Sununu says Biden’s weak campaign in New Hampshire lets Dean Phillips shine
Exclusive: Gov. Chris Sununu on Rep. Dean Phillips’s Rising Popularity in New Hampshire
Gov. Chris Sununu (R-NH) revealed in an interview with the Washington Examiner that Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) is gaining significant traction among Democratic and undeclared voters in New Hampshire. Sununu described Phillips as a relatively unknown lawmaker who is making a splash and capturing attention with his compelling case for why the party should move on from President Joe Biden.
“He’s definitely gaining traction. He’s definitely making a splash,” the governor told the Washington Examiner. “From what I understand — I’ve heard some people comment that he’s very good on the stump. He gives a great speech. He’s answering questions directly. So from what I understand, he’s doing a good job.”
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Sununu acknowledged that he hasn’t personally attended Phillips’s rallies and events, but he has heard rumblings about the lawmaker’s controversial campaign against Biden. Phillips has focused much of his campaign in New Hampshire since Biden did not file for the Democratic primary in the state. This decision by the Biden campaign comes amidst a feud between the early primary state and the Democratic National Party over the order of primary elections.
“I know they’re going to try a write-in effort,” Sununu commented on Biden’s strategy in New Hampshire. “Anytime you’re trying to do a write-in effort for an incumbent president, that’s just kind of pathetic.”
According to Sununu, Phillips’s candidacy has made Democrats realize that “Biden can now lose.” He believes that Biden’s performance is so poor that he could potentially lose to even Trump on a national level.
Sununu also predicted that neither Biden nor former President Donald Trump would be the Democratic and Republican nominees in 2024. He stated, “Clearly, every American does not want Trump or Biden. And I don’t believe it’s going to be Trump and Biden on the ticket.” Instead, he suggested that Republicans could rally behind another option once it becomes clear that someone can gather enough support to defeat Trump.
Regarding the Democratic Party, Sununu expressed skepticism about a third-party bid being successful. He predicted that “something is going to happen, such that Biden isn’t on that ticket in ’24” due to the party’s “mischievous and conniving” nature. He suggested that they may work with the Bidens directly to convince Biden to bow out, citing the risks of moving forward with an unpopular nominee.
Biden’s campaign responded to Sununu’s comments on Phillips’s progress in New Hampshire. Rapid response director Ammar Moussa dismissed Sununu’s opinion, stating, “I’m not sure the MAGA Republican governor of New Hampshire, who has been wrong about everything, is the best barometer for what Democratic voters anywhere are thinking.”
In a recent poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, Phillips garnered 10% support, compared to Biden’s 65%, less than three weeks after launching his campaign. This double-digit support for Phillips is impressive considering his campaign’s youth and his limited name recognition among voters.
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What role has Dean Phillips’s straightforward approach and willingness to directly answer questions played in his appeal to voters?
Mpshire. “But I think Dean Phillips is making a strong case for the party to move on. Biden’s been in politics for a long time, and I think Phillips is tapping into the frustration that many voters have with the current administration.”
Phillips’s rising popularity in New Hampshire may be attributed to his strong messaging and ability to connect with voters on issues that resonate with them. Sununu believes that Phillips’s straightforward approach and willingness to directly answer questions has played a significant role in his appeal.
Despite not attending Phillips’s events, Sununu is aware of the impact the lawmaker is having in the state. Phillips’s decision to focus on New Hampshire has allowed him to gain visibility and build support among Democratic and undeclared voters. With Biden not participating in the primary, Phillips has been able to seize the opportunity to present an alternative vision for the Democratic Party.
Furthermore, Sununu acknowledged that some Republican donors who had turned on Trump after the 2020 election are now returning to support him for a potential 2024 presidential run. Sununu did not provide details on which donors have returned, but he emphasized that while there may have been disagreements in the past, many Republicans still see Trump as a strong candidate.
“There have been some folks who have kind of left the fold, so to speak, and have come back,” Sununu said. “You know, politics is politics. At the end of the day, you’re going to see a lot of folks that maybe have a little bit of infighting here and there. But when it comes down to it, we are going to unite behind the candidates we think have the best chance of winning.”
Sununu’s remarks highlight the complex dynamics within political parties and the shifting loyalties among donors. Despite past divisions, the appeal and potential impact of certain candidates can lead to a change in support and a reevaluation of priorities.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the landscape of politics is evolving. New candidates like Dean Phillips are emerging as influential voices, even in states where they may not hold office. Their ability to engage voters and present alternative perspectives is reshaping the political discourse and challenging established party narratives.
It will be interesting to monitor the progress of Phillips’s campaign in New Hampshire and how his rising popularity may shape the Democratic Party’s future direction. As voters seek new solutions and a fresh approach to politics, candidates like Phillips have the potential to create a significant impact and reshape the political landscape in the years to come.
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