The national director of No Labels, the third-party group that recently announced its decision to abstain from running a candidate in the US presidential election, has now publicly expressed support for Joe Biden over Donald Trump.
The campaign of Robert F Kennedy referred to the individuals involved in the January 6 riot as “activists” in an email.
“I, personally?” Joe Cunningham expressed to Fox News. “If it were up to me, I would choose Biden over Trump.”
Cunningham chose not to provide further details. Additionally, he was given the option to select Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent candidate known for his skepticism towards vaccines and his involvement in conspiracy theories.
When questioned about the reasons behind No Labels abandoning its mission, which involved raising $60 million and obtaining ballot access in important states, Cunningham explained that the organization was searching for a hero to lead the cause, but unfortunately, no such hero materialized.
“We have been open and honest with the American public about our intention to present this ticket if two conditions were met. Firstly, we needed to determine if Americans desired an alternative option, and indeed, that box has been checked.”
Despite their historical unpopularity, both Biden and Trump have managed to maintain a significant level of support. In fact, Kennedy’s popularity has even reached double figures. However, there have been concerns that a candidate outside of the two major parties could potentially harm Biden’s chances, especially considering the perceived threat that Trump poses to American democracy. As a result, the No Labels group eventually abandoned their search for an alternative candidate.
Cunningham explained that the second factor was their ability to identify candidates who had a clear pathway to victory. Unfortunately, they encountered difficulties in this regard. Ultimately, they were unable to find candidates who they believed had a straightforward path to success.
Reportedly, potential candidates who were courted included Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor who had the longest opposition to Trump during the Republican primary; Larry Hogan, the former Maryland governor who is currently running for the US Senate; Chris Christie, the former New Jersey governor who ran a Republican primary campaign explicitly against Trump; and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, a former wrestler and popular Hollywood action star.
No Labels was dealt a significant blow last week with the passing of its founding chair, Joe Lieberman, at the age of 82. Lieberman, a former Democratic and independent senator and vice-presidential nominee, played a crucial role in establishing the organization.
According to Cunningham, dissent is not appreciated within the establishment. He acknowledges the challenges faced in finding leaders who have the courage to prioritize the country’s interests above the consequences within their respective parties.
Opponents of the No Labels’ third-party initiative rejoiced at its retreat.
Matt Bennett, from the centre-left group Third Way, stated that their organization was the first to raise concerns about the doomed and divisive nature of No Labels’ presidential bid. Alongside a diverse group of allies, they actively campaigned against any serious candidate who considered joining their ticket.
“We feel a great sense of relief that their offer was rejected by everyone, which ultimately led to their decision to withdraw. Although the possibility of third-party spoilers still exists, this harmful attack on President Biden and Democrats from the center has finally come to an end.”
During a call with reporters and supporters on Friday, No Labels leaders expressed their commitment to staying engaged in election-year politics.
Jay Nixon, a former Democratic governor of Missouri who is now the director of No Labels ballot access efforts, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in the litigation process. He stated that a total of 21 states had successfully navigated the legal challenges and were well on their way to completing the necessary requirements.
In addition, he emphasized the importance of pursuing two goals simultaneously this year. He expressed his determination to make every effort in the next seven months to ensure that the major presidential candidates focus their attention on commonsense voters rather than solely catering to their respective party bases. He acknowledged the significant responsibility that comes with this endeavor.
Related: Should Biden be concerned about losing Black voters to Trump? – podcast
In the current situation, it is crucial to identify the key concerns. These include border security, spending, the cost of living, and supporting our allies abroad. It is essential to address these issues as part of a practical and sensible agenda.
Supporting commonsense congressional candidates who can serve as a check on the executive branch is crucial. One notable candidate who fits this description is former Maryland governor Larry Hogan, who is running for the Senate as a Republican. Hogan is not alone in this endeavor; there are other individuals who share his perspective and goals.
Nixon and other leaders, speaking on Friday, refrained from mentioning the possibility of another presidential effort in 2028.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Andy Bursky, a senior official at No Labels, expressed optimism about the organization’s future, stating, “I wouldn’t rule anything out. The effort to undermine us has only made us stronger.”
