Dean Phillips Felt Correct About Joe Biden, Yet He Finds It ‘Awfully Unsatisfying.’
The three-term lawmaker and presidential candidate expresses profound disappointment with his fellow Democrats.
TroibNews 
Dean Phillips has expressed some regrets about his time in Congress, particularly regarding his inability to address what he describes as a deeply broken institution. While he firmly stands by his decision to challenge President Joe Biden in a primary race — a move that distanced him from the Democratic Party yet proved insightful after Biden's unsuccessful debate against Donald Trump — he conveyed frustration with his party's leadership.
In an exit interview with PMG Magazine, the retiring Minnesota Democrat lamented missed opportunities to accomplish more for his constituents. "We are totally devoid of leadership. We are rudderless,” he stated.
During a conversation at his home in Washington, D.C., Phillips reflected on his time in Congress and the nature of his presidential campaign, which came after he was displaced from his Capitol office. Throughout his three terms, he often took bold stances as a centrist Democrat who wasn’t afraid to oppose party leadership.
Although the 55-year-old businessman has no current plans to run for office again, he remains open to the possibility and sees a role for himself in shaping the future of the Democratic Party.
Reflecting on his decision to launch his campaign, Phillips acknowledged that had Biden stepped aside or another candidate emerged, the Democratic Party might have been in a stronger position for electoral success. "I was not thrown out. I didn't have to leave," he explained, noting that he decided to step down only when he had a capable successor lined up in Kelly Morrison. Ultimately, he noted it was his intention to serve another term.
When discussing his determination to leave Congress, Phillips emphasized his conflict between wanting to shed light on Congress’s issues and being able to enact meaningful change from within. He noted that, "it’s much better effected from the outside of Congress than the inside," pointing to the intense demands of the position that hinder genuine policymaking.
As for his time spent in Congress, Phillips admitted he would miss certain aspects, including the camaraderie built with colleagues and the Capitol staff. Yet, he expressed a strong sense of disappointment at how little returned to his constituents from his efforts, saying, "I've never in my professional life invested so much time and energy, and saw so little affected by that."
Reflecting on the reaction from fellow Democrats to his presidential bid, he described it as "largely negative." Phillips was unsurprised by the response, having anticipated pushback from his peers. However, he found some responses from within his own delegation particularly shocking. "It’s the absence of the willingness to acknowledge reality," he remarked, expressing disappointment and frustration with what he perceived as an aversion to facing the truth of Biden's declining viability as a candidate.
Regarding the future of the Democratic Party, Phillips insisted on the need for a significant overhaul, asserting, “This party needs a comprehensive turnaround.” He criticized its current state as lacking direction and noted the absence of a clear leader. He urged that the party must prioritize listening to constituents and engaging with communities it has neglected.
On whether the generational shift in leadership within the party corroborates his views, Phillips responded positively, expressing satisfaction at the emerging changes. “That was a hallmark of my platforms: It's time for generational change,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of welcoming fresh leadership instead of retaining long-standing figures in power.
When asked about significant lessons learned during his tenure, he wished he had understood earlier the personal toll that serving in Congress takes on lawmakers and their families. He likened it to the sacrifices made by military families, pointing out the remarkable commitment required by those serving in such roles.
As for his regrets, he cited his perceived failure to effectuate necessary changes in Congress. “If I have a regret, it’s relative to my inability to effect the change that I think is so necessary,” he commented, voicing disappointment about his efforts to highlight systemic corruption.
Phillips encouraged future lawmakers to prioritize principles over self-preservation, expressing a desire for more individuals with diverse life experiences to enter politics. "I would encourage incoming lawmakers to prioritize principles over their own self-preservation," he advised.
Looking ahead, while he does not currently plan to run for office, Phillips stated, "I never say never," and expressed a desire to affect change outside the political realm.
As he prepares for life after Congress, Phillips indicated he would take time for reflection and writing, aiming to reconsider how he might contribute to evolving the electoral system. "I won't be quiet for long," he concluded, hinting at engagement in future discussions around the party's direction.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
In an exit interview with PMG Magazine, the retiring Minnesota Democrat lamented missed opportunities to accomplish more for his constituents. "We are totally devoid of leadership. We are rudderless,” he stated.
During a conversation at his home in Washington, D.C., Phillips reflected on his time in Congress and the nature of his presidential campaign, which came after he was displaced from his Capitol office. Throughout his three terms, he often took bold stances as a centrist Democrat who wasn’t afraid to oppose party leadership.
Although the 55-year-old businessman has no current plans to run for office again, he remains open to the possibility and sees a role for himself in shaping the future of the Democratic Party.
Reflecting on his decision to launch his campaign, Phillips acknowledged that had Biden stepped aside or another candidate emerged, the Democratic Party might have been in a stronger position for electoral success. "I was not thrown out. I didn't have to leave," he explained, noting that he decided to step down only when he had a capable successor lined up in Kelly Morrison. Ultimately, he noted it was his intention to serve another term.
When discussing his determination to leave Congress, Phillips emphasized his conflict between wanting to shed light on Congress’s issues and being able to enact meaningful change from within. He noted that, "it’s much better effected from the outside of Congress than the inside," pointing to the intense demands of the position that hinder genuine policymaking.
As for his time spent in Congress, Phillips admitted he would miss certain aspects, including the camaraderie built with colleagues and the Capitol staff. Yet, he expressed a strong sense of disappointment at how little returned to his constituents from his efforts, saying, "I've never in my professional life invested so much time and energy, and saw so little affected by that."
Reflecting on the reaction from fellow Democrats to his presidential bid, he described it as "largely negative." Phillips was unsurprised by the response, having anticipated pushback from his peers. However, he found some responses from within his own delegation particularly shocking. "It’s the absence of the willingness to acknowledge reality," he remarked, expressing disappointment and frustration with what he perceived as an aversion to facing the truth of Biden's declining viability as a candidate.
Regarding the future of the Democratic Party, Phillips insisted on the need for a significant overhaul, asserting, “This party needs a comprehensive turnaround.” He criticized its current state as lacking direction and noted the absence of a clear leader. He urged that the party must prioritize listening to constituents and engaging with communities it has neglected.
On whether the generational shift in leadership within the party corroborates his views, Phillips responded positively, expressing satisfaction at the emerging changes. “That was a hallmark of my platforms: It's time for generational change,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of welcoming fresh leadership instead of retaining long-standing figures in power.
When asked about significant lessons learned during his tenure, he wished he had understood earlier the personal toll that serving in Congress takes on lawmakers and their families. He likened it to the sacrifices made by military families, pointing out the remarkable commitment required by those serving in such roles.
As for his regrets, he cited his perceived failure to effectuate necessary changes in Congress. “If I have a regret, it’s relative to my inability to effect the change that I think is so necessary,” he commented, voicing disappointment about his efforts to highlight systemic corruption.
Phillips encouraged future lawmakers to prioritize principles over self-preservation, expressing a desire for more individuals with diverse life experiences to enter politics. "I would encourage incoming lawmakers to prioritize principles over their own self-preservation," he advised.
Looking ahead, while he does not currently plan to run for office, Phillips stated, "I never say never," and expressed a desire to affect change outside the political realm.
As he prepares for life after Congress, Phillips indicated he would take time for reflection and writing, aiming to reconsider how he might contribute to evolving the electoral system. "I won't be quiet for long," he concluded, hinting at engagement in future discussions around the party's direction.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
