In a surprising move, Congressman Dean Phillips of Minnesota, who unsuccessfully challenged Joe Biden in the primary earlier this year, has called for a secret vote of confidence on the President among elected Democrats. Phillips argues that fear of retribution has prevented many members from publicly expressing their concerns about Biden's viability for re-election, and believes that sharing the results of this confidential poll directly with the President could help address the deep fissures within the party.

Phillips first proposed this idea in a Wall Street Journal column, where he emphasized the need for a "new generation" leader. He revealed that privately, far more than the publicly stated 40 Democratic legislators have expressed doubts about Biden's re-election bid. While he still endorses Biden, Phillips believes that it is time for the President to step aside and give an opportunity to a new leader who can reset, re-energize, and recommit to the country's goals.

During an interview on CBS' Face the Nation, Phillips stressed that this could be an extraordinary opportunity for Biden to become an "American hero" by voluntarily stepping aside. He highlighted the importance of changing the narrative and succeeding, especially against the backdrop of Donald Trump's potential reaction. Phillips advocated for a secret ballot poll of House and Senate legislators as a superior mechanism for finding a new presidential candidate, rather than allowing the party apparatus to take control.

Notably, Phillips and self-help author Marianne Williamson had previously challenged Biden to a debate during the primary, but were denied the opportunity. This lack of primary debates, according to Phillips, set the stage for the shocking Trump-Biden debate on June 27, which surprised many voters.

In his column, Phillips lamented that his appeals for other well-known Democrats to enter the primary went unheeded, as they sleepwalked into disaster. He highlighted the obstacles he faced during his campaign, suggesting that he was not only competing against Biden but also against a political machine designed to suppress challengers and silence dissent.

As polling indicates that more than two-thirds of Democratic voters want Biden to withdraw, Phillips believes that the current party crisis was inevitable. He emphasized the dangers of suppressing the truth, drawing a parallel to similar conflicts within the Republican party over Donald Trump's presidency.

Despite the mounting concerns within the Democratic party, Phillips noted that President Biden appears to be unaware of the ominous public polling, tanking approval numbers, and dire sentiment sweeping the country.

The proposal for a secret vote of confidence on President Biden highlights the growing divisions within the Democratic party and the desire for new leadership. As the party grapples with its next steps, it remains to be seen how Democrats will address the crisis and navigate the path forward in their quest for a successful re-election bid in November.