Democratic presidential candidate Dean Phillips, who won about 20% of the vote in the New Hampshire primary, spoke about his experience attending a Trump rally in the Granite State.
When asked by “Fox & Friends” co-host Steve Doocy about his decision to connect with Trump supporters, Congressman Phillips emphasized the importance of bipartisanship in the 2024 election and reached out to voters who: He said that was his “responsibility”. Vote for another candidate.
“That's my responsibility, and I'm tired of this political culture that only rewards divisive people,” Phillips, a Minnesota Democrat, said Wednesday.
“I flipped a district that had been Republican for 60 years in 2018. I didn't just pander to Democrats. I invited independents and Republicans, even though I'm the second most bipartisan member of Congress. There is a reason.”
Haley and Phillips did better in New Hampshire, but it's still Trump vs. Phillips.biden race
Supporters look and react to Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump during a campaign event on Saturday, January 20, 2024 in Manchester, New Hampshire. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
“I have great friendships with both sides of the aisle. Any leader of the free world should show up at a rally on the other side and say hello and greet people. And I spoke to 50 people. ” he continued.
“They were some of the most hospitable, thoughtful, kind people I've interacted with in a long time. At the polling place yesterday, I greeted everyone holding a placard. Biden's sign, Williamson's. A sign, my sign. Trump's sign, Haley's sign. People “I like to call it anger taint because they were so decent. It would lead you to believe that we are divided.”
On Tuesday night, Mr. Biden decisively defeated Mr. Phillips and Marianne Williamson in the New Hampshire primary. Biden secured more than 50% of the vote in a write-in campaign because his name was not on the ballot.
Mr. Phillips came in a distant second place with about 20% of the vote, while Mr. Williamson came in third with more than 4% of the vote.
He insists Americans are ready for a showdown between Dean Phillips and Nikki Haley in November, despite accusations that both candidates are playing for a jackpot election. , reiterated the importance of gradually eliminating older politicians.
LONDONDERRY, N.H. – JANUARY 23: Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump visits the Londonderry High School polling place during Primary Day on January 23, 2024 in Londonderry, New Hampshire. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
“I don't think these two are the right people to do it. It's time for a new generation,” Phillips said, urging viewers to connect directly with their fellow Americans.
“Let's go out into the countryside, meet people, give high-fives, shake hands, hug people and get back to our normal lives. That's my suggestion, and this country is ready for it. “I just think the political duopoly is a problem because it's preventing most Americans from doing what they want,” he continued.
Biden wins New Hampshire Democratic primary after write-in campaign
Earlier this week, Phillips dismissed the idea of running for a third party and scolded reporters who pressed him on the possibility.
“Well, we're in a primary, so there's no split vote. I don't know what that means,” he retorted. on video Shared by Forbes. He reiterated that he would not run on a third-party ticket “unconditionally,” so he would not take votes away from Biden in the general election and would not be able to take away votes from Biden if a third party tried to steal votes from him. said he was against it. It is impossible for the Democratic Party to win the nomination.
“There is nothing more clear than that. I don't understand why there is confusion,” he told reporters. Democrats then grew frustrated when asked if they intended to “dissuade” third-party challengers to Biden.
“First of all, I hope one of you will ask questions about what people really care about.” [about] right now. It's just a simple request,'' Phillips lectured reporters, adding, “I've been here for 90 days and do you know how many people have asked me questions so far?'' Not one. “
Click here for New Hampshire Primary Election Results
Meanwhile, Biden warned that “the stakes are no higher” after both he and Trump won big victories in the Granite State.
“It's now clear that Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee. And my message to the country is that the stakes couldn't be higher. Our democracy, our individual freedoms. , our economy, from the right to choose to the right to vote. “We have seen the strongest recovery in the world since COVID-19, and everything is at stake,” Biden said in a statement. .
“I want to thank everyone who wrote my name in New Hampshire tonight. This was a historic demonstration of our commitment to our democratic process and our core values. I want to say to all independents and Republicans who share our commitment to the idea that, as Americans, we can protect our country, our democracy, our individual freedoms, and an economy that gives everyone a fair chance. Please join us.”
Fox News' Adam Shaw and Kristine Parks contributed to this report.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
