“She’s Not Somebody That People Have Faith In”: Democrat Dean Phillips Faces Backlash Over Remarks About VP Kamala Harris

Samantha FitzgibbonsDec 1, 2023

Minute Read

Democratic presidential candidate Dean Phillips spends Thanksgiving morning attempting to defend his comments aimed at Vice President Kamala Harris.

Controversial Thanksgiving Remarks

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Dean Phillips faces criticism for his Thanksgiving comments on Vice President Kamala Harris, drawing attention to his perceived lack of faith in her abilities. “It’s pretty clear that she’s not somebody that people have faith in,” Phillips has said.

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As a contender for the Democratic presidential nomination against President Joe Biden, Phillips’ remarks spark controversy within his own party, thus sparking concern for his reputation and that of the party.

His Low Blows

In response, Democratic representative Robert Garcia has commented on X, ‘Apparently, Dean Phillips is floundering so hard that he’s now resorting to attacking Vice-President Harris. He better keep the VP’s name out of his mouth and apologize. No one will support him so he’s going to torch his entire reputation on the way out. ‘

Criticisms from Fellow Democrats

Fellow Democrats, including Rep. Robert Garcia and strategist Karen Finney, criticize Phillips for what they perceive as an attempt to score “cheap political points” by repeating negative opinions about Harris.

Garcia VS Phillips

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When asked by Garcia if Harris was prepared to step in should something happen to Biden, Phillips stated, ‘The Amercians have made the decision that she is not.”

Phillips’ Cheap Blows

In a further admission, while attempting to sidestep his remarks with talk of ‘positive interactions’ with Harris, he stated that she is ‘not well prepared, doesn’t have the right disposition and the right competencies to execute that office.

A Unworthy Leader

During the same narrative, Phillips further noted that Harris’ approval numbers appeared to be worse than Biden’s, “It’s pretty clear that she’s not somebody that people have faith in.”

Apology on Social Media

Phillips has issued an apology to Vice President Harris on social media after his comments triggered backlash from Democrats, acknowledging the impact of his words.

Transparent Comments

He states that he was foolish to reference the opinions of others and apologizes to her and everyone who has been affected by the circumstances, a comment that many have deemed to be transparent.

Published Interview

The controversy stems from an interview published in The Atlantic, where Phillips expressed concerns about Harris’ preparedness, disposition, and competencies for the office.

Repudiation from Lisa Blunt

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Delaware congresswoman Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, a national co-chair of Biden’s campaign, rejects Phillips’ remarks and highlights Harris’ qualities, including intelligence, dependability, and leadership.

CNN Interview

Appearing on CNN, Phillips responds to questions about his criticisms, stating that he did not articulate those words distinctly and emphasizing positive interactions with Harris.

Attempt to Clarify

Phillips attempts to clarify his stance, expressing admiration for Harris and defending her qualities but acknowledging a perceived difference in public opinion.

Sidestepping Previous Remarks

He has said that he was “troubled” that Harris is being “portrayed so unfairly by the media” and that “it was wrong to repeat the unkind words of others. “If anything, perhaps she should be running instead of the president,”

Thanksgiving Interactions

Phillips has since engaged with users on Thanksgiving morning, responding to questions and reiterating his regret for referencing others’ opinions. One user replied. ‘Your ‘kind words’ were published, trying to walk them back doesn’t mean you never said them, just that you regret saying them now.’

Angry Responses

Another angry X user has said, ‘Stop trying to redeem yourself. You said what you said. We all heard you & now you’re panicking. Once again polls are wrong. VP is very popular w/a a huge Dem voting block & you found out the hard way.

Wavering Support for Phillips

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The theme of distaste continues as another user says, “Maybe if you supported President Biden and served to amplify his accomplishments for our country, the people’s attitudes would change and the polls would look better.”

Decision Not to Seek Reelection

On Friday, Phillips announced his decision not to seek reelection to Congress in 2024, opting to focus on the presidential race. It comes as he faces continued backlash over his comments.

National Attention

The incident has gained national attention, shedding light on the challenges and controversies surrounding Democratic candidates within the party, a decision that will be welcomed by many White House staff.

Threat to White House

Phillips’s presence in the race has been previously regarded as a nuisance to the White House due to the message it sends about concerns with Biden more than for any fear that he poses a threat to the president’s chances in the primary.

Shift in Political Focus

The decision not to seek reelection signals a shift in Phillips’ political focus towards the presidential race, leaving an open-ended discussion about his future in national politics.