Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., on Sunday called for more Democrats to enter the 2024 primary against President Biden, making the argument that the party and the country “need competition.”
Phillips declined to make an announcement about his own political aspirations during his appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” but called on other Democrats to challenge Biden.
“The democrats tell me they want, not a coronation, but they want a competition,” he said. “A New York Times poll from this week shows that 55% of Democratic voters want some alternatives to incumbents in the primary, 83% of those under 30. Democrats under 30 want of alternatives, and about 76% are independents.”
President Biden and Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn. (Fox News)
HUNTER BIDEN SAYS ARCHER CHINESE CHAIRMAN LOVES HIM FOR HIS ‘LAST NAME,’ POSSE OF ‘GODLIKE ARYAN MEN’
“If we don’t heed that call, shame on us,” the congressman continued. “And the consequences, I believe, will be disastrous. So, my call is to people who are well positioned, well prepared, of good character and ability, they know who they are, to jump because the Democrats and the country needs competition. It makes everything better. That’s my call to them right now.”
Phillips praised Biden as an “amazing man” who “has led this country through a very difficult time,” but argued that the Democratic Party, which currently has only three candidates in the presidential primary, is doing a disservice to those American by not offering more options.
Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., is reportedly considering a challenge to President Biden for the 2024 Democrat presidential nomination. (Getty Images)
“We have 12 Republicans as options for Republican primary voters,” he said. “Right now, there are only three of us on the Democratic side. I believe in competition. We are a Democratic Party. Democracy means the freedom to make choices, and we don’t have many of them.”
BIDEN’S NARRATIVE OF NOT DISCUSSING BUSINESS WITH HUNTER CONTINUES TO BE A TEACHER
“I think he can [beat Trump],” he said of Biden. “But I think the only way to determine that, objectively, is to go through a process before it’s too late.
Phillips said that while he considers himself “well positioned” enough for the presidency, he doesn’t think he’s ready to “run for it now.”
“I haven’t made up my mind yet,” he said.
Phillips also said Vice President Harris is “absolutely qualified” for the job.
“In fact, I think she’s misportrayed,” he said. “I think everybody in this country should take a little time and sit with people, observe them, get to know them before you draw conclusions. I think he’s more competent and capable than a lot of people which gives him credit. The president’s job of vice is not easy.”
President Biden left St. Edmund Roman Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, after attending Mass on July 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
The Democratic National Committee and Biden’s campaign did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
The DNC fully supports Biden as the president campaigns for a second four-year term in the White House, and at its winter meeting in February, it unanimously passed a resolution giving its “full and complete support” for re-election. election of Biden and Harris.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The DNC said there will be no primary debate between Biden and his two nationally prominent challengers, Marianne Williamson, a bestselling self-help author and speaker, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the environmental lawyer and high-profile vaccine critic who is a scion of arguably the most famous political family dynasty in the country.
Fox News’ Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.
