“It Was Spent Before the Ink Dried”: Phillips Is Losing Donor Support Amid Bold Bid Against Biden

Gabriel RomanNov 9, 2023

Minute Read

Minnesota Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips has made headlines by deciding to run in the primary against President Joe Biden. This move has caused a stir in the political community, as Phillips once enjoyed the support of many influential donors from his state. However, recent reports indicate that he may be losing that crucial backing.

Financial Backers Retract Support for Rep. Phillips

In a surprising shift of political winds, Rep. Dean Phillips is finding that the financial ground beneath his feet is less stable than before. NBC News reported a clear pullback from key Minnesota donors. In prior campaigns, they had readily opened their wallets in his support. This retreat is directly tied to Phillips’ decision to challenge an incumbent president from his own party.

Donors Request Refunds from Phillips Campaign

The political arena is looking at the unusual step taken by some of Rep. Phillips’ donors, who have asked for their contributions to be returned. This is not a usual occurrence and signals a deeper discontent with Phillips’ decision to run against President Biden. The request from these supporters represents more than a financial retraction. It is a potent symbol of political dissent.

Rep. Phillips Struggles with Single-Digit Support

A recent dive into the numbers by Morning Consult presents a sobering picture for Rep. Phillips, who seems to be grappling with limited appeal among Democratic primary voters, holding a mere 4 percent support. This figure, already modest, teeters on the edge of insignificance with a margin of error that could swing actual support even lower.

Skepticism Voiced by State Party Leadership

Ken Martin, the leader of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, shared his thoughts about the uphill battle Rep. Phillips faces. “I haven’t heard from one donor that thinks this is a good idea,” Martin’s words echo through the party. They suggest a resounding concern or perhaps a forewarning of the challenging path ahead for Phillips’ primary bid.

Phillips’ Financial Roots in Minnesota

With a track record of substantial in-state financial support, Rep. Phillips once stood on solid ground. He has gained over $10 million since 2018. His success was particularly pronounced in his latest reelection campaign, where he enjoyed a landslide of support, with 82% of donations coming from his home state. This historic support now casts a shadow over his current situation.

Mixed Emotions Surround Phillips’ Bid

Image Credit: Eric Connolly, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

The political landscape reacts with a spectrum of emotions to Rep. Phillips’ bold move against Biden. From hushed conversations in local coffee shops to the bold declarations of political commentators, the consensus is anything but clear. The community weighs in on Phillips’ political move in different ways.

Rising Questions on the Finality of Political Support

The skepticism around political donations takes center stage with voices from the community expressing a stark opinion. “Too bad. You don’t get your money back when donating to any political entity. It was spent before the ink dried on the check.” Some believe that once a political donation is made, it enters the complex flow of campaign finance, rarely to be seen again.

Safety Concerns for Donors Amidst Political Strife

Recent discussions have brought the term “power brokers” under scrutiny. One individual’s comment captures the tension. “Power brokers is code for rich who donate to both parties, but this cycle is getting death threats and requests not to give to Dems.” The use of “death threats” gives a dark view of the political landscape.

Sharp Critiques of Presidential Leadership

Some users were more critical of President Biden’s administration. One user said, “They apparently like the nursing home approach to the presidency.” This barbed comment hints at unhappiness with what is seen as a lack of progress within the current administration. They frame it in deeply negative terms that echo with certain members of the electorate.

Ethical Debates Sparked by Refund Requests

One user questioned the ethics of campaign donations. They said, “You can’t be an ‘Indian giver’. Biden doesn’t spend his money illegally like Trump does.” The mention of ‘Indian giver’—a term that can be seen as offensive for implying taking back a gift—is countered with a comparison of spending habits. It implies that they expect integrity in political finance.

Cynical Perspectives on Political Motives

As the political saga unfolded, one user reacted with humor. They said, “A political hack’s finest hour.” This comment reflects a view that current political maneuvers are seen by some as political opportunism. They believe that what they see in Philips is part of the more unsavory aspects of political ambition.

Critiques of Centralized Political Influence

The conversation around democracy and the choice of political candidates is punctuated by blunt criticism of the status quo. “Only candidates that our rulers in DC choose for us may run. Who are the tyrants, exactly?” This comment questions the legitimacy of the perceived gatekeeping by party elites in Washington, D.C. It challenges the notion of a fair democratic process.

Discussions on Democratic Unity and Strategy

Another user spoke on the timing of Phillips’ challenge to Biden. “This guy is not entirely wrong… But since they did not [have a primary challenger for Biden], then all Dems must rally behind the leader of the party.” This acknowledges the complexity of political strategy, the need for earlier challenges, and a call for unity despite the turbulent political waters.

Focus on Presidential Approval and Public Sentiment

Public sentiment and the perceived approval of the president become a focal point with some claims about President Biden’s standing. One user said, “Good Ole Joe has some really big problems, which is on top of his 9% (real) approval rating.” This statement casts a spotlight on what some believe to be a disconnection between the administration and voters’s satisfaction.

Reflections on Campaign Finance Realities

Conversations about the nature of campaign finance bring out strong feelings. One pointed reaction to the controversy over donations being returned was, “When you give to a campaign, it’s a gamble, not a guaranteed investment.” This opinion suggests that donors should not expect refunds if a campaign’s direction shifts.

The Impact of Political Decisions on Donor Loyalty

The reaction to Rep. Phillips’ primary challenge reveals much about donor behavior. “Donors bet on a horse they believe can win – a primary challenge like this is seen as a long shot at best,” one community member mentioned. This reflects the practical approach donors take towards investments in political candidates. The odds of success are a key consideration.

Scrutiny on Age and Leadership Capacity

Image Credit: Drop of Light / Shutterstock.

One user brought age into the debate with a straightforward comment, “Experience matters, but so does the ability to engage with a changing world.” This touches on an undercurrent of discussion about how age might affect a leader’s capacity to connect with an electorate that is constantly evolving. Biden has faced many criticisms based on age.

Diverse Perspectives on Political Leadership

With the political landscape in flux, citizens share diverse perspectives. “We need fresh ideas and energy in leadership, but we also need to honor experience,” one observer notes. This viewpoint emphasizes the balance between the excitement of new approaches and the wisdom that comes with years of service in political life.