'Trump is the threat': Adviser to Biden's challenger disavows controversial remarks

The Democrat who announced a primary challenge against Joe Biden despite largely agreeing with the president on most issues found himself in hot water when he claimed Biden was a threat to democracy just like Trump is. Apparently, that spread to his campaign launch adviser.

Former GOP strategist turned Lincoln Project co-founder Steve Schmidt said he advised Dean Phillips on the initial launch of his campaign, but noted that he has "not advised the congressman since then." Yet that didn't stop Schmidt from having to disavow the controversial statement.

"Do I believe that President Joe Biden is a threat to American democracy? It was posed as a result of a reporter asking Congressman Dean Phillips that question last week. The answer to this question is: I DO NOT," Schmidt wrote.

He added that he did not advise Phillips to say that, and that he was not paid to launch Phillips' campaign.

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"Donald Trump is a threat to the American republic that is severe, unique and exceedingly dangerous," Schmidt wrote. "In fact, his danger is singular. He is the most dangerous individual who has ever lived during the history of the United States when it comes to posing a direct threat to the survival of the America republic."

He then continued: "Donald Trump is the threat to democracy. President Biden is NOT."

"President Biden is a sentinel of democracy," the former Republican wrote. "He is an honorable man who has recorded significant accomplishments, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS Act and the lowering of prescription drug pricing. The infrastructure spending will help build 21st century America."

Further, Schmidt said, "Biden has been assailed, smeared and swallowed by the most vicious propaganda machine that has ever existed in American history."

"His White House team has been overwhelmed by Trump’s MAGA operation," he wrote. "In poll after poll, Biden is losing to a man who is currently facing 91 felony counts and running on a platform of revenge and retribution. It is deeply worrying because national catastrophe and death are what follow Trump’s return to power."