The meteoric rise of independent and third-party presidential bids have caused quite a stir in Washington DC and across the nation. Now opponents of the movement, such as the “No Labels” organization, are launching advertising campaigns in an effort to dissuade potential supporters from backing these third-party bids.
No Labels, a New York-based group, seeks to bring both sides of the aisle together to support a policy agenda that is largely bipartisan in nature. The group is against the kind of abrupt partisan shifts that often accompany third-party bids in American presidential elections, believing such actions will lead to gridlock on Capitol Hill and an impasse on key policy fronts.
The campaign seeks to reach out to disaffected Republican and Democratic voters, the organization’s chief pollster told Politico. This narrative appeals to a large number of voters who are frustrated with the current state of partisanship in America and who may be tempted to turn to a third-party bid. No Labels’ point is that such an approach is unlikely to lead to positive outcomes, and the television ads will be meant to reach these potential voters.
At the same time, supporters for third-party bids are pushing back against No Labels’ attempt to stop their momentum. The campaign could serve as further fuel for those upset with the two-party system and may serve to increase support for independent candidates.
Ultimately, the question is whether these advertisements will be effective in curtailing third-party presidential bids. Regardless of No Labels’ intentions, the power of the group’s advertising campaign in swaying potential voters will be something to watch in the months to come.