Dean Phillips Finds Validation at Democratic National Convention After Longshot Bid Against Biden

CHICAGO — Dean Phillips, the Minnesota congressman who launched a quixotic primary challenge against President Joe Biden, is enjoying a moment of vindication at the Democratic National Convention. Phillips, who based his campaign on the belief that Biden was too old and frail to defeat Donald Trump, saw his efforts dismissed by many in his party. Yet, as he walks the convention halls, Phillips can’t help but feel a sense of validation.

Phillips’ campaign, which failed to win a single primary contest, was largely ignored by the Democratic establishment. He wasn’t given a prime-time speaking slot, and his candidacy was met with skepticism and even ridicule. But with Biden’s recent withdrawal and Kamala Harris now the party’s presidential nominee, Phillips is basking in the recognition he’s receiving from colleagues, reported the NY Times.

“Are you just walking around here being like, ‘told you so, told you so, told you so’?” Menzmag asked Phillips as he briskly moved through the convention hall en route to a television interview. “Yeah,” Phillips responded with a laugh. “That’s not what I was seeking, but I’ve been the recipient of a lot of wonderful handshakes, high fives, and hugs that I, frankly, wasn’t even anticipating and I’m grateful.”

Phillips finished the primary season with a total of four delegates, placing him second to Biden and ahead of self-help author Marianne Williamson, after Robert Kennedy Jr. left the Democratic Party to run as an independent. While other Democrats have been slow to offer apologies, Phillips is still feeling the warmth from his peers.

“I’m getting a lot of wink-winks and nods,” Phillips said with a knowing smile. “And just a lot of kind gestures.” Despite ending his campaign in March and endorsing Biden, Phillips was initially met with resistance from within his party. However, Biden’s poor debate performance against Trump left many Democrats concerned, and when Biden ultimately dropped out on July 21, Phillips felt a sense of validation.

“It wasn’t about me, it was about the mission, and the mission’s been validated,” Phillips reflected. “By the way, not just validated—I thought we would be coming to a funeral, and it turned out to be a birth.”

Phillips, who is retiring from the U.S. House in January, remains outspoken about the flaws he sees in the two-party system. He believes both major parties operate more like private corporations, prioritizing the interests of political elites over the people they serve.

“They’re both private corporations, and I think the American public needs to better understand that they don’t answer to shareholders, they answer to officers and they’re appointed by political leaders,” Phillips said before heading off to another TV appearance. “I’ve gotta run.”