Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips, running against Biden in the Democratic primary, discusses why he's running, what Democrats should do differently, and the difference between ice cream and gelato.
Representative Phillips believes in highlighting the contrasts between Democrats and Republicans by focusing on issues such as lowering costs and raising wages.
Representative Phillips emphasizes the need to address affordability and the growing disparities in income and wealth as existential threats to democracy.
Representative Phillips plans to stay in the race until next summer when the polls matter more in terms of head-to-head matchups with Donald Trump.
Dean Phillips believes that the Democratic Party needs to repackage itself and create a new brand that is inclusive, invitational, and focused on articulating key principles in a way that resonates with Americans.
Deep dives
Running for President
Representative Dean Phillips is running for president because he wants to be a part of shaping the future of America. He was inspired to run after the 2016 election and wants to ensure that his daughters feel safe and secure in the country. He believes in being an active participant rather than an observer.
The Importance of Contrasts
Representative Phillips believes that it is important to highlight the contrasts between Democrats and Republicans. He wants to focus on issues such as lowering costs and raising wages, which he believes will resonate with voters. He also emphasizes the need to frame the Republican agenda as one that will raise costs for everyday Americans.
Disagreements and Room for Improvement
While Representative Phillips supports President Biden and his agenda, he believes that there is still more to be done. He highlights the need to address affordability and the growing disparities in income and wealth. He sees these as existential threats to democracy.
Staying in the Race
Representative Phillips has no plans to drop out of the race at this time. He plans to stay in until next summer when the polls matter more in terms of the head-to-head matchups with Donald Trump. If President Biden is ahead in the polls, Representative Phillips would drop out and support his re-election campaign.
Repackaging the Democratic Party
Dean Phillips believes that the Democratic Party needs to repackage itself and create a new brand that is inclusive, invitational, and focused on articulating key principles in a way that resonates with Americans. He emphasizes the importance of inviting, rather than condemning, voters across the political spectrum, and believes that Democrats must unify behind a clear message to succeed.
Perceptions of Joe Biden and Trump
Dean Phillips acknowledges that Joe Biden is perceived as being old, while Donald Trump appears more energetic. However, he believes that Biden is mentally and emotionally fit for the job, while Trump is unfit. Phillips contends that it is the economic conditions, cultural landscape, and media environment, which Democrats cannot control, that pose challenges for any Democratic candidate running against Trump.
The Need for an Alternative Candidate
Dean Phillips argues that there is a risk in sticking with Joe Biden as the presumptive nominee, especially given his perceived age and the current polling numbers. He believes that his own candidacy offers a viable alternative, citing his own broad professional experience, his ability to build coalitions, and his belief in common sense, pragmatism, and inclusion. Phillips insists on the importance of practicing democracy, giving voters more options, and allowing the polls to reflect the potential success of different candidates.
Trump's lawyers preview a new defense strategy, Nikki Haley lands a big new endorsement, and President Biden fights back on the economy—and hits Lauren Boebert in her own district. Then, Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips visits the studio for a heated conversation about why he's running against Biden in the Democratic primary, what Democrats should be doing differently, what it would take for him to get out of the race, and of course, the difference between ice cream and gelato. NOTE: the interview with Congressman Phillips has been edited for length and clarity. You can watch the full interview at https://www.youtube.com/@podsaveamerica.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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