Dean Phillips emerges as an unexpected contender in a political landscape dominated by the familiar faces of American politics,. The millionaire businessperson from Minnesota is poised to launch a presidential campaign that many consider a longshot, while others perceive it as a vanity project or mid-life crisis. However, beneath the surface, this campaign represents a clear distillation of the undercurrent of discontent within the Democratic Party.

The Undercurrent of Discontent with Joe Biden

While Joe Biden sits in the White House, there is an undercurrent of discontent among Democratic Party voters. Dean Phillips’ campaign, though not a genuine threat to the president, highlights this discontent. It raises questions about Biden’s ability to secure another victory, even if he were to face former President Donald Trump once more.

Phillips’ Motivation for Challenging Biden

Dean Phillips sees his quixotic bid as a call to provide voters with a generational alternative to the 80-year-old president. His motivation stems from a sense of obligation to primary Biden and a genuine concern about the incumbent’s chances in a second face-off with Trump.

Phillips’ Revelation in Vietnam

This motivation seems deeply rooted in Phillips’ personal experiences, including a revelation he had while visiting the site of his father’s death in Vietnam. The trip to the place where his father lost his life in a helicopter crash during the Vietnam War left a profound impact on Phillips.

A Missed Opportunity

Initially, Phillips considered publicly recruiting another candidate to lead the campaign. He even called for a “moderate governor” to step up. However, he eventually decided to run himself, filing paperwork for “Dean 24, Inc.” with the Federal Elections Commission.

Echoes of the 2018 Congressional Bid

Phillips’ unconventional approach to campaigning has its roots in his 2018 congressional bid. He defied conventional political wisdom, opting for a retail-heavy campaign approach that favored digital ads over TV advertising. This approach, while infuriating many Democrats in Washington, led to his victory in a district that hadn’t elected a Democrat in decades.

A Familiar Strategy

Phillips is now dusting off this playbook, and signs of his unique campaign style are already evident. His campaign vehicles, including a “Dean Phillips for President” bus and the iconic “government repair truck,” are making a reappearance.

Challenges Ahead for Phillips

While Phillips’ strategy worked in a congressional race, it faces significant challenges in a presidential primary. Notably, he has already failed to make the ballot in Nevada, and his campaign relies on the support of a bombastic former Republican operative.

The Biden Campaign’s Response

The Biden campaign is not expected to engage with Phillips extensively. If they do, they are likely to portray him as wealthy and out-of-touch, highlighting his alignment with Biden on various issues.

Unconventional Allies

Phillips’ choice of campaign strategists, including Steve Schmidt, raises questions among Democrats. Schmidt’s previous involvement with another wealthy businessperson in the 2020 election has some concerned. Additionally, Phillips has brought on Ondine Fortune as a media buyer and enlisted a firm led by Bill Fletcher for campaign advertising.

The New Hampshire Focus

Phillips is focusing his campaign efforts on New Hampshire, a state where he is relatively unknown. He’s seeking to replicate his 2018 campaign success on a national level.

Turmoil Over the Campaign Calendar

The 2024 presidential campaign calendar has seen significant changes, with South Carolina elevated to the first-place slot. However, Phillips has not yet reached out to South Carolina Democrats, raising questions about his commitment.

The Uncertain Future for Dean Phillips

As Dean Phillips embarks on this unconventional journey, his political future remains uncertain. Many Minnesota Democrats had expected him to run for statewide office, but instead, others are lining up to contest his House seat. Phillips’ decision to challenge the incumbent president leaves his political career in the balance.

Conclusion

Dean Phillips’ presidential campaign, though unconventional and facing significant hurdles, is a clear indication of the discontent within the Democratic Party. It remains to be seen whether his unique approach can resonate with voters and reshape the political landscape.