Much has been made about the idea that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. might be a spoiler in the 2024 election if he decides to abandon the quest for the Democratic nomination and opts to run as an independent. Similarly, Senator Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) hasn't dismissed the idea that he might run as an independent as well.
What impact might a serious third-party ticket have on the presidential race? Gary Bauer, chairman of the Campaign for Working Families, is offering this forecast: it would completely throw all predictions up in the air.
"… I don't feel confident one way or another who it would end up helping and who it would hurt," he admits. "I think it's interesting that some of the speculation revolves around RFK Junior or Senator Manchin [because] those are two very different individuals. And they have very different views on a whole bunch of issues."
Most prominent in recent reports surrounding a possible third-party ticket is the group "No Labels," which promotes centrist policies and claims to offer a "united front" and "freedom from the anger and divisiveness that are ruining our politics and … our country." Manchin has been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate under the No Labels banner.
Dems worried
Bauer says the Democratic National Committee seems concerned about a third-party run, having already gone into several states and filed lawsuits blocking a third party on the ballot. He says he finds that an interesting tactic.
"… The Democrats have been saying now for years that we have to protect our democracy," Bauer observes, "and yet here they are, trying to shut down the vote that millions of Americans might want to make for a party different than the two major parties in America. I think it's another marker of the extraordinary times we live in."
No Labels has stated that efforts to dismantle a third-party ticket proves it can win. The group claims a recent poll indicates "a historic opening" exists for an independent "Unity" presidential ticket in 2024. Toward that end, No Labels has been working across the country since early 2022 to obtain ballot access across the states.
