Dean Phillips considers running for president as a third-party candidate, but with a single condition
Rep. Dean Phillips Considers Third-Party Bid for White House
Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN), a long-shot candidate for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, has expressed his openness to a third-party campaign for the White House under specific circumstances.
“It would have to be a Joe Biden-Donald Trump rematch that shows Joe Biden is almost certain to lose,” Phillips told The New York Times. “That is the only condition in which I would even entertain a conversation with any alternative.”
In an interview with The Washington Post, Phillips emphasized that he would need data indicating a “better way” to defeat Trump before considering a third-party run. However, for now, he is fully focused on running as a Democrat and securing the nomination.
Although Phillips faces significant challenges in the polls and in gaining ballot access in key states, he has garnered support from influential figures such as billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman and former presidential candidate Andrew Yang. Phillips has also criticized Biden as “unelectable and weak” as the Democratic nomination contests approach.
No Labels, an organization advocating for a “Unity ticket,” is considering multiple candidates, including Phillips, to challenge Biden and Trump in a potential 2024 rematch. A decision on moving forward will be made after March 15.
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Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), who announced he will not seek re-election, is also speculated to be considering a No Labels run. He plans to travel around the country to gauge interest in mobilizing the middle and uniting Americans.
Biden’s re-election campaign dismissed the idea that a third-party candidate like Phillips could pose a viable threat.
“At the end of the day, there’s only going to be two parties that have an ability to get to 270 electoral votes, and that’s going to be Joe Biden as a Democratic nominee and whoever emerges from the extreme Republican primary that’s going on right now,” Biden principal deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks said on ABC’s “This Week.”
What hurdles and challenges do third-party candidates typically face in the electoral process?
Omination.
Phillips, a businessman and former CEO, is known for his bipartisan approach in Congress. He is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, a group of lawmakers from both parties who work together to find common ground on important issues. His willingness to consider a third-party bid reflects his commitment to finding pragmatic solutions and moving beyond the partisan divisions that currently plague our political system.
The prospect of a third-party bid for the White House is not new. In recent years, we have seen independent candidates like Ross Perot and Ralph Nader make significant impacts on the electoral process. Their campaigns brought attention to important issues and challenged the two-party duopoly that has dominated American politics for decades. However, third-party candidates face numerous hurdles, including difficulty in securing ballot access and limited media coverage.
For Phillips, the conditions under which he would consider a third-party bid are clear. He believes that a rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, with indications that Biden is likely to lose, would be the only scenario in which an independent candidacy could be viable. This reflects his commitment to defeating Trump and preventing another four years of his divisive and damaging presidency.
However, Phillips acknowledges that he would need data indicating a “better way” to defeat Trump before seriously considering a third-party run. In other words, he wants evidence that an independent candidate could have a realistic chance of success and not simply act as a spoiler, potentially siphoning votes away from the Democratic nominee and inadvertently helping Trump secure another term.
For now, Phillips is fully focused on his campaign as a Democrat. He recognizes the importance of building a strong coalition within the party and winning the nomination. He believes that the Democratic Party can offer a viable alternative to Trump and his policies, and he wants to contribute to that effort. However, his openness to considering a third-party bid shows his willingness to explore all options and do what he believes is best for the country.
In a political landscape that is often dominated by tribalism and division, Phillips’ willingness to consider a third-party bid is refreshing. It reflects his commitment to putting the needs of the country ahead of personal ambition or party loyalty. While the path to a successful independent candidacy is challenging, Phillips’ pragmatic and inclusive approach has the potential to resonate with a significant portion of voters who are tired of the status quo and hungry for change.
As the 2024 presidential campaign unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the political landscape evolves and whether any third-party candidates emerge as viable contenders. While Phillips’ potential third-party bid is currently speculative, it represents an important conversation about the need for alternatives in our political system. Ultimately, the decision will rest on the circumstances and the data available at that time. Until then, Phillips remains focused on his campaign as a Democrat, working to secure the nomination and bring about the change he believes is necessary for the future of our country.
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