for VP
Dean Phillips, a wealthy businessman from Minnesota, is the longshot for the Democratic Party’s vice presidential nomination. Phillips was chosen by former Vice President Joe Biden, who is his main rival for the spot, to be his running mate in 2020. Phillips has an impressive resume, having won a school board seat before launching a successful consumer products company—and using that non-political experience to become a progressive Democrat who has run for the House of Representatives in 2018 and lost.
But despite his impressive qualifications, Phillips has a long way to go before he can realistically enter the VP race. Biden has already had an exhausting primary season, securing a substantial number of delegates before dismissing other hopefuls such as Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders. Phillips’ main obstacle, therefore, is simply name recognition. Few people outside of Minnesota know who he is, and his only appearances on the national stage have been limited to interviews on cable news networks. Phillips also has to change the perception of him as someone who is only in the race because of Biden’s favoritism.
Phillips has started to put in the work necessary for a VP nomination, and he has been able to introduce himself to more Democrats by campaigning in key states like Texas and Pennsylvania. Phillips has sought to focus on policy, pushing his agenda of reviving American manufacturing, providing quality and affordable health care and addressing the student debt crisis. Phillips has positioned himself as a progressive who is unafraid to fight for the people, and he has had some success on that front. He has been able to tout his progressive credentials without alienating the moderate wing of the Democratic Party. He has also received positive reviews for his appearance on the first presidential primary debate, though there is still work to be done to gain the trust of the American public.
Phillips may still remain a longshot for the VP slot, but he is determined to make the most of it. He has been working hard to increase his name recognition and build his progressive message, and he has been getting more attention as the election nears. While the odds remain slim, it is clear that Phillips is determined to be the surprise choice for the Democratic Party.
