Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) didn’t mince words on NewsNation’s “On Balance” when discussing his disappointment with the Democratic ticket. The Minnesota congressman expressed his belief that President Biden and Vice President Harris might not be the best choice for the party in the upcoming election.
Phillips, known for his candid approach, drew an interesting comparison between the communication styles of Trump and Vance versus Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. He noted that, love ’em or hate ’em, Trump and Vance tend to answer questions more directly than their Democratic counterparts.
The congressman’s critique didn’t stop there. He took aim at what he perceives as a lack of accessibility from the Biden-Harris administration, suggesting that their limited media appearances and reluctance to engage in debates could be a sign of weakness.
“It’s a bit of a head-scratcher,” Phillips remarked. “When you’re confident in your message and your record, you should be out there front and center, not hiding behind press releases.”
Phillips didn’t hold back when discussing Vice President Harris’s performance, either. He expressed concern about her ability to connect with voters and articulate the administration’s vision effectively.
“Look, I’m a Democrat through and through, but we can’t ignore the elephant in the room,” Phillips said. “If we want to win in 2024, we need a ticket that can energize the base and appeal to swing voters. I’m not sure we’ve got that right now.”
The congressman’s comments reflect a growing unease among some Democrats about the party’s prospects in the upcoming election. While many remain loyal to Biden and Harris, others are starting to wonder if a fresh face might be needed to take on the Republican challenge.
As the election draws closer, it’ll be interesting to see if more Democrats follow Phillips’s lead in voicing their concerns. One thing’s for sure – this kind of frank talk is bound to ruffle some feathers in the party establishment.