First Democrat In Congress Suggests Biden Shouldn’t Run In 2024

Topline

Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) has become one of the most prominent Democrats to suggest President Joe Biden shouldn’t run again in 2024, telling a Minneapolis talk radio station a “dynamic,” younger Democrat would be a much stronger presidential nominee.

President Joe Biden listens during a meeting with CEOs in the South Court Auditorium at the White … [+] House complex in Washington on Thursday. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Key Facts

Phillips said on a WCCO program Thursday he believes Biden, 79, is a “man of decency, of good principle, of compassion, of empathy and of strength,” but expressed concerns about his age, noting the president has made “some mistakes and some missteps.”

Recent polling suggests most Democratic voters share the same view, with a New York Times/Siena College poll earlier this month finding nearly two out of three Democrats don’t want Biden to run for reelection—age was Democratic voters’ top concern.

Phillips appears to be the highest-ranking Democrat at the federal level to express support for Biden stepping aside after one term, though numerous reports suggest many other Democrats in Congress are privately hoping for another candidate.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Forbes.

Crucial Quote

“I think the country would be well-served by a new generation of compelling, well-prepared, dynamic Democrats to step up,” Phillips said.

Key Background

Biden has repeatedly said he will run for reelection in 2024, but that hasn’t quelled constant rumblings that Democrats want another candidate. Biden is the oldest person to ever serve as president, and, if reelected, he would be 82 at the time he’s sworn in for a second term. The president is also dealing with historically low approval ratings as voters express frustration with skyrocketing inflation and shortages caused by supply chain disruptions. According to a FiveThirtyEight polling tracker, Biden has a 39.4% approval rating, which is lower than former President Donald Trump’s was at the same point in his presidency.

Tangent

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), a centrist who has repeatedly clashed with Biden and Democratic leadership, told NewsNation in an interview released Thursday that he’s not committed to backing Biden if he’s the Democratic nominee in 2024. “Depending on who the Republican nominee is, we will just have to wait and see,” he said. Progressive Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) was also asked this week whether she would support Biden running again, but told KSDK-TV: “I don’t want to answer that question.”

Surprising Fact

Biden is younger than the top three Democrats in the House—Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), which Phillips also said is a major problem. Pelosi and Clyburn are 82, while Hoyer is 83.