No Labels, a centrist group working towards launching a bipartisan, third-party 2024 presidential ticket, suffered a major setback with the death of former Sen. Joe Lieberman, a founding co-chair and vocal supporter of the group. Lieberman had been a key player in No Labels’ recruitment efforts and was a tireless defender of their push for a third-party ticket, despite pushback from Democrats who feared it would lead to a victory for Trump in the election.
After Lieberman’s death, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie declined to join a 2024 No Labels ticket, along with other high-profile politicians like former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, and Senator Joe Manchin. Former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley, who was speculated to consider running on a No Labels ticket, also rejected the idea in a recent interview on “FOX and Friends.” Christie, a critic of Trump, expressed concerns about potentially helping Trump win again if he ran on a third-party ticket.
Sources confirmed that both Christie and New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, who were courted by No Labels, commissioned polling before deciding against joining the group’s efforts. There is hesitancy among potential candidates due to concerns that a third-party run could benefit Trump. Running for president requires a significant sacrifice and commitment, and without a clear path for a third-party candidate to succeed, politicians are wary of getting involved in the process.
Despite the setbacks, No Labels continues its efforts to obtain ballot access across the country. The group has officially qualified for the ballot in 19 states and announced the formation of a committee to vet contenders for a potential bipartisan ticket. Lieberman had written that if two candidates meeting their high threshold were found, they would recommend that ticket to No Labels’ delegates for a nomination vote at a National Nominating Convention later in the spring. However, if suitable candidates are not found, they will not offer their ballot line to anyone.
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a high-profile vaccine skeptic, is also grabbing attention as he polls higher than any other third-party White House contender since Ross Perot over three decades ago. Complicating No Labels’ efforts, Kennedy’s presence has added another factor for voters to consider. Despite the challenges, No Labels remains focused on their mission and continues to work towards their goal of impacting the 2024 election with a bipartisan ticket that offers an alternative to the major party candidates.
Overall, the recent developments have posed significant challenges for No Labels as they navigate the complexities of securing viable candidates, addressing concerns of potential contenders, and maintaining momentum in their ballot access efforts. While the loss of a key champion in Lieberman has been a setback, the group remains committed to their mission and will continue to work towards their goal of presenting a bipartisan option to voters in the 2024 presidential election.
