Democratic Challenger Dean Phillips Runs Unconventional Ad Campaign in New Hampshire Primary

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
19/01/2024 20h54

In an unconventional move to challenge President Joe Biden in New Hampshire's primary, Democratic candidate Dean Phillips has launched a unique TV ad comparing the president to the elusive creature known as Bigfoot. The ad aims to highlight the difficulty in finding both Biden and Bigfoot, suggesting that they are hard to locate.

The commercial features a man dressed as Sasquatch, claiming expertise in elusive creatures, who sets out to find President Biden in New Hampshire during the primary season. However, Biden's absence due to changes in Democratic rule, which prioritize voters of color and downplay the importance of New Hampshire's primary, has led to discontent among party officials who proceeded with the primary anyway.

Since Biden's name will not appear on the ballot, his allies have initiated a write-in campaign to ensure he doesn't suffer a loss or a close call to the nearly two dozen candidates already listed. Among these candidates are unusual contenders like a hopeful named President and a performance artist donning a rubber boot as a headpiece.

Although the outcome of Tuesday's vote may not impact the Democratic nomination battle directly, it carries potential risks for an incumbent with low approval ratings and concerns within his own party about his chances for re-election. Phillips, a Democratic congressman from Minnesota, and self-help author Marianne Williamson, who are both questioning Biden's age and electability, are challenging the president and raising issues that his team would prefer to avoid.

A weak finish for President Biden in New Hampshire could further fuel worries about his electoral prospects in November, particularly if he faces a rematch against former President Donald Trump. However, Biden's supporters in New Hampshire argue that he must be re-elected to prevent the perceived threat to the country's core values posed by Trump's politics.

While frustrations and disappointments abound due to the circumstances surrounding Biden's campaign absence, supporters of the write-in campaign believe that the voters of New Hampshire understand the gravity of the election and will vote accordingly. Angela Brennan, a first-term New Hampshire representative endorsing the write-in campaign, expressed faith in Granite Staters to make the right choice, emphasizing that this election is a true decision between democracy and dictatorship.

Dean Phillips emerges as one of Biden's most prominent challengers in the New Hampshire primary, although his campaign has faced its fair share of obstacles and criticism from colleagues in Congress. Despite a recent event where no voters showed up, Phillips remains resilient. Proudly leading his campaign, he is determined to make an impact in New Hampshire.

On Thursday, Phillips secured the endorsement of entrepreneur Andrew Yang, who gained national attention with his longshot Democratic bid in 2020. The endorsement was announced during a lively Dartmouth rally, as Phillips entered the room to cheers and upbeat music, reflecting the energy and enthusiasm of his supporters.

Undeterred by the harsh winter weather in New Hampshire, Phillips and other candidates have continued their campaigns with determination. Phillips was recently seen standing in a state legislator's kitchen in his stocking feet, with attendees asked to leave their slushy shoes at the door after heavy snowfall the day before.

As the New Hampshire primary progresses, the unconventional tactics and determination of candidates like Dean Phillips are shaking up the race and adding a unique element to the political landscape in the Granite State.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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