Biden Challenger Apologizes for Kamala Harris Comments

Rep. Dean Phillips has apologized to Vice President Kamala Harris for his comments he made criticizing her.

Phillips, a Democrat from Minnesota, is running a long shot campaign against President Joe Biden's reelection bid in 2024. However, during an interview with The Atlantic published on Tuesday, Phillips may have further hurt his chances with Democratic voters after telling the outlet that he had heard from others in the party that Harris may not be the right choice as president in the event that Biden cannot serve.

Phillips added in his interview that he had not personally "seen those deficiencies" in Harris and was only repeating comments he had heard from others.

"I hear from others who know her a lot better than I do that many think she's not well positioned," Phillips said of Harris while speaking to The Atlantic. "She is not well prepared, doesn't have the right disposition and the right competencies to execute that office."

On Wednesday, Phillips took to X, formerly Twitter, to apologize to the vice president, saying that he "shouldn't have referenced other people's opinions."

"i owe an apology. in the atlantic, i shared kind words about @VP harris because that's been my personal experience and i respect her. i shouldn't have referenced other people's opinions. i own that and apologize to her and everyone who's been affected by similar circumstances," Phillips wrote on X.

Newsweek has reached out to Phillips and Harris via email for comment.

His apology comes after Phillips was questioned about his comments while appearing on CNN's NewsNight Tuesday.

"I did not articulate that distinctly," Phillips told CNN. "That was asked of me. Others have said that to the reporter in question."

"What I've said is when I've been around her, I've been impressed," he continued. "She's been kind. She's been thoughtful and decent.

"But what I'm trying to explain to Americans—whether it's relative to the president's age or the standing of Vice President Harris amongst Americans—if Democrats wish to beat Donald Trump, Abby, if Democrats want to beat Donald Trump, this is not about protecting people, it's about protecting the principle of democracy."

However, his comments and subsequent apology, have not been received well on social media from Democrats and allies of Harris. As some are pointing out his apology lacked substance, while also mocking his use of lowercase letters.

X user, thepaulvale wrote noting the lowercase letters by asking "Did a 4th grader write this for you!"

Phillips responded to the mockery by saying, "i'd like to believe i write more like a 5th grader, so that was really hurtful."

X user, lanana421 took aim at Phillips' presidential election bid by saying, "We have a ticket. We are very happy with this ticket. You are embarrassing."

However, Phillips responded by adding "i respect president biden and vp harris. but this is about winning. happiness should be derived from a ticket that will beat trump."

Meanwhile, X user Christopher Webb criticized Phillips' campaign by questioning who the congressman is talking to in his campaign bid.

"It's probably best for all of us if you keep Kamala Harris' name off your lips going forward. Apology aside, I'm still trying to figure out who you think your base is. Who are you talking to? Because it doesn't seem like anything you've said so far during your campaign is meant for Democrats like me."

In response, Phillips took the opportunity to offer feedback, reiterating his goal to defeat Trump.

"ask me a question, christopher. i'd welcome the opportunity to hear what's important to you and introduce myself. we need to defeat trump and find the courage and conviction to raise the foundation for everyone."

However, according to a poll conducted by Yahoo News/YouGov that was published last week, 54 percent of Democratic primary voters wish to see "another Democrat" enter the 2024 race over Biden.

In the same poll, however, both of Biden's current Democratic challengers—Phillips and author Marianne Williamson—polled at just 4 percent each. The president was supported by 64 percent of those surveyed.