Former House Democratic majority leader Dick Gephardt, who ran for president in 1988 and 2004, co-founded a bipartisan organization called Citizens to Save Our Republic. The group sent an open letter to No Labels delegates and similar letters to RFK Jr., Jill Stein, and Cornel West, urging them to sign a no-spoiler pledge. The pledge states that if by July 1, No Labels or its ticket does not qualify to be on enough state ballots to have a mathematical chance to win 270 electoral votes and is not competitive in at least five states, the organization commits to withdrawing its candidate from swing states to ensure a clear vote for democracy.
Gephardt, in a recent interview, emphasized that while anyone is free to run for president in normal times, the current situation with Donald Trump poses a significant threat to democracy. He highlighted the impact of third-party candidates on past elections, citing the example of how third-party votes influenced the outcomes in 2016 and 2020. Gephardt expressed concerns that third-party candidates like those associated with No Labels may not garner enough support to win electoral votes, potentially risking a Trump re-election.
Responding to a comment about the need for a centrist alternative to the major parties, Gephardt reiterated the urgency of the current situation, emphasizing that the preservation of democracy is paramount in the upcoming election. He warned against the potential consequences of allowing a candidate like Trump, whom he believes would threaten the electoral process and democracy, to return to the White House.
The debate surrounding the role of third-party candidates, particularly in the context of the perceived threat posed by Trump, underscores the complex dynamics of the upcoming election. While some advocate for a centrist alternative to the major parties, others like Gephardt stress the importance of prioritizing the protection of democratic principles in the face of perceived existential threats.
