Democrat Dean Phillips is accusing President Biden of being a threat to democracy, as the long-shot primary challenger ramps up attacks that have exasperated some Biden allies anticipating a 2024 showdown with Donald Trump.

Standing on a raised patio in the middle of a Los Angeles backyard Friday night, President Biden had a warning for the collection of movie moguls, stars, politicians and plain wealthy Democrats who had opened their checkbooks to support his reelection.