In an extraordinary display of internal dissent, senior Democratic figures in the critical swing state of Minnesota have openly revolted against President Joe Biden's re-election campaign, calling for him to withdraw from the 2024 race.
The rebellion was ignited during a live television interview on MSNBC's "Inside with Jen Psaki," where former White House Communications Director Psaki confronted Minnesota Governor Tim Walz about growing concerns within the party. The interview took a dramatic turn when prominent state Democrats directly challenged the President's electoral viability.
Senior Figures Break Ranks
Don Frey, the influential chair of Minnesota's Second Congressional District Democrats, delivered a devastating assessment, stating that President Biden "cannot win this race" and should "withdraw to allow a stronger candidate to lead the Democratic ticket."
The criticism escalated further with Richard Painter, former White House ethics chief under President George W. Bush and later a Democratic Senate candidate, declaring that keeping Biden as the nominee would be "political malpractice on a grand scale." Painter warned that Democrats risk losing not just the presidency but both houses of Congress if they proceed with Biden's candidacy.
Governor Walz's Damage Control
Governor Walz, who recently joined the Biden campaign's national advisory board, found himself in the uncomfortable position of defending the President while acknowledging the concerns. He admitted that Democrats are "nervous" and that the campaign must "prove" Biden can secure victory.
Walz attempted to redirect focus to what he called the "stark contrast" between Democratic values and what he characterised as the "authoritarian" and "revenge-based" politics of Donald Trump. However, the public airing of these significant internal divisions suggests a party in crisis rather than one united behind its standard-bearer.
National Implications
This open rebellion in Minnesota, a state crucial to Democratic electoral strategy, signals deep trouble for the Biden campaign. The public nature of these criticisms from within party ranks reveals a level of discontent that could embolden similar movements in other swing states.
The Minnesota Democrats' revolt represents one of the most significant and public challenges to Biden's candidacy to date, suggesting that concerns about his electability have moved from private conversations among donors to open declarations from elected officials and party leaders.
