In an unprecedented move, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is assembling its inaugural team dedicated to addressing the challenge posed by third-party and independent presidential contenders. This initiative, as insiders have disclosed to NBC News, signifies the party’s readiness to engage in a comprehensive battle against those perceived as electoral spoilers.
Central to this strategic endeavor is the recruitment of Lis Smith, a seasoned Democratic strategist celebrated for her pivotal role in Pete Buttigieg’s 2020 presidential bid. Smith’s appointment underscores the campaign’s multifaceted approach, which encompasses not only vigorous communication efforts but also opposition research and legal maneuvers.
The significance of this campaign is further highlighted by the leadership of Mary Beth Cahill and Ramsey Reid, two esteemed figures within the DNC, who have commenced a series of uncommon public critiques directed at Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Joining them is Matt Corridoni, Smith’s former deputy during the Buttigieg campaign and a recent aide to Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., who will serve as the team’s spokesperson.
Corridoni articulated the gravity of the forthcoming election, emphasizing the GOP’s alleged strategy to elevate third-party candidates like Kennedy as indirect supporters of Donald Trump. “With the stakes higher than ever, we’re leaving nothing to chance. Our goal is to ensure that voters are well-informed and that all candidates adhere to the rules,” he stated.
This development coincides with the mobilization of a coalition comprising both Democratic and anti-Trump Republican factions, which is actively amassing resources to counteract third-party efforts.
Reflecting on the 2016 election, Pat Dennis, president of American Bridge, expressed regret over the insufficient action taken against Green Party nominee Jill Stein, who was deemed a spoiler in critical states like Michigan. This sentiment underscores a broader concern within the Democratic Party regarding the potential impact of third-party candidates, particularly in light of the unique dynamics of Trump’s support base.
The DNC’s strategy also involves highlighting the financial ties between Kennedy’s super PAC and one of Trump’s major donors, suggesting an indirect alliance. The overarching aim is to consolidate the majority of voters against Trump, who, despite having a support ceiling of around 46%, could still prevail if third-party candidates fragment the opposition.
Joe Trippi, a veteran Democratic strategist, underscored the existential threat posed by third-party contenders, stating, “The most significant risk that could facilitate Trump’s return to the White House isn’t Biden’s age or Trump’s legal challenges; it’s third-party candidates.”
Amidst these concerns, the Citizens to Save Our Republic, a super PAC co-founded by Trippi, has initiated a television advertising campaign targeting third-party “spoilers” and is planning an extensive ad blitz in key battleground states. Additionally, efforts are underway to persuade No Labels, a group with substantial fundraising and organizational capabilities, to refrain from fielding a candidate if victory seems unattainable.
Former Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill highlighted the necessity for the Biden campaign to invest heavily in educating the electorate about the risks associated with third-party voting. “It’s imperative that we clarify: a vote for anyone other than Biden effectively serves as a vote for Trump,” she remarked.
Legal challenges and advocacy efforts are intensifying, with groups like End Citizens United demanding transparency from No Labels and pursuing legal action against perceived violations. Meanwhile, organizations such as MoveOn are targeting young and progressive voters with ad campaigns cautioning against third-party voting.
Rick Wilson, a former Republican strategist and co-founder of the Lincoln Project, voiced concerns over the allure of third-party candidates for disenchanted Republicans and moderate Democrats. While Wilson supports the concept of a multiparty democracy in principle, he acknowledges the high stakes of this election, suggesting that the presence of a third-party candidate could inadvertently secure a victory for Trump.