The progressive group MoveOn and the centrist Third Way are shifting their focus to combatting the electoral threat of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s independent presidential campaign after news that No Labels has abandoned plans for a third-party unity ticket in 2024. Third Way co-founder Matt Bennett stated that Kennedy cannot be talked out of the race and that they must make it clear to voters that supporting him is dangerous and equivalent to supporting Donald Trump. MoveOn’s executive director Rahna Epting echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Kennedy’s campaign is merely a spoiler with no viable path to victory.
Both groups have launched a coordinated mission to educate voters about Kennedy’s positions on abortion bans and in vitro fertilization, as well as highlight the fact that he has no path against incumbent President Joe Biden or Trump. While neither Bennett nor Epting specified the exact amount of money to be spent on their efforts, Third Way plans to rely on affiliated super PACs Clear Choice and Future Forward for independent expenditures such as ad buys. The goal is to prevent the emergence of third-party candidates that could potentially tip the scales in a close election, as was seen in the 2016 and 2020 elections.
Democrats were initially relieved when No Labels failed to find a candidate for its ticket, which they feared would have siphoned votes from Biden. However, the relief was short-lived as MoveOn and Third Way redirected their focus to combatting Kennedy’s campaign. Bennett emphasized the danger of any candidate that divides the anti-Trump coalition, as Trump’s base is more solid than Biden’s. The groups believe that any alternative candidate, like Kennedy, poses a greater threat to Biden than to Trump.
Kennedy’s coalition remains largely unknown, and polling indicates he may draw votes from both Biden and Trump. While Kennedy’s campaign did not provide a comment on the Democratic effort against him, they have previously stated that they represent a majority who have rejected the traditional right-left paradigm. Former Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, a top official with No Labels, acknowledged the disappointment of the group’s failed aspirations but reiterated their belief in the need for a new political approach that transcends the divisive two-party system. He emphasized that neither major candidate is offering a vision of unity, leaving many Americans without an exciting choice for president.
In summary, MoveOn and Third Way are refocusing their efforts to combat Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s independent presidential campaign in light of No Labels’ decision not to field a third-party unity ticket in 2024. Both groups are working to educate voters about Kennedy’s positions and highlight his lack of a viable path to victory against Biden and Trump. While the exact financial investment in these efforts remains undisclosed, both groups are committed to preventing the emergence of third-party candidates that could impact the outcome of the election. The ongoing political landscape continues to highlight the frustration with the two-party system and the desire for a more unifying and inclusive political vision for the future.
