Democrats are alarmed by the rise of third-party contenders, says report
Democrats Concerned About Third-Party Candidates Threatening Biden’s Reelection
The Washington Post reported on Thursday that Democrats are sounding the alarm over potential threats to President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign this November. Polls have shown that third-party candidates, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cornel West, and a potential candidate from No Labels, could siphon off votes. Additionally, progressive efforts to court voters who are unhappy with Biden’s stance on Israel have fueled these fears.
“A lot of Democrats have come to the realization over the last month that RFK and West are real electoral threats and not just curiosities, and the Middle East crisis is partially driving that, especially in West’s case,” one Biden ally told the Post. “The RFK problem is not that he gets 18 percent. It is that he gets 3 percent or 2 percent or 1 percent.”
Democrats have publicly expressed their concerns about third-party candidates potentially harming Biden’s chances. Lis Smith, a former adviser to Pete Buttigieg’s 2020 campaign, who was brought on by the DNC to counter third-party candidates, stated, “It’s clear that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is being propped up and funded by Donald Trump and his allies because they believe that he is a useful stalking horse who could throw the election Trump’s way. We need to sound that alarm every day between now and the election.”
Tony Lyons, who oversees the Kennedy-allied American Values 2024 super PAC, criticized the Democratic Party’s criticism of Kennedy’s independent presidential run, calling it “tired old political games.”
Cornel West, who has accused Biden of “enabling genocide,” rejects the notion that his candidacy is a spoiler. He argues that if voters choose him based on his case, he cannot be considered a spoiler.
Some polls have indicated that third-party candidates could indeed pose a threat to Biden. A Quinnipiac poll from late January showed Biden leading Trump by 6 points in a head-to-head race, but that lead narrowed to 2 points when third-party candidates were included. Similarly, a Michigan poll from earlier in January revealed that Trump would defeat Biden by 8 points in a two-way race. The margin widened when third-party candidates, including a hypothetical candidate from No Labels, were added to the ballot.
In addition to the success of third-party polling, activists are leveraging Biden’s electoral concerns to push for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. In Michigan, Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s sister is encouraging pro-Palestinian residents to vote “uncommitted” in the state’s primary to make Biden feel more vulnerable in the general election.
What impact do Democrats believe third-party candidates may have on the 2024 election?
Adviser told the Washington Post.
One of the biggest concerns for Democrats is the potential impact of third-party candidates on the election. Recent polls have shown that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West, both well-known figures in their own right, could pose a significant challenge to Biden’s reelection bid. Kennedy, the son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, has built a strong following with his advocacy for social justice issues and environmental causes. West, a prominent academic and activist, has a reputation for speaking out against establishment politics and has a dedicated support base.
In addition to Kennedy and West, there is also speculation that a candidate from the political organization No Labels may enter the race. No Labels, which describes itself as a bipartisan group focused on problem-solving, could potentially attract voters disillusioned with the two major parties. With the possibility of multiple third-party candidates, Democrats are worried that these candidates will siphon off votes that would have otherwise gone to Biden.
However, it’s not just the presence of third-party candidates that has Democrats concerned. Progressive efforts to court voters who are unhappy with Biden’s stance on Israel have also contributed to these fears. A growing number of progressive Democrats have vocalized their dissatisfaction with Biden’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, specifically his support for Israel in the recent tensions. These progressives argue that Biden has not done enough to hold Israel accountable for alleged human rights abuses, and they fear that this may lead some voters to consider alternative candidates.
The fear of third-party candidates and progressive discontent with Biden’s stance on Israel has led some Democrats to reevaluate their strategies for reelection. They are now focusing on ways to address the concerns of progressive voters while also appealing to a broader base. This delicate balancing act is essential for Biden’s campaign to maintain its support and prevent potential defections to third-party candidates.
In response to these concerns, the Biden administration has been making efforts to rally support from the progressive wing of the party. The administration has recently taken steps to reengage with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Additionally, Vice President Kamala Harris has been tasked with addressing the concerns of progressive voters and has been making public statements affirming the administration’s commitment to human rights and justice.
While it is still too early to determine the long-term impact of third-party candidates and progressive discontent, Democrats are taking the threat seriously. As the election approaches, the battle to maintain support and prevent potential defections will continue to be a top priority for Biden’s campaign. Only time will tell if these concerns are justified or if they will ultimately prove to be unfounded.
Sources:
– Washington Post: Democrats are starting to get scared of third-party candidates in 2024
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