In response to what it perceives as a significant challenge to President Joe Biden’s reelection bid, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) has initiated a strategic effort to confront third-party and independent candidates in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, NBC News reported on Thursday.
NBC News sources revealed that the DNC is establishing a dedicated team to tackle the potential impact of candidates such as Independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr., “Justice for All Party” candidate Cornel West, Green Party candidate Jill Stein, and the No Labels “Unity Ticket.” These candidates, sharing the ballot with both Biden and former President Donald Trump, are seen as potential spoilers by the DNC.
The coalition formed by the DNC will focus on implementing a robust communications strategy, conducting opposition research, and exploring legal avenues to counter what they perceive as threats from these alternative candidates. Matt Corridoni, spokesperson for the newly formed team, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We’re facing an unprecedented election, and we know the GOP is already working to prop up third-party candidates like Robert Kennedy Jr. to make them stalking horses for Donald Trump.”
Leading the DNC’s efforts are seasoned Democratic operative Lis Smith, alongside party insiders Mary Beth Cahill and Ramsey Reid, as reported by the outlet.
In response to these efforts, Jason Call, Stein’s campaign manager, criticized the DNC’s approach, describing it as an attack on democratic principles. He urged the Democratic Party to prioritize legislation that addresses the needs of the people rather than attempting to limit ballot options.
The DNC’s actions have also targeted Kennedy’s candidacy, with a complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission alleging illegal cooperation with a super PAC aligned with his campaign.
Several left-leaning groups, including American Bridge, MoveOn, Third Way, Citizens to Save Our Republic, and End Citizens United, are also mobilizing to counter third-party and independent candidates, fearing that they could draw votes away from Biden and potentially sway the election towards Trump.
The Trump campaign, when approached for comment, highlighted the president’s lead in various polls and emphasized dissatisfaction with Biden’s policies.
As the 2024 election approaches, the DNC and other organizations are intensifying their efforts to mitigate the influence of third-party candidates, viewing them as potential disruptors in the electoral landscape.
