A center-left think tank is frustrated over a possible third-party presidential run from No Labels, warning that it would result in former President Donald Trump being elected.
The think tank Third Way dismissed the insistence of Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and No Labels that a third-party run would not be a spoiler that benefits Trump, warning such a run would all but guarantee that the Republican retakes the White House. First releasing a memo warning of the possibility in March, Third Way co-founder Matt Bennett stood firm on his claim to the Hill on Monday, arguing that evidence further backs up their fears.
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Bennett said No Labels’s leadership appears to be “the only people on planet Earth who think they can win,” adding that the concern around a third-party run was, “on a scale of 1-100, it’s 100.”
“We honestly believe in a head-to-head race, these latest polls notwithstanding, Biden wins because of the dynamics of the electorate,” he argued, adding that Biden will be boosted by “the way that people are going to be thinking about Trump by the time we get to next November and are reminded of who he is and what he stands for.”
Bennett warned No Labels isn’t just a throwaway run but could jeopardize President Joe Biden’s chances.
“But we think if there’s a well-funded, reasonably high-profile alleged moderate as an alternative, [Biden] loses,” he said.
In a March memo titled “Donald Trump Should Never Again Be President,” Third Way emphasized the impressive fundraising figures from No Labels, including more than $46 million pledged or raised as of September 2022.
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No Labels brushed off the criticism in a statement to the Washington Examiner.
“We aren’t concerned about Third Way’s predictions for the election a year from now, and, most importantly, voters aren’t either,” No Labels chief strategist Ryan Clancy said. “Polls clearly reveal that most Americans want a better choice for president in 2024 than what the two parties are likely to provide, and No Labels will continue working to ensure they have that choice.”
