Despite not having a strong chance of winning the Democratic nomination, Rep. Dean Phillips may pose a real danger to President Joe Biden's reelection campaign. Phillips recently launched his primary challenge, focusing on the first-in-the-nation primary state of New Hampshire, where Biden won't be on the ballot. Although Democratic voters have shown little interest in backing anyone other than Biden, Phillips has found an opening by targeting the president's age.

At 54 years old, Phillips presents himself as a younger alternative to the 80-year-old Biden, criticizing his decades-long political career as part of the problem. While this argument may resonate with some primary voters who are concerned about Biden's age, it's not likely to significantly threaten Biden's hold on the nomination. Polling suggests that most Democrats are still planning to support Biden in the primary.

However, the danger for Biden lies in the fact that a Phillips candidacy could further expose his vulnerability regarding age and capability to lead for another four years. Swing voters already perceive this as Biden's greatest weakness, and primary attacks could reinforce those doubts. A direct assault on Biden's age could potentially play into the hands of Republicans in the general election, where a likely rematch with former President Donald Trump awaits.

While Biden's advisers express annoyance over Phillips' challenge, they remain confident that Biden is Democrats' best option in 2024. Nevertheless, they acknowledge the nervousness among Democrats and the need to address concerns about the president's age amidst a turbulent global and economic landscape.