Joe Lieberman, the former Connecticut senator and vice-presidential nominee, is adamant that he does not want to see Donald Trump return to the Oval Office. However, Democrats are skeptical of Lieberman’s intentions, considering his history of endorsing Republican candidates and undermining Democratic initiatives like the Affordable Care Act. As a co-chair of No Labels, a centrist group seeking to field a third-party presidential ticket in 2024, Lieberman’s efforts have alarmed both Democrats and Republicans who fear that such a move could split the vote and lead to Trump’s re-election.
No Labels has already faced internal dissent, with co-founder William Galston resigning in protest over the potential for a third-party bid to benefit Trump. Democratic members of the No Labels-backed Problem Solvers Caucus in the House have also disavowed the effort. Despite these concerns, Lieberman remains undeterred and believes that Democrats should focus on building support for their own ticket rather than opposing a third-party option.
No Labels, founded in 2010 by Democratic fundraiser Nancy Jacobson, initially aimed to promote centrist policies and bridge the partisan divide during Obama’s presidency. The group has since formed the Problem Solvers Caucus and has supported bipartisan legislation, including the recent infrastructure law. Their latest initiative involves exploring the idea of a unity ticket featuring one Democrat and one Republican candidate. The group plans to decide on nominating a ticket in the spring based on polling and the major-party nominees.
No Labels has argued that a third-party ticket could potentially win enough Electoral College votes to capture the presidency, citing a large poll conducted in December. Although Lieberman acknowledges the challenge, he believes a unity ticket could play a constructive role and steer both parties towards the ideological center. However, it’s unclear whether this approach would make Biden or Trump more appealing to voters.
The group draws inspiration from Ross Perot, the last third-party candidate to gain significant popular support in 1992. Perot’s bid influenced President Bill Clinton’s policies, while many Republicans believe it cost George H. W. Bush a second term. Recent third-party candidates like Jill Stein in 2016 have had less impact but played spoiler roles, benefiting the Republican Party. Lieberman, mindful of Ralph Nader’s impact on the 2000 election, is cautious about the potential unintended consequences of a third-party bid.
While Lieberman criticizes Trump, he is less clear on why he believes Biden has fallen short. He acknowledges Biden’s accomplishments, particularly his bipartisan infrastructure law and his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. However, Lieberman feels that Biden has been pulled too far to the left and believes a third-party ticket could provide a better option. He points to No Labels’ policy plan, which includes common-sense proposals on guns and immigration, as an example.
Lieberman, at 81 years old, believes Biden is physically and cognitively capable of serving as president and is hesitant to call on him to step down. However, he hints that Biden’s retirement would make No Labels’ decision easier. The group hopes that either Biden will voluntarily withdraw or Trump’s legal issues will dissuade Republican voters from supporting him, creating an opportune moment for a third-party ticket.
In conclusion, Joe Lieberman’s involvement with No Labels and their pursuit of a third-party ticket in 2024 has raised concerns among Democrats and Republicans. While Lieberman claims to oppose Trump’s return to the White House, many fear that a third-party bid could inadvertently lead to exactly that outcome. The debate over this potential option continues, with No Labels pushing forward despite internal and external opposition.
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