Former senators Joe Lieberman and Doug Jones recently appeared on ABC's "This Week" to discuss the feasibility of a bipartisan third-party presidential ticket in the 2024 election and whether
such an effort could potentially influence the outcome of the White House race.
Lieberman, a former Democrat turned independent and the founding chair of No Labels, shared that the organization is considering a possible "unity" ticket that would encompass representatives from both major parties. He emphasized the aim of providing an alternative choice for voters dissatisfied with the potential rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
Lieberman stated, "We're in this to give the majority of the American people who feel that the major two parties are failing them a third choice, both in policies, such as we're going to release in New Hampshire [on Monday], but also possibly in a third candidate. And we've been very explicit ... If the polling next year shows, after the two parties have chosen their nominees, that, in fact, we will help elect one or another candidate, we're not going to get involved."
Jones, a Democrat from Alabama and a strong ally of President Biden, who is part of a group counteracting No Labels, disputed this perspective. He dismissed the significance of current polls and pointed out that Biden's fundraising efforts have seen success, with a significant portion coming from new donors. Jones argued, "That is not a candidate that is being rejected by the American people."
Regarding No Labels, Jones contended, "There is no way on God's green earth that they can get to 270 electoral votes, which means they will be a spoiler, one way or another."
Lieberman disagreed, asserting that the issue lies not with No Labels, but rather with the fact that the American people are no longer satisfied with what the two major parties offer. He suggested that the parties should consider this sentiment more seriously.
Lieberman, who faced third-party challenges himself as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in 2000, acknowledged the concerns within the Democratic Party regarding No Labels' plan to potentially attract disaffected Republican voters who might otherwise vote for Biden.
Lieberman clarified that No Labels would suspend its campaign if both Democrats and Republicans adopt more centrist positions. He stated, "We have said all along that we're not yearning to run a third-party ticket. If one or both parties move more toward the center in their policies ... and maybe think about the two candidates being so unpopular among the American people, we won't run."
The differing opinions on No Labels arise amidst Democratic debates about whether the group's proposal, featuring one Democrat and one Republican on the same ticket, would primarily draw disenchanted Republican voters who would otherwise support Biden in a direct matchup against Trump.
Lieberman also highlighted President Biden's existing moderate approach and his ability to collaborate with Republican lawmakers in Congress. He cited Biden's achievements in infrastructure, veterans' issues, and manufacturing, emphasizing that the president's administration is not as left-leaning as some perceive.
No Labels has consistently emphasized that polling indicates a desire for a third option in 2024, but the organization is prepared to change course if proven wrong. Photo by Wikimedia commons.