Dangling precariously on the precipice of a momentous Election Day, independent candidates for the presidency remain an elusive element within critical battleground states. The presence of these candidates, even if they collect a meager 1% of votes, could significantly sway the electoral balance. Scarred by the harsh lesson of third-party candidates gnawing away at Hillary Clinton’s vote share in 2016, Democrats, displaying a frantic desperation, initiated an aggressive campaign against organizations like No Labels and candidates such as ex-Democrat Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Jill Stein from the Green Party, and Cornel West.
Considered inconsequential by some and deceitful pawns in Republican schemes by others, the Democratic National Committee shelled out millions in an attempt to discredit these third-party candidates. Centrists and progressives formed an unexpected coalition, clearing the path for a direct confrontation between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, with Kamala Harris later joining the race. The operatives engaged in this tactical maneuver appeared to derive a twisted sense of delight from their actions.
But even such exhaustive efforts did not bear significant fruit, as No Labels, the supposed hopeful for a middle-ground ‘unity ticket,’ ended up dissolving. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., after withdrawing from the fray, threw his support behind Trump, thereby potentially disrupting the electoral balance in states where his name lingered on the ballots. Stein and West, meanwhile, found themselves languishing in the nether regions of the polls.
The specter of the 2000 and 2016 elections continued to haunt the Democrats, as fears of third-party candidates filching vital swings-state votes grew. Determined to quell this potential peril, the Democratic National Committee deployed a dedicated internal group designed to undermine independent candidates and set the stage for Biden — and, at a later stage, Harris — to duel Trump without any distractions.
Progressive groups, like MoveOn, and center-left organizations, such as Third Way, formed strategic alliances to support the Democratic presidential nominations and thwart the threat posed by third-party candidates. ‘Unity ticket’ aspirations of No Labels were undermined after Democrats labelled it as a destructive distraction and aggressively persuaded potential candidates to step back from the ill-fated venture.
But while the Democrats hit out at Stein and Kennedy crowed about supporting Trump, the operatives acknowledged that they’re poised to gain some peripheral support. As they highlighted, there are voters that cannot be swayed. In intense races that are dependent on marginal gains or losses, even a minor 1% diversion of votes can prove to be decisive.
With Michigan looming as a potential hotspot for voting swings, both parties expressed concerns about the impact of Biden’s subpar handling of the Gaza conflict. There was speculation that dissatisfaction among the state’s considerable Arab population might tilt the scales away from Harris and favor Stein. With Kennedy’s name persisting on the ballots, Trump stood a chance of exploiting this potential volatility.
A recent CNN/SSRS poll illustrated the undercurrents at play. Kennedy raked in 3% of Michigan’s votes, with Jill Stein garnering a 2% share. Cornel West managed a slim pick of 1%, but others like Oliver did not attract enough support to make a mark. In Wisconsin, both Kennedy and Stein grabbed a 1% vote share, while West and Oliver failed to draw any substantial backing.
In Pennsylvania, both Stein and Oliver could only wrestle 1% of the votes. The current election cycle has been replete with unprecedented incidents, including a presidential dropout, assassination attempts, and a raft of felony convictions, among other things. These elements only serve to add to the overall ambiguity.
At the end of the day, the power rests with the voters. Despite attempts from the Democrats to manipulate the narrative and steer voters away from third-party candidates, it is clear that some voters cannot be influenced so easily. They maintain their right to choose, and that’s the beauty of the democratic process.
The Democrats’ fear of third-party disruptors only serves to highlight their insecurity in the face of change. Their desperate attempts to eliminate any competition reflect poorly on their belief in their own policies and candidates. It also subtly brings into question their respect for diverse political views.
In their scramble to protect their hold on power, Democrats revealed their willingness to play dirty. They showcased their lack of regard for the democratic process by attempting to undermine candidates who may hold differing views. This attitude does not bode well for a party that supposedly champions inclusivity.
The handling of the war in Gaza by Biden attests to his questionable decision-making skills. The potential negative impact in Michigan speaks to the dissatisfaction of voters who were promised better. Clearly, the Biden-Harris campaign has left some constituents feeling marginalized and unheard.
Kamala Harris’ silent acceptance of such mismanagement further taints her own reputation as a leader. Her inability to challenge or correct misguided maneuvers demonstrates a lack of awareness or indifference – either way, not a desirable trait in a would-be leader.
In conclusion, the undercurrents of this election cycle speak volumes about the failings of the Democratic party and its candidates. Their political machinations betray a disregard for democracy and an inability to stand strong in the face of competition. It remains to be seen how the voters respond to this display.