Democratic Representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota, who is eyeing a challenge against President Joe Biden for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination, expressed his reaction to the special counsel report released on Thursday.

According to reports, Phillips stated that the report indicates President Biden's inability to continue in office for a second term.

Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips says Biden 'cannot continue to serve' past first term https://t.co/QNvAYS3UBx pic.twitter.com/6J12rL0mk6

— TheBlaze (@theblaze) February 9, 2024

The interview

In an interview with the outlet, Phillips conveyed his disappointment, describing it as a sad day for America, particularly for President Biden and his family.

He emphasized the report's findings that while Biden had knowingly retained and disclosed classified materials, the special counsel chose not to pursue prosecution due to doubts about securing a conviction for an elderly individual with memory issues.

"It’s another sad day for America and particularly for President Biden and his family," Phillips told Fox News Digital. "While President Biden ‘willfully retained and disclosed classified materials,’ the Special Counsel elected not to prosecute him because a jury would likely not convict a ‘well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.'"

Phillips continued, "The Report simply affirms what most Americans already know, that the President cannot continue to serve as our Commander-in-Chief beyond his term ending January 20, 2025. Already facing the lowest approval numbers in modern history and losing in each of the key battleground states, this Report has all but handed the 2024 election to Donald Trump if Joe Biden is the Democratic nominee — and I invite fellow Democrats to face the truth."

Biden's decline

Phillips pointed to Biden's declining approval ratings and electoral challenges in key battleground states, suggesting that the report could significantly boost former President Donald Trump's chances in the 2024 election if Biden remains the Democratic nominee.

According to the executive summary of the report, evidence emerged indicating Biden's mishandling of classified materials post-vice presidency, though it did not establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Phillips has been vocal in his criticism of Biden's candidacy, arguing that Biden's decision to run again in 2024 is misguided.

He cited Biden's choice not to run in 2016 and warned of potential repercussions if Democrats fail to address the concerns surrounding Biden's candidacy.

The controversy continues

As the 2024 presidential race unfolds, Phillips' remarks highlight the growing scrutiny within the Democratic Party regarding Biden's leadership and electoral prospects.

The special counsel's report has intensified discussions within political circles, with many Democrats grappling with the implications for Biden's candidacy and the party's electoral prospects in 2024.

Phillips' assessment underscores the need for Democrats to confront these challenges head-on as they navigate the road ahead.