Democratic Congressman and presidential hopeful Dean Phillips has admitted that Joe Biden appears to be a criminal.

Appearing on Thursday's edition of "CNN NewsNight," Phillips said that it “appears a crime was committed” by Biden in his handling of classified documents.

He explained:

I respect President Biden. I think he’s suffered a lot of tragedy in his life. This has got to be awfully difficult to invoke his son Beau. It appears a crime was committed, but I’ve got to tell you, I felt just like a human watching that and it was sad. And I think most of the country shares that.

I think our President should serve out this term. I think he’s able to do so. The fact that he’s running for another one is preposterous. And I think most of the country recognizes that. And frankly, I don’t think it should be politicized. I think we should honor him and we should preserve his legacy and pass the torch in the next election.”

His comments come after a report by Special Counsel Robert Hur concluded that Biden had likely acted illegally in his handling of classified information but that criminal charges are unwarranted because of his age and fragility. 

Phillips was then asked if Biden should have been charged with a crime, to which he responded:

Well, based on what I read, he said there was evidence, but he recognized that, by prosecuting it, they called him an elderly man with a fading memory and would be too sympathetic in front of a jury. And I think there was a lot in that report that was unnecessary. It may be true, but it’s still unnecessary, and it saddens me.

Such remarks put Phillips at odds with the Democratic caucus, the majority of whom refuse to accept there is anything wrong with Biden's health or capability for the job. 

The Minnesota Congressman has not held back in his criticism of Biden's declining health and has insisted he is being attacked for merely saying "the quiet part out loud." 

Phillips wrote on the X platform this week:

I’m attacked for being honest and saying the quiet part out loud - the part DC insiders only do in private.I admire our President. I voted for him and campaigned for him. He has visited my home and been gracious to my family and our country.But shame on all of you pretending everything is ok. You are leading us - and him - into a disaster, and you damn well know it.

I’m attacked for being honest and saying the quiet part out loud - the part DC insiders only do in private.

I admire our President. I voted for him and campaigned for him. He has visited my home and been gracious to my family and our country.

But shame on all of you pretending… pic.twitter.com/OdaKvW7vbc

— Dean Phillips (@deanbphillips) February 6, 2024

Biden, meanwhile, has reacted angrily to the report's findings that he may be losing his marbles.

Addressing the media on Thursday evening, he took particular objection to suggestions that he had forgotten when his son Beau had died. 

"There's even reference that I don't remember when my son died. How the hell dare he raise that?" he remarked. "Frankly, when I was asked the question, I thought to myself, it isn't any of their damn business."

READ MORE:

BREAKING Biden Angrily Addresses Nation After Blistering Special Counsel Report, Claims His Memory's Fine

HOT TAKES: Biden's White House Address Was an Unmitigated Disaster