In an unexpected act of defiance, a Democratic challenger has launched a blistering attack against Joe Biden, signaling a major rift within the party. Congressman Dean Phillips (D-MN) has thrown down the gauntlet with an ad that doesn’t pull any punches. He’s telling Biden what many have been whispering behind closed doors: “Your policies have failed. It’s time to pass the torch.”
This isn’t just a minor squabble. Phillips has taken it to the next level with a scathing social media video that juxtaposes audio of former President John F. Kennedy calling for unity with footage of some of America’s most troubling moments. Clips of Apollo rockets blasting off, the Twin Towers aflame, protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death, and post-Roe v. Wade demonstrations all serve as stark reminders of the turmoil we’ve faced.
But it’s the closing line that really lands the blow: “The threat is real. Trump is winning. It’s time to pass the torch.” This is more than just a jab at Biden. It’s an acknowledgment that the Democratic party is losing ground to Republicans, and Trump in particular.
What’s causing this shift? Recent polls show Biden trailing Trump in five out of six swing states. Even worse, Biden is hemorrhaging independent voters, while Trump’s support among Black voters is climbing to levels not seen since the Civil Rights era.
And then there’s the elephant in the room: Biden’s age. The president turned 81 this week, and his history of stumbles and fumbles has led to concerns about his fitness. To combat this, advisors are reportedly planning to outfit him with special shoes and smaller staircases. But will this be enough to quell the growing doubts?
Even David Axelrod, the mastermind behind Obama’s historic 2008 campaign, has questioned whether Biden should seek reelection. He tweeted: “Only @JoeBiden can make this decision… What he needs to decide is whether that is wise; whether it’s in HIS best interest or the country’s?”
This isn’t just a story about one Democrat’s attack ad. It’s a sign of a deeper issue within the party. If they want to stand a chance in the next election, they need to address these concerns head-on. Phillips has lit the torch. Now it’s up to the rest of the party to decide who carries it forward.