WASHINGTON – Thursday’s statement by Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips indicated that he doesn’t believe President Joe Biden should be running for re-election in 2024 and prefers to see a younger, more dynamic Democrat at the top.
Phillips, who is the representative of Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District was asked if he would vote for Biden in 2024 during an interview on Chad Hartman’s radio show on WCCO/AM.
Phillips said, “No, I think the country would benefit from a new generation compelling, well-prepared and dynamic Democrats who step up.”
Phillips stated that he has respect for Biden’s accomplishments and showed it to him.
Phillips, 53 years old, said that Biden would turn 80 in 2024, and that the other Democrats in Congress agree with him.
Phillips stated, “I believe it’s time to a generational shift.” Phillips said, “And I believe most of my coworkers agree with that.”
For months, there has been a whisper campaign among Democrats for someone else to be their party’s nominee. Ron DeSantis will be the Republican candidate. Few have made their preferences known, or stated outright that they wouldn’t support the party’s standard bearer.
Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-N.J.) stated last month that he didn’t know if he would vote for Biden.
Malinowksi stated that he didn’t know who was running or if he would be running in 2024.
Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who agreed to support a legislative agreement that would greatly advance Biden’s economic agenda on Thursday, said he hadn’t decided whether he’d support Biden for another term.
A CNN poll released Wednesday revealed that 75% of Democratic-leaning voters would prefer their party nominate someone else than Biden for the 2024 election. This is a significant increase on the results of a similar survey earlier in the year.
The president’s approval ratings are low, and most Americans believe that the country is heading in the wrong direction. This has led to dissatisfaction from the Democrats. The inflation rate remains high, while consumer confidence is continuing to fall and the pandemic persists.
Phillips, like all U.S. House Members, is up for reelection this year. He will be challenged by Republican Tom Weiler.
Analysts call the 3 rd District “safe Democratic,” while Phillips easily beat Republican rivals in his first and second races to represent the district. Democrats are now on the defensive during this campaign season.
Many Democrats from “safe” districts are wary of Biden’s popularity and the historic losses that the party suffered in the midterms.
Walker Orenstein, MinnPost staff writer, contributed to this report.
helpdesk