(DCWatchdog.com) – HAPPENING NOW: Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) expressed deep reservations on Friday about President Biden’s prospects for reelection in the face of poor poll results and issues involving his son. He urged fellow Democrats to consider entering the 2024 presidential race.
Phillips conveyed his admiration for Biden to CNN’s Jake Tapper, saying, “I love Joe Biden. I think he’s a man of decency, of competency. His record is extraordinary. I voted for it. I’ve helped market it and distribute it. I think the world of him.”
However, he stressed the importance of his loyalty to the constitution and the country over party or president, stating, “But I also believe my job is not duty-bound to the president, to my party, but to the constitution and country. And right now, I have grave concerns … I am scared. I’m trying to raise that bell, be the clarion call, if you will.”
The congressman, who is pondering whether to challenge Biden in the 2024 Democratic primary, highlighted the significant number of Democrats seeking an alternative to the current president and the mounting issues related to Hunter Biden.
David Weiss, the federal prosecutor from Delaware handling the investigation into Hunter Biden, was named special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland. This move came as a previously anticipated plea deal seems to have unraveled.
Phillips clarified his stance on the president’s integrity by stating, “I do not think the president is corrupt. I want to make that really clear. But we are duty-bound to investigate, to ensure the facts come out. And the fact is we don’t know where this goes.”
He emphasized the risk for the Democrats, noting, “And I think it’s too much risk for Democrats to take this chance without a backup plan because what we have right now in reserve is awfully consequential and frankly frightening.”
Nevertheless, Phillips shared his belief that he may not be the right choice for a presidential run. He said, “There are ample well-prepared, competent people of great character ready to go. And I think if the president would consider passing that torch now, just imagine Jake, the energy behind a next generation on the Democratic primary stage.”
Rep. Dean Phillips said that he has “grave concerns” about President Biden’s reelection bid amid weak polling numbers and the controversy surrounding his son, and encouraged other Democrats to jump into the 2024 race. https://t.co/fJwh2HhTeL
— The Hill (@thehill) August 12, 2023
