Longshot Democratic presidential candidate Dean Phillips has dropped out of the race on Wednesday afternoon after failing to gain traction in the primaries.
The Minnesota lawmaker and heir to one of America’s largest liquor dynasties suspended his campaign after a disastrous Super Tuesday where President Joe Biden dominated virtually every race.
Phillips, 55, stepped into the race arguing that Biden, 81, was too old to run again and the Democrats needed fresh blood.
But he failed to win his home state of Minnesota on Tuesday night and even fell behind ‘uncommitted’ voters protesting against Biden’s handling of the Gaza war.
‘In 2011, I hosted then VP Biden at my home. Most notable was his empathy and kindness to my daughters and the catering staff, with whom he sat and had ice cream (surprise-surprise)’ Phillips wrote on Twitter.
Longshot Democratic presidential candidate Dean Phillips will drop out of the race on Wednesday afternoon after failing to gain traction in the primaries
‘His decency and wisdom were rarities in politics then, and even more so today.
‘Over a decade later, the only thing that has changed is time – which slows all of us down a bit, including presidents.
‘I ran for Congress in 2018 to resist Donald Trump, I was trapped in the Capitol in 2021 because of Donald Trump, and I ran for President in 2024 to resist Donald Trump again – because Americans were demanding an alternative, and democracy demands options.
‘But it is clear that alternative is not me. And it is clear that Joe Biden is OUR candidate and OUR opportunity to demonstrate what type of country America is and intends to be.
Phillips (pictured with his wife Annalise) stepped into the race arguing that Biden, 81, was too old to run again and the Democrats needed fresh blood
‘To all who supported my effort, thank you. We will continue the important work to ensure a more responsive, democratic, and generationally diverse political system.
‘But today, in light of the stark reality we face, I ask you join me in mobilizing, energizing, and doing everything you can to help keep a man of decency and integrity in the White House.
‘That’s Joe Biden. Let’s use invitation, not confrontation, to welcome Haley supporters, Trump supporters, and Uncommitted supporters to get this done. It’s our calling, it’s our legacy, and and it’s our time.
More to follow