Rep. Phillips apologizes to Sen. Bernie Sanders for dismissing past criticism of primary system
Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) has publicly apologized to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) for previously dismissing his criticism of the Democratic Party primary system. This comes as Phillips makes a long-shot bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.
In a tweet on Twitter, Phillips wrote, “I have an apology to make to @BernieSanders. I had long dismissed his complaints about the rigged Democratic Party primary system. But you know what? He was right. And I apologize, Bernie.”
Sanders, who previously ran for the White House in 2016, had been critical of states with closed primaries and the limited 2016 primary debate schedule, suggesting that the Democratic Party was rigging the nomination process.
Phillips’s apology follows his announcement of a primary challenge against President Biden. The three-term congressman faces an uphill battle in the primary race, as recent polls have shown him trailing both Biden and progressive candidate Marianne Williamson.
Despite his past criticism of the primary system, Sanders has called for unity among progressives to support Biden in the upcoming election, emphasizing the need to address issues such as women’s rights, climate change, and representing the working class.
This apology from Phillips demonstrates a shift in his perspective on the primary system and reflects the ongoing discussions within the Democratic Party as it prepares for the 2024 election.