… For some reason:
Having worked for a lot of small businesses, this doesn’t surprise me. There isn’t a lot of room in the Democratic party for people whose primary issues are labor exploitation and tax avoidance.
— William Melvin (@willmelvin) October 29, 2023
Bored reporters & broke consultants. https://t.co/LSWt0cLhXH
— Dana Houle (@DanaHoule) October 29, 2023
Mr. Charles P. Pierce asks “Do You Want a Gelato Tycoon for President?”:
… If there ever was a time in our history in which our politics is ill-suited to the vague and quixotic, it is this one. The threat to democracy remains very real. One of our two major political parties is being led by a deteriorating maniac who is still conducting a bedlam’s chorus throughout our political institutions. He has real power and no real challengers. Yet the incumbent president does have challengers — Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., running on the Free The Viruses ticket, Cornel West, running on the God Knows Why line on the ballot, and now, Rep. Dean Phillips, running as a Democrat because he is convinced that his party can do better than the current president, and that he is the better that his party can do. Politico fills in the details.
A multi-millionaire gelato tycoon, the heir to one of America’s largest liquor dynasties and the first Democrat to represent Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District in nearly 60 years, Phillips is expected to make his long-rumored presidential campaign official in New Hampshire on Friday, ending months of speculation over his plans for 2024.
I was saying just the other day that what American politics needs is more gelato tycoons because I think we all have been missing an important voice from an influential constituency…
He also pitched his business acumen as a major selling point for voters: “I’d like to bring some of the business principles, the fiscal responsibility that I appreciate in the Republican Party, to Democrats,” he said.
He has only one real issue — the current president’s age. He apparently believes that makes him less menacing than Kennedy or West. This is a miscalculation of whopping proportions. By his very act of running, Phillips is reinforcing a critical Republican talking-point and one of the key factors behind the puzzling gap between the president’s performance in office and his approval ratings.
The bus’ bumper teased Phillips’ new campaign slogan: “Make America Affordable Again.”
Lincolnesque, no?…
He started out claiming he was trying to get another candidate into the race because Biden was too old. Now he's just trying to tear Biden down even though it's clear no real candidate is getting in. I guarantee you this is being run by GOP money men.
— Josh Marshall (@joshtpm) October 28, 2023
I think he's more of a useful, and very rich, idiot, than an agent of the GOP – but the impact is the same. https://t.co/siPjQpVuG6
— davidrlurie (@davidrlurie) October 28, 2023
$teve $chmidt ?????????? https://t.co/S8dyeNIaUY
— Colin Seeberger (@CMSeeberger) October 26, 2023
It’s because of his commitment to Washington, Lincoln, Jackson, Hamilton, Grant, & Franklin.
Especially Franklin. Lots & lots & lots of Franklins. https://t.co/zoOt5D3UrY
— Dana Houle (@DanaHoule) October 27, 2023
Democratic primary professionals, outside lily-white New Hampshire, not exactly impressed:
The path to the White House runs through Nevada — a strong, diverse, pro-union state. You shouldn’t run for President if you’re not going to compete for Nevada voters, @deanbphillips. https://t.co/9IbZMerRQE
— Catherine Cortez Masto (@CortezMasto) October 27, 2023
South Carolinians have demonstrated for decades that we are good predictors of great presidential candidates. Apparently, Dean Phillips disagrees.
He's not respecting the wishes of the titular head of our Party and the loyalties of some of our Party's most reliable constituents. https://t.co/uS1V6MSPQ5
— Jim Clyburn (@ClyburnSC06) October 27, 2023
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens on Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips long-shot Democratic challenge to President Biden: “The stakes are too high – especially for Black voters – to be focused on a side-show vanity project …” #gapol pic.twitter.com/jSb3YbZsXo
— Greg Bluestein (@bluestein) October 27, 2023
But grift respect grift:
I’ve spent time with Dean Phillips and he would make a great President. He has exceptional values and character as well as courage and conviction. He’s a sane, moral 54-year old which is what most Americans want. He’s going to surprise a lot of people. @deanbphillips
— Andrew Yang???????? (@AndrewYang) October 27, 2023
In 2020 Joe Biden won Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional district by 20 points.
In 2020 Dean Phillips won Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional district by 12 points. https://t.co/WT0KDeCfqW
— Dana Houle (@DanaHoule) October 27, 2023
His whole campaign is rich guy panic and Republican talking points. https://t.co/x6naBKtvJn
— Clean Observer (@Hammbear2024) October 28, 2023
TFW that wave year tide washes you high up on the beach among the driftwood, but you think you walked on water to get there
— Casey O'Shea (@coshea2) October 28, 2023
Rusty
As a Granite State resident I get to vote in the primary that doesn’t count, but I will be there at the polls to write in Joe’s name and make sure Phillips gets stomped by someone not even on the ballot. I’ll get every other Democrat here I know to do the same. Fuck him.
SpaceUnit
Smells like Putin money. The Kompromat runs deep.
Anne Laurie
Nah, IMO Phillips is just another nepo-baby. He *has* a ton of money, but getting the attention of local Wisconsinites who want to drink his liquor-distributor booze (and of ‘consultants’ like Schmidt, who want to take his money) is no longer enough for him. He craves national attention!… even if it has to be as the butt of nation-wide snark.
bjacques
@Anne Laurie: given his background, maybe his campaign should focus on bringing back nickel rail drinks and two-for-one on Ladies’ Night. It sounds like a GOP talking points drinking game already.
MattF
I predict that the endorsement from Andrew Yang will be peak Phillips.
206inKY
This dude’s campaign is dead in the water. My theory is that attacking Joe on age backfires always. His toughest demo is boomers who are sensitive about getting old—this stuff wins sympathy votes. The next gen is solidly in his corner, including all serious leaders like Kamala, Pete, Stacey, Beto, Katie, Andy, and more. The even younger crowd is laser focused on abortion and clear-eyed on Joe, who has 2024 on lockdown. Only question is whether Taylor Swift wins in 2028, 2032, 2036, or 2040.
SpaceUnit
@Anne Laurie:
Yeah. I don’t know anything about the guy. But it’s all too easy these days to imagine strings being pulled by bad actors. And Russian political influence is being seriously underreported.
It’s almost like certain people don’t want us thinking about it.
ETA: And as Adam has informed us, Russian strategy is Penetration at Every Level. I’m pretty sure they’ve got Rudy G. by the balls. Probably TFG too.
Ruckus
We have a problem in this country with our political class. Because we are a very individual democracy. By that I mean we are a country that at least attempts to, on the base level, recognize each citizen as important. We run a government that at least tends to listen to the citizens, all of them, not just the one’s with oversized bank accounts, that means the working class, the fire department, yes – the cops, the person that drives the trash truck, the mail delivery person, the nurses/doctors, school teachers and on and on and on. The people that make up the citizens – all of them. Sometimes we forget the structure of this country, why and how it was founded but we get reminded every so often. In a time of war we do draft people, but they are then treated the same as everyone else – less than it should be but better than many think. We make a big deal of people who are wealthy – earned or inherited – maybe more than we should. And of course life can always be made better for more of us. Right now we have a president who understands the concept of better for ALL, not just the wealthy. And yes they will still be wealthy, if maybe just not quite as much as possible, and life will still be better for most of us. Which should be the goal of a democracy – better for ALL. (Wait – isn’t that what Joe B wants and does?) I’m an old fart and I’ve worked to get where I am. I’m not pissed I had to do that, I’ve worked on/made the tools that made toys for Mattel, I’ve made the tools that make plastic milk bottles, I’ve made bone saw blades, and dozens and dozens of other tools that made things that we all use and enjoy. I worked on Barbie Doll molds, I’ve worked on airplane parts, on tools to make plastic milk bottles and on and on. And that was just one American company. There are millions of us that make tools and things, grow food, build homes, mend bodies, store our money, make/play songs we like to hear, books we like to read, sell us food, and clothing. Effectively we all support each other. Yes, we need to do better for some, and charge some more for the privilege of being wealthy. Still we continue to at least try to improve, to make this a better place for ALL of us. And in my lifetime it has gotten better. And yes better is possible and what we should be doing. Yes there are still too many that fall into the cracks, and yes the cracks are still too easy to fall into. Still, as I said above, it has gotten better in my lifetime. We need to not be selfish and make it better for all. Selfish bastards, like SFB, need to learn to BE Part of this, not think they own it, because they don’t.
It’s our country, ALL of ours.
SpaceUnit
Thread is dead, I’m going to bed.
Ascap_scab
Because we’re all sheep?
Make America Affordable Again.
MAAA!!!
piratedan
we did the dessert food entrepreneur masquerading as the Governor thing (Ducey) in Arizona… all we got was vanilla fascism served in a waffle cone. Small Franchise owners in charge of politics sucks ass and the business model of allowing Kari Lake to challenge four elections and get your fifth one free is a non-starter.
Ruckus
@SpaceUnit:
I’m pretty sure they’ve got Rudy G. by the balls. Probably TFG too.
I’d bet Rudy no longer knows what balls are, he seems that far gone, and SFB absolutely only gives a rat’s ass about SFB, always has and will to his last day. Fortunately he is showing signs that, at least mentally, he may not be able to give even a rats ass not all that far into the future. When he speaks he often sounds anymore like he put the wrong CD into the player. Given the stress he must be under for being him – oh who am I kidding, he’s made his bed, let him sleep under it.
eclare
This really pisses me off.
Shalimar
So his strategy to beat Biden is to only run in the one state where Biden isn’t on the ballot. Such courage. Wow.
matt
America has a rich people problem. Anyway, won’t ever be buying this shitty guy’s ice cream again.
Ksmiami
Fuck this guy. Seriously- the stakes couldn’t be higher
p.a.
What’s his record of voting with the admin? Has he been obviously “Republican-lite”? Or is this “Joe must go” challenge out-of-the-blue as far as his votes would show?
Frankensteinbeck
@SpaceUnit:
Dunno about Rudy, but we know the answer to that with Trump. Remember the Russian intelligence leak? Putin’s attitude is that he has no need to put Trump on a chain. The stuff Russia wants Trump to do is the stuff Trump already wants to do.
lowtechcyclist
Dean Phillips: “the fiscal responsibility that I appreciate in the Republican Party” – LOLOL. The GOP hasn’t been the fiscally responsible party since Phillips was in grade school.
Seriously, fuck this guy and his Republican talking points (crime, border).
Nukular Biskits
@206inKY:
Don’t you mean 2028, 2032, 2036 AND 2040?
opiejeanne
@p.a.: He has voted 100% with Joe.
WereBear
I’d rather vote for Taylor Swift than this jumped up clown.
Matt McIrvin
If there’s one thing I understand even less than leftier-than-thous shivving Democrats to help Republicans in the name of ideological purity, it’s centrists shivving Democrats in the name of centrism or nonpartisanship. I’m pretty sure they have less of a constituency. Unfortunately that constituency is overrepresented among elite media outlets and the rich.
eclare
@Matt McIrvin:
Kind of like the approach Tim Ryan used. That sure worked out well.
Matt McIrvin
@eclare: Sometimes the “dirtbag left” and “centrist” attacks are actually almost the same except for the label: specifically when they push the idea that Dems turned super-“woke” and it’s driving away the salt of the earth who would support us on economic issues. But if Phillips is saying he appreciates Republican fiscal responsibility, I guess he’s not doing that either, so I wonder what he is doing.
Geminid
@Matt McIrvin: This is one “Centrist,” not Centrists plural. No other Congressional Democrat is backing this vanity campaign.
Phillips is talking himself out of a job. He already has a solid primary opponent. Very few Democratic incumbents get knocked out in primaries, but I expect Phillips will be next August 13.
BellyCat
All of them, Katie.
Geminid
In other New Hampshire political news, I see that Rep. Ro Khanna will debate Vivek Ramaswamy at St. Anselms College this Thursday evening.
opiejeanne
@Geminid: Why the hell would he do that?
Baud
@lowtechcyclist:
Makes RFK, Jr.’s anti-vax position seem sensible.
@Geminid:
Debate of the Desis!
NorthLeft
I’m getting sick and tired of this narrative that Republicans/Conservatives are somehow better stewards of the economy and more careful with spending.
They are actually cheap, miserable fucks when it comes to spending policies that benefit the great majority of people, and then this results in a weak, top heavy economy that is not sustainable.
I have had to listen to this drivel for all my life. I wish our educated media would push back against this nonsense, but that is a bridge too far for those clowns.
BTW, screw this new candidate for Mr. Entitlement of 2023.
Geminid
@opiejeanne: Like many politicians, Ro Khanna likes to hear himself talk and thinks others would benefit also. He’s a very altruistic man!
mrmoshpotato
@NorthLeft:
What evidence do you have to support this? More than 50 years of economic reports?
JML
Among the many reasons to object to Dean’s quixotic and narcissistic presidential campaign is the BS about him being a successful businessman. Because the only reason he’s had success in business is because he was already rich and had a huge stake of money to play with to support his activity. He wasn’t a real mover and shaker in the family’s liquor business (that was his father Eddie) and in fact his move into the gelato business was partly done to keep him out of the way there. Yes, he was successful there…but that was almost certainly all related to the fact that he had massive amounts of resources available at all times to push Talenti through the difficult start-up periods. It’s not because he was a great business person and creator of a fantastic product. He just had money.
Which is what people always forget about with this nonsense. Mitt Romney wasn’t a successful businessman because of what he created; he was successful because he started with a big pile of money, and it’s a lot easier to take a fortune and make it a bigger one. The old story of it’s easier to turn $1 million into $2 million than it is to turn $1 into $2. That’s Dean Phillips.
Note: his venture into the coffee shop world was less successful. It buffed up his “small business” credentials, but the business struggled and closed in 2022.
Dean’s not a bad guy, really…but he’s got that rich dude cluelessness and is totally susceptible to the blandishments of Third Way clowns, Beltway media bobos, and the Steve Schmidts of the world.
Matt McIrvin
@Geminid: It reminds me very much of the “No Labels” bullshit though. It pops up every four years and gets fascinated attention from a bunch of newspaper pundits who imagine that they are the vital American center, and then, nothing.
trnc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asAlBgHoqjI
trnc
I am really sick to death of that fucking crybaby. It’s not democrats’ fault that he’s a WATB. Sure hope Phillips becomes another “Who?” soon.
Geminid
@Matt McIrvin: Sure. I’m just distinguishing Phillips from other Democratic moderates.
I don’t think there is an ideological motivation here. Phillips has been bitching about Biden for months, but I had not seen policy criticisms until now. That makes me think these are more about ambition than conviction.
trnc
It’s a republican scam to dilute the dem party. There may be a few nominal dems who have swallowed the kool-aid, but it’s republican $ behind the whole thing.
wjca
Somehow, that hasn’t been the common interest or behavior of the small business owners I have worked for and around. Not because there aren’t some small (however defined) businesses like that. But many others are quite otherwise. For example, I’m working now for a small business. — an S corp, if that matters A few years back, out of the blue, the owner informed is that we were each getting a 5% equity stake. None of us had even raised the issue; she thought it up all on her own. If that’s labor exploitation, then I am totally ignorant of what the term means.
Uncle Cosmo
Reminds me of the acronym a university librarian passed on to me almost 30 years ago:
= Another Bored Confused Desi Expat From Gujarat
(FTR I never considered that to be more than modestly clever coinage of unknown provenance)
dirge
Indeed it does matter. An S Corp is pass-through, so you should be getting 5% of profits as they come in. Are you?
Was this offered in lieu of a raise or other benefit?
Are you confident the owner isn’t skimming your profits by using the business to pay personal expenses? Have you seen the books? Have you seen the second set of books?
Could be a fair and generous employer, but my experience suggests, at best, “trust but verify.”
The Lodger
@Baud: Battle of the Brahmins?
(BTW, welcome back!)
wjca
Yes, the profits do pass thru. Not particular fanfare, they just get the same direct deposit as wages. I only really notice when the K-1 arrives. :-)
They weren’t in lieu of anything, as far as I could tell. Just a boss who wanted to do the right thing. Or, if you want to be cynical, knew it was an effective way to keep employees engaged. Not that anybody was showing any inclination to depart — the work itself is too interesting. Also, none of us really need the money right now; personally I see it more as a long term investment.
Paul in KY
@Anne Laurie: I think he’s just a rich GQPer who had to run Dem to get elected in his district. A POS ratfucker, in other words.
Paul in KY
@lowtechcyclist: That was a big tell right there! GQP fiscal responsibility! Ha!
Paul in KY
@JML: Born on 3rd base & thinks he hit a triple applies to these Lucky Spermos on both sides of the aisle.
wjca
As opposed to TIFG. Who was an old, (supposedly) rich, (nominal**) Democrat, who had to run as a Republican to get elected.
**but he did occasionally give money)