By Gloria Ogbonna
Supporters of President Joe Biden are raising concerns about Democratic presidential candidate Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) for his campaign activities in New Hampshire.
This move does not align with the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) revised nominating schedule, which stripped New Hampshire of its traditional status as the first primary state.
#Election2024: "I'm Dean Phillips and I'm running for President of the United States of America."
Here's a first look at the Democratic candidate's first ad, which debuted this morning in New Hampshire markets. https://t.co/QLQkQZPbeS pic.twitter.com/It1vz0P5xC
— AdImpact Politics (@AdImpact_Pol) October 27, 2023
Notable Democrats like Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) and former Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL) have issued strongly critical statements regarding Phillips’ campaign activities in New Hampshire, which featured prominently in his initial advertisement, according to AdImpact.
New Hampshire has a long history of hosting the first primary contests for both Democrats and Republicans. Since 1976, state law has dictated that primaries should be scheduled a week before any similar contests, as reported by Time.
However, following Biden’s suggestions to change the Democratic Party’s nominating calendar, the DNC decided to remove New Hampshire from its position as the first-in-the-nation primary state.
South Carolina, typically the second Democrat primary state, was designated as the replacement. This decision also pushed the Iowa Caucuses to March 5, coinciding with Super Tuesday.
2024 NEW-Asked about @ClyburnSC06 comments that he's disrespecting Black voters, @deanbphillips tells @FoxNews "Mr. Clyburn, a man I admire and respect, knows better, & that’s exactly the political conversation that’s dividing the country right now" #scpol #FITN #2024Election pic.twitter.com/HN2Lkc4sJ0
— Paul Steinhauser (@steinhauserNH1) October 31, 2023
Despite the new schedule, New Hampshire plans to proceed with its primary ahead of other states, though a specific date has not been set, as noted by PBS.
Clyburn, a Biden ally who provided a crucial endorsement for the president ahead of the 2020 South Carolina primary, expressed his disappointment to the Messenger:
“For decades, South Carolinians have shown that we can accurately predict great presidential candidates. Apparently, Dean Phillips disagrees. The Minnesota congressman is not respecting the wishes of the titular head of our Party and the loyalties of some of our Party’s most reliable constituents.
Black voters are an essential part of the Democratic coalition, and any candidate for President of the United States should acknowledge and respect their pivotal role in Democratic electoral victories. There is too much at stake to indulge in this kind of nonsense.”
In response, Phillips expressed his disappointment with Clyburn’s comments when questioned by Fox News New Hampshire-based reporter Paul Steinhauser:
“I’m disappointed. Mr. Clyburn, a man I admire and respect, knows better, and that’s exactly the political conversation that is dividing the country right now.
Anyone who knows me and takes the time to get to know me understands how much affection and appreciation I have for every community. Those who contribute to division by casting blame and doubt on people like me are part of the problem.”
Jones, in his comments to Politico Playbook, took issue with Phillips’ sentiments and referred to him as “the misguided gentleman from Minnesota.” Jones stated:
“Probably no one in the Democratic Party—or the country for that matter—has a better understanding of Black voters and their fundamental role in our democratic process than Jim Clyburn. It’s deeply insulting and quite misguided to make such a statement. But I suppose that’s the advice you receive when a Republican is running your campaign.
In reality, Phillips’ unconventional campaign in the only state without delegates and with minimal support appears to be faltering less than a week after its launch. Insulting one of our party’s most respected and accomplished members won’t help revive it.”
While Phillips and fellow Democratic candidate Marianne Williamson have registered for the New Hampshire primary, President Biden will not appear on the ballot, adhering to the DNC’s revised schedule.
However, Biden supporters are engaged in a write-in campaign to garner as many write-in votes as possible in New Hampshire, according to Politico.
Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign faced setbacks after finishing fourth in the Iowa Caucus and fifth in the New Hampshire primary.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) emerged as the top performers in both states. Biden’s campaign experienced a resurgence in South Carolina, where he secured nearly 50 percent of the support in a crowded field, paving the way for his successful nomination bid.
While Phillips faces criticism from Biden’s allies, the President is set to visit Phillips’ home state of Minnesota for a farm visit and fundraiser, as reported by Politico.
source breitbrat news