Third Way's Matt Bennett on the Dangers of A Third Party Candidate
Nov 17, 2023
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Debbie Cox Bultan interviews Third Way's Matt Bennett, discussing the recent election results, the threat of third party candidates, and the mission of Third Way. They also delve into Matt's political journey and the work of Third Way in supporting centrist politics.
When the stakes are high and fundamental rights and democracy are on the line, voters tend to stick with Democrats and their issues.
Third-party efforts, particularly No Labels, pose a significant threat to Democrats by planning to run a third-party candidate, risking the chances for a Democratic win.
Deep dives
Voters stick with Democrats when stakes are high
The podcast episode discusses the recent election results and highlights that when the stakes are high and fundamental rights and democracy are on the line, voters tend to stick with Democrats and their issues. It emphasizes that even in off-year elections, voters have shown a preference for Democrats when the stakes are incredibly high and the potential dangers to democracy are evident.
Polls and voter sentiments
The podcast delves into the recent polling data that showed troubling numbers for Democrats nationally. It explains that these polls reflect a referendum stage of politics, wherein voters focus on evaluating the incumbent president, Joe Biden, more so than any hypothetical choices. It also suggests that elections are the time when voters make their choice, using polls primarily as a medium to express their complaints. The podcast cautions that while the poll numbers are an important snapshot in time, it is crucial for Democrats to run as if they are behind and take the results seriously.
The No Labels Threat
The podcast explores the emergence of third-party efforts, particularly the No Labels organization, which poses a significant threat to Democrats. It highlights that No Labels, despite being a purported centrist organization, plans to run a third-party candidate for President in the upcoming elections, risking the chances for a Democratic win. The episode explains that No Labels has raised substantial sums of money and intends to gain ballot access in several states. Its strategy to exert leverage by denying both Trump and Biden 270 electoral votes is deemed undemocratic and potentially harmful to the election process.
Speculations and the role of Third Way
The episode concludes by discussing the speculations surrounding potential candidates and the general dynamics of third-party candidates in the upcoming elections. It emphasizes that No Labels is likely to choose a Republican as their nominee, noting possible contenders like Larry Hogan and John Huntsman. It also explains that Third Way, as a partner of No Deal, plays an important role in charting a path forward for center-left, problem-solving politics. Third Way focuses on building institutional power for the center-left, working closely with the New Deal and the New Democrats in Congress.
In this week's episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Matt Bennett, the co-founder and Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at Third Way, a center-left think tank in Washington D.C. and a great partner of the NewDEAL. They talk about what we should take from last Tuesday's election results in states like Kentucky and Virginia, the recent New York Times polling on the 2024 presidential race, and the threat that third-party presidential candidates -- particularly via No Labels' efforts -- pose to our democracy. They also talk about Matt's path into public service, his involvement in an iconic political moment, and Third Way's efforts to champion winning ideas and uplift the center-left. Tune in to hear Matt's tips on what we should do as we head into 2024.
[01:10] Introducing Matt Bennett and his work at Third Way.
[02:35] The historic tendency for the public to vote democratic when the stakes are at their highest.
[03:38] Political context for this conversation including the week of the New York Times poll.
[04:24] Understanding that we are at the referendum stage of politics.
[05:25] The tendency for voters to use polls to complain.
[06:22] An overview of the No Labels decision to put forward a third-party representative.
[10:26] What it means to be a ‘dark money’ group and how No Labels occupies this space.
[13:17] Why No Labels has added gold to the Electoral Map.
[17:55] Predictions on who the candidate might be and why it won’t be Joe Manchin.
[20:38] A timeline for the announcement of this candidate: 2024 at the latest.
[26:00] The possibility that Trump will no longer be a nominee.
[28:11] Matt’s journey to working in politics today.
[30:40] Dukakis in a Tank and Matt’s involvement in the activation.
[33:06] Third Way and its work in problem-solving politics.
[35:47] Advice for the politically active as we move into a new year.
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