DNC Builds Team to Counter Third-Party and Independent Presidential Candidates
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is gearing up for a fierce battle against third-party and independent presidential candidates in the upcoming election, NBC News reports. The party has assembled a team led by veteran Democratic operative Lis Smith, known for her work on Pete Buttigieg’s 2020 campaign, to spearhead a robust communications strategy, including opposition research and legal challenges.
Mary Beth Cahill and Ramsey Reid, both seasoned DNC insiders, are overseeing the effort and have already issued public statements criticizing Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a potential third-party candidate. Matt Corridoni, Smith’s former deputy, has also joined the team as a spokesperson.
The DNC’s move comes as a coalition of outside groups, including Democratic and anti-Trump Republican organizations, are pooling resources to combat third parties. The party has long blamed Green Party candidates like Jill Stein and Ralph Nader for siphoning votes in past elections, and they fear that third parties could once again impact the outcome in 2024.
According to Democratic strategists, third-party candidates could play a crucial role in splitting the anti-Trump coalition, potentially aiding Trump’s reelection. To counter this threat, a new super PAC called Citizens to Save Our Republic has been formed, backed by a bipartisan group of political heavyweights.
The anti-third party coalition is focusing its efforts on No Labels, a centrist organization with significant fundraising capabilities. Legal challenges have been filed against Kennedy and his super PAC for alleged illegal coordination, and pressure is mounting on potential candidates not to join No Labels’ ticket.
As the battle against third parties intensifies, organizations like End Citizens United and MoveOn are ramping up efforts to dissuade voters from supporting alternative candidates. The stakes are high, with many fearing that a divided anti-Trump vote could pave the way for another Trump victory.
With the 2024 election on the horizon, the DNC and its allies are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to thwart third-party challengers and ensure a united front against Trump. The coming months are sure to see a fierce political showdown as the battle for the White House heats up.
