Does Phillips Pose a Threat to Biden in the Primary?

As international conflicts simmer and inflation rates rise, internal divisions within the Democratic Party have taken center stage. Representative Dean Phillips, a relatively new face in Congress at the age of 54, has made waves by announcing his intention to challenge President Joe Biden in the Democratic primary. This move has led to growing speculation about whether Phillips could pose a credible threat to Biden, who faces criticisms of his age and a string of gaffes that some argue point to cognitive decline.

Phillips, a moderate within the party, has caused a stir by consistently calling on Biden, whose political views align broadly with his own, to step aside and allow another Democrat to lead the party's ticket in 2024. His insistence on the need for generational change has exposed the deepening divide within the Democratic Party at a time when the nation grapples with international tensions and soaring inflation.

The Minnesota native has served on the Small Business and Foreign Affairs committees and held a leadership role as the co-chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee in the House. However, in preparation for his presidential campaign, Phillips resigned from this role, citing fundamental disagreements with most of his caucus regarding the 2024 presidential race.

L to R: Rep. Dean Phillips ( D, MN -3), President Joseph R. Biden File Photo

Phillips is notably credited with sponsoring the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, which became law in June 2020 during the height of the pandemic. His background includes attending Brown University and the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Business. He hails from a Gold Star family, having lost his father, Artie Pfefer, in the Vietnam War when Phillips was just six months old. His mother, DeeDee Cohen, later remarried to Eddie Phillips, a businessman recognized for pioneering the luxury vodka spirits category.

Before entering politics, Dean Phillips held the positions of President and Chief Executive of Phillips Distilling, a family-owned distilling business. The company was subsequently sold to French luxury conglomerate LVMH. He continued his entrepreneurial journey by co-founding Penny's Coffee, a chain of cafes in the Twin Cities, and by playing a role in the management of Talenti Gelato, a producer of gelato and sorbet that Unilever eventually acquired.

Despite his relatively short tenure in Congress, Phillips has been seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party. His decision to challenge President Biden in the upcoming Democratic primary highlights the deepening internal divisions within the party. As the nation grapples with international conflicts and economic challenges like inflation, questions arise about whether Phillips could present a legitimate challenge to Biden, who faces ongoing concerns about his age and perceived cognitive decline. While Phillips' campaign is considered a long shot and has received limited public endorsements or notable support, it adds an intriguing dimension to the Democratic primary race, underscoring the ongoing debate within the party regarding generational change and the future direction of Democratic leadership.