Biden Preparing For Major Upset?

In Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary, President Joe Biden faces a potential setback that could prove embarrassing for his administration. Recent surveys indicate that Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., who has invested millions of his personal funds into the campaign, is garnering up to 28% of the Democrat vote, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

If Phillips secures 30% or more of the vote, it would be a significant embarrassment for Biden. Notably, previous Democrat incumbent Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama enjoyed overwhelming support, each earning 80% or more in the state.

The Democratic National Committee adjusted its primary schedule at the request of the Biden White House, aiming for South Carolina to kick off the nomination process on Feb. 3. However, New Hampshire state law dictates that the state must host the nation’s first primary, and officials refused to change the schedule. Consequently, Biden’s name will not be on the primary ballots, and no delegates will be awarded to the party’s nominating convention.

On the primary ballot, voters will find Phillips, along with self-help author Marianne Williamson and over a dozen lesser-known candidates. Phillips, who has poured his own resources into the campaign, commented on the party establishment’s reluctance to challenge incumbent leaders like Biden. He stated that his colleagues recognize Biden as one of the least well-positioned Democrats for the mission at hand. Phillips emphasized the problematic nature of coronating incumbents, especially when they may not be electable, and highlighted the consequences of a potential Donald Trump reelection.

Drawing inspiration from the 1968 bid of former Minnesota Sen. Eugene McCarthy, Phillips envisions a strong showing for his campaign as earning upwards of 20% or more of the vote. He draws parallels to McCarthy’s close defeat in New Hampshire, which led President Lyndon Johnson to withdraw from the race. Phillips sees his campaign as a necessary response to challenging the status quo and avoiding potential tragic outcomes. In his view, making a significant leap from zero to somewhere in the 20s would be a noteworthy achievement.