For the past few years, the group No Labels has been raising money off the idea that Americans do not want to see a rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Its solution? Present 2024 voters with an alternative, independent “unity ticket.” But after nearly three years, the organization has failed spectacularly.
On Thursday, it said in a statement that “No Labels has always said we would only offer our ballot line to a ticket if we could identify candidates with a credible path to winning the White House. No such candidates emerged, so the responsible course of action is for us to stand down.”
The idea of a “unity” ticket always sounds good in theory. So why did this extremely well-funded organization crash and burn?
The idea of a “unity” ticket always sounds good in theory. So why did this extremely well-funded organization crash and burn?
While polls have reflected general frustration with both presumptive nominees, No Labels was unsuccessful in finding the promised “gladiator” candidate who would lead its so-called movement. For nearly a year, it looked like the centrist contrarian and ostensible West Virginia Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin could be that candidate, but he took a pass in February. Weeks later, Manchin even suggested that No Labels could become a spoiler, helping to ultimately elect Trump.
Manchin was not the only one to take a pass. The New York Times reported in March that many high profile individuals had similarly turned down No Labels. According to The Times, this list includes former Republican governors Nikki Haley, Larry Hogan, Jon Huntsman, Bill Haslam and most recently Chris Christie. Retired Adm. William H. McRaven, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and former. Rep Will Hurd of Texas were also reportedly approached.
Several of these names have given reasons for pursuing a No Labels bid, notably Haley. The one-time GOP candidate said she refused to entertain a bipartisan ticket…
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