Benzinga - Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) has yet to decide on challenging President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination in 2024. However, he is urging other Democrats to consider entering the race.
What Happened: During his appearance on CBS' "Face the Nation" on Sunday, Phillips highlighted the desire among Democrats for a competitive primary rather than a straightforward nomination. He cited a poll from the New York Times indicating that a majority of Democrats would prefer a candidate other than Biden for the 2024 presidential race, Politico reported.
Phillips stressed the importance of heeding this call, warning of potentially disastrous consequences if ignored. He encouraged those who are well-prepared and possess good character to consider running, emphasizing the need for competition within the party.
"If we don't heed that call, shame on us. And the consequences, I believe, are going to be disastrous," Phillips said.
"So, my call is to those who are well positioned, well prepared, have good character and competency — they know who they are — to jump in because Democrats and the country need competition."
Why It Matters: Biden is currently facing internal party competition from author Marianne Williamson and lawyer as well as anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Despite the substantial advantage the president holds within the field, a recent poll conducted by The New York Times/Siena College revealed that 64% of Democratic voters expressed a preference for a candidate other than Biden.
Phillips, positioned as a moderate Democrat, recently met with donors in New York to discuss the potential of entering the primary race. However, on Sunday, he stated that he hasn’t reached a conclusion about launching a candidacy yet.
"I think I'm well positioned to be president [of] the United States … I do not believe I'm well positioned to run for it right now," he said.
Read Next: New Poll Indicates Preference For Kamala Harris Over Joe Biden Among Democratic Voters Ahead Of 2024
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