'Who was this guy anyways': Internet mocks Rep Dean Phillips as he terminates 2024 race and declares Joe Biden as 'our candidate'

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA: Representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota officially terminated his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination on Wednesday, March 6, following disappointing results in the party’s 16 Super Tuesday contests.

The 55-year-old Democrat, who positioned himself as an alternative to President Biden, conceded defeat, acknowledging that the American electorate had spoken.

Acknowledging defeat and expressing gratitude

Phillips, in a statement released on Wednesday, said he "ran for president because Americans were demanding an alternative, and democracy demands options. But it is clear that alternative is not me."

He further affirmed his support for Biden, declaring him as "OUR candidate." “And it is clear that Joe Biden is OUR candidate and OUR opportunity to demonstrate what type of country America is and intends to be," Phillips stated.

The decision to withdraw from the race came in line with Phillips's earlier pledge made in November, where he signaled his readiness to step down if his campaign failed to gain traction by March 5.

“I will then campaign for them as vigorously as I’m campaigning now,” Phillips wrote on X. “I’m not here for games — the goal is to maximize the odds of beating [former President Donald] Trump.”

Challenges faced and policy platform

Throughout the primaries, Phillips struggled to gain momentum, consistently falling short of double-digit support in various states.

Despite his initial campaign efforts centered in New Hampshire, where he garnered 19.6% of the vote, Phillips faced formidable challenges, particularly in states like California and his home state of Minnesota. His inability to secure significant support even in his own backyard underscored the uphill battle he faced.

Moreover, Phillips's policy platform, which leaned further left than Biden's, failed to resonate widely among Democratic voters. His advocacy for reparations, universal basic income, and Medicare for all positioned him as a progressive alternative to the party's establishment, yet it failed to translate into significant electoral support.

The congressman also encountered logistical hurdles, including ballot access issues in several states and legal disputes in Florida following the cancellation of the primary.

Despite these setbacks, Phillips maintained a positive outlook on his candidacy, expressing satisfaction with his performance in South Carolina, where he finished third, albeit in a limited field, the New York Post reported.

Following his withdrawal from the race, Phillips urged his supporters to rally behind Biden.

“To all who supported my effort, thank you,” he posted on X and further stated, “We will continue the important work to ensure a more responsive, democratic, and generationally diverse political system. But today, in light of the stark reality we face, I ask you to join me in mobilizing, energizing, and doing everything you can to help keep a man of decency and integrity in the White House. That’s Joe Biden."

“Let’s use invitation, not confrontation, to welcome [Nikki] Haley supporters, Trump supporters, and Uncommitted supporters to get this done. It’s our calling, it’s our legacy, and it’s our time. Onward with joy and patriotism!" the Minnesota Democrat added.

Social media reactions

That said, Phillips' endorsement of Biden elicited a wave of reactions on social media, with some poking fun at his candidacy and others applauding his decision to back the presumptive nominee.

"Geez, no offense but who was this guy anyways," one posted on X.

"Who has dropped out of what?" another wrote.

"Didn't know he was even running," someone else added.

"I am actually shocked by this since I thought his hubris would keep him in until the convention. Glad to see he finally did the right thing," a comment read.

"Well, I guess we can all finally exhale. LOL," another quipped.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.