Behind the plan to launch a third-party presidential campaign

No Labels, a group aiming to run a third-party presidential candidate, is expected to move forward with a 2024 campaign following an internal vote held later today, according to an AP report.

While the group won’t name its presidential and vice presidential picks at today’s meeting, No Labels’ strategists have committed to running a bipartisan “unity ticket” featuring a presidential nominee from one major party (aka Democrat or Republican), and a vice presidential nominee from the other party.

Driving the move… No Labels says it sees an opening for its bipartisan presidential ticket after President Biden and former President Trump’s performances on Super Tuesday essentially guaranteed a rematch of the 2020 election.

• According to recent public polls, more than half of Americans say it would be better if Biden didn’t run for re-election, while roughly the same amount say it would be better if Trump chose not to run in 2024.
• Overall, roughly a fifth of Americans are “double-haters” who dislike both candidates, marking the highest figure in modern election history.

Big picture: Historically, third-party candidates have struggled to compete in US presidential elections. The most successful third-party run in modern US history – Ross Perot’s 1992 campaign – received just under 19% of the popular vote, and didn’t win any state contests or receive any electoral votes.

👀 Looking ahead… No Labels will reportedly unveil a formal selection process next week for potential candidates, who’d be selected in the following weeks. The candidates won’t include former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) or centrist Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), both of whom have opted against running on the No Labels ticket.

📊 Flash poll: Depending on the individual, would you be open to supporting a No Labels candidate in the 2024 presidential election?

• Yes
• No
• Unsure/other