the enormous accomplishments of Joe Biden and his administration. It really looks weird to completely ignore what Biden has gotten us out of after the disastrous Trump years. So, so, weird.
Yes, when I saw that Steve was doing this, my heart dropped. Biden's success, despite significant challenges, are already historical (as you know). I see that many others in this community feel the same way and some gave up. I expected better from Steve. Thanks.
I’m right there with you.
I agree with you ohthehughmanity. I honestly wish people would stop talking about it!
That mythical creature, Candidatus Perfectus, who is guaranteed to sweep Trump from the political landscape does not exist, because there are no guarantees in politics, there is only hard work, courage, and good planning. I did not hear Steve, who wrote eloquently about Biden’s visit to Kyiv, ask Rep. Phillips any questions about that issue, or about foreign policy in general. (His colleague Brian Karem, a former war correspondent, wrote about the degree of courage that trip involved.) But Steve found time to plant a seed in the minds of the jury concerning the president for repeating himself in delivering an anecdote of obvious significance to himself. As a Michigan native I was hoping to read some comment on Biden’s remarkable decision to join the picketing UAW members. How would Rep. Phillips, as president, or for that matter as representative, handle this or any other complex crisis that could shake the economy? If it fell to his lot to manage another pandemic, how would he do it, bearing in mind that no two are alike? Instead we heard about the informal dinners he would have at the White House, whose emollient effects would no doubt prevent these crises from arising at all. I am the more disappointed, in that a previous edition of “The Warning” had an interview with Franklin Foer, whose fascinating book “The Last Politician” should convince anyone that we have a much-underestimated president. I suspect that Rep. Phillips is underestimating him as well.
Catherine I live in Michigan too. I agree with all your eloquent points. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Helen. I look forward to seeing our president march in the picket lines tomorrow. What a turn of events!
I thought Phillips ideas were overly simplistic too, nice, but not realistic and not what I'm looking for.
I just purchased the book. So far it is great. Cassidy Hutchinson's tomorrow. My eyes will be on my cheek bones by Sunday.
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.
Here here! Love your argument. I’m a veteran of many more elections as well and i vote for the one who serves the best. Would I love a younger person, yes I would. But I’m over the redeeming white male as savior. Schmidt seems driven to put another “moderate” in our faces. This is not the election for this.
Please, Biden is a moderate! He only looks "far left" because the Republicans have moved so far to the right. Under current standards, Dwight Eisenhower would be considered a socialist. If you want "far left," there's Bernie and AOC and others who advocate such things as Medicare for All. BTW, my family and I are "far left" and we are not excited by everything Biden has done but we will vote for him
Because he is not Trump.
And even Bernie told his fellow far left colleagues --- line up for Joe this time! Politics is sometimes more situational than philosophical.
I’m in agreement with you. I would prefer less moderate and a younger President. But I see Biden as the choice in this moment.
I just read this aloud to my husband. He asked, "Did you write that?" I WISH I had. 👏
Jim, this is excellent! Right on! Thanks, and please keep speaking out. We need you.
Jim, thank you for lay it out for me. This is exactly what I was thinking about when I wrote my tome this morning about who to trust and just what do insiders know that they are not telling us. When I see this I don’t see what Steve is talking about and why he keeps introducing us to new possible candidates. Not that I don’t like meeting them but c’mon what is really going on? It is difficult to discount a professional’s suggestions.
I really like Steve’s writing style and he seems like he’s come along way since working for Dick Cheney. But his thinking on this is completely incongruous with his revulsion for Trump.
Agreed, Jim. I don’t get it.
I don't know if Dean Phillips or some other politician will try to challenge President Biden at the national convention next year. I do know that Biden's age concerns many. I also know that Kamala Harris is not widely accepted and that the President is at that age where anything can happen and some, though not including this progressive voter, are afraid of her as president should the worst happen.
The one thing I am sure of is that Donald Trump is unfit, dangerous, and would be the end of free and fair elections and possibly the end of our Constitution as we know it.
So, no matter who steps up and might challenge the President, I would hope that they would do it in the spirit of preserving democracy and doing the right thing to make sure we retain the presidency, give that president a working Congress and Senate, even if it's not Trump on the other side of the ballot.
The second thing I am sure about is that the GOP has been taken over by religious zealots and white Christian Nationalists and their vision of America is NOT my vision. We can not have this Christian version of the Taliban to ever gain full power again.
I believe in the First Amendment's establishment clause that says that we must not become that theocratic loser country that the founders knew was the greatest threat to what they worked so diligently for and so meticulously conveyed in that founding document concerning the separation of church and state.
Can we also remember that tRump is only 3 years younger than Biden and in terrible physical shape. Democrats are going to panic themselves right into re-electing tRump🤦♀️😱 VOTE. RE-ELECT BIDEN/HARRIS.
I get so very tired of hearing how old Biden is, without reference to Trump's age. Trump is 77, not 47 or even 67. Plus look at him! He is so fat and drives around on a golf cart when he plays golf. And remember how poorly he speaks; he cannot utter a complete sentence and appears to have a vocabulary of about 500 words. Listen to a recording of him 20 years ago and then listen to a recent recording. He is clearly suffering from cognitive decline. Trump is clearly dealing with far more age related issues than Biden!
Too bad the founders DID ALLOW for division of super rich and poverty living here together, guaranteeing a dictatorship someday. No provision of sharing the wealth, guaranteed health care and guaanteed free equal excellence in education exists in that rag of paper.
John Jay: justifying the Electoral College 1778: "The people that own' the country ought to run it"
I still believe they did the best they could in the situation they were in — to try and form a democratic government with all these flaws that were highly accepted at the time like slavery and in the divisions of stature in our society amongst other things.
Right, but Marx saw what we are, and many people in Europe saw what we are.; a nation not for humanity but for profits.
Politics right from day one:)
That was a very interesting discussion with Dean Phillips. However, neither one of you dealt with what you had seemingly expressed antipathy for, and that is addressing the most inconvenient or uncomfortable truth of all. Slavery was our original sin, but our enduring sin is misogyny. It's why we ended up with Trump in the first place.
We were more than willing to collectively tolerate as a people a misogynistic, bigoted, racist, intellectually incurious fraud, a fundamentally stupid and corrupt man, over a very bright and accomplished woman in 2016. "But her emails!" was what we kept exclaiming and what the media kept reporting (or more accurately, transcribing) as if it were a morally equivalent issue with sexual assault by a man we now know used classified documents as scratch paper for to do lists while paying off porn stars, all so that he could fraudulently claim allegiance with the morally bankrupt evangelicals.
If this were a just world rather than the make-believe one that politicians keep defaulting to with their incessant "this is not who we are," or "we need to have a national conversation about this issue" or "we've reached an inflection point" claptrap, we would stop talking about all this extraneous bullshit and start doing something about it. We already know what the solutions are. And when we look at the list of presidents since the founding of the republic, the one thing notably absent is a female president. I've had my fill of old men, particularly old white men.
But I'm going to vote for one once again in 2024, and his name is Joe Biden, for he seems to be the only one who understands that the only person with a shot at beating the worst possible person in history to ever darken the doorway of the White House is an incumbent old white guy. He sees that his opponent will be a man, a white man, a stupid white male criminal who, even though he has been charged with 91 felonies, still has about a 50-50 shot at being president.
But that's because we've never done a goddamn thing about misogyny except refer to it with platitudes and provide rhetorical pabulum as the cure for a problem that we still do not even recognize.
Stephen, I applaud you and thank you for speaking out about the misogyny and racism in this country -core problems that drive a lot of the dysfunction that goes on and on. Keep speaking out!
I'm a reader. Transcript please.
I highly recommend “Corruptible” by Brian Klass. Biden as it turns out much to my surprise, especially when remembering the Clarence Thomas confirmation, has turned out to be a very good President, perhaps because he is neither a wealthy man nor one, despite the preposterous Republican talking points, using his office to enrich himself. I am so sick of wealthy men who believe their wealth nis a sign from god that they should lead the country or serve in any public office. It is a system that rewards the unfit. Whether it’s generational or self made wealth, combined with a predisposition to arrogance it leaves us in the vast majority of cases having to choose between thee lesser of two evils.
Perhaps this unfairly labels Congressperson Phillips, if so he is in a very small minority of the .1%.
Interesting points. People really need to understand he is sincere about being for the workers.
I agree with commenters who are impressed by Mr. Phillips but in THIS election would rather see Democrats get solidly behind Mr. Biden. The reasons have all been listed: Accomplishments outweigh age; splitting the anti-Trump vote with a third candidacy is not smart; and how can you get tired of the public policy path that Biden’s administration has us on?
But on the 3rd-party candidacy front (eg No Labels), there’s another reason: It gives Trump supporters a place to do mischief with donations. Campaign money from people intent on siphoning votes away from Biden makes a 3rd party appear more popular than it really is. A “mainstream alternative to the extremes” and all the other good words that can be said in favor of a middle choice are great concepts, but in the 2024 presidential campaign they are fantasy. The campaign will draw money from the right and votes from the left and put Mr. Trump back in the White House.
The place for real 3rd-party incubation is at the state and local level, so that we can look forward to a pipeline of government that works for the people - the public interest - rather than gladiators who duke it out in Washington over ideology in the interest of their own careers.
Tell him , don’t waste his time! I’m voting for Biden. If something happens to him we have our VP ready to go and maybe the only way to have a woman as our leader. Guess what? I’m fine with that. Still fuming over HRC.
Right On! Thanks.
I’ve noticed the people who ignore electronic “news” don’t even care about the age thing. It’s a non issue for a lot of people despite the media rants.
Steve, thanks for this interview. I was VERY impressed with Dean Phillips. Thanks for introducing him to me today.
I was very skeptical. But then I watched the video and actually listened. It was far from a softball interview. You challenged him and asked some very tough questions and he handled it extremely well. He was not only cool and at ease but very likeable at the same time. He has a lot of great ideas. I want to hear more about his philosophy. I can imagine him wiping the floor with Twitler or any other Magapublican. He knows he's a long shot. But Rep. Dean Phillips is at the very least a voice that needs to be heard during this election. Honesty... what a concept! I'm no pushover and in fact I've become quite cynical, but he (almost) convinced me that he's the first honest politician. I'm happy with what Joe Biden has accomplished and I think I understand his speaking problem better than most, having had a stutter myself for about a year when I was about seven years old. His mind is just fine. But listening to Phillips in your interview showed me what a great communicator he is. We need that. He's right; we can wait for 28. There are too many things we need to start doing now. I don't want my grandchildren to suffer from the effects of global warming. It's obviously happening and gaining speed right now. We need to stop fearing Trump and start preparing for the future. NOW!
Correction: We CAN'T wait for 28
I know that President Biden has moved things in the right direction. But we need to do more.
The " founding fathers ( no women allowed)"were the first white supremacists on our soil. The approved and condoned committing genocide of indigenous people and allowing slavery. Also, the were all well-to-do LANDOWNING WHITE MEN.
What else could we have expected from such an arrogant class of All White Men?
I am an 82 year old white man born in Atlanta, and even a southerner can see clearly the criminal inadequacy of their work..
It's true that " the didn't know any better", but that is no reason to not write up a brand new constitution and throw this one into the garbage
Why not Gavin Newsom? At least Newsom is not an unknown. What does yet one more multi-millionaire really have to offer? AND, STOP writing off Biden. OMG. Get a strong VP to pony up with BIden. Harris is way too weak. But, forewarned is forearmed: Democrats always pony up at the last minute. This is not roulette. Well, come to think of it . . .
Steve, I thought this was good, interesting. I liked him.
I don't think she will step aside and I don't think Joe wants her too so....and you are right, incumbent presidents are rarely challenged. Ted Kennedy challenged Carter and look how that turned out.
Eugene Debs was the last good man running for president. You cant just "tinker " with capitaism and and fix it . An obsenely Super rich and poverty class is built into capitalism.. Here , they are coexisting in one nation , causing violence and mayhem, and we could so soon easily become a truly fascist Republic because sharing the wealth is not in the constitution...
There was one other very good candidate too: Henry George. He too has been vaporized by the rich.