Unveiling the Unexpected: Insights from a No Labels Delegate

In January of 2024, I found myself embracing a new role as a delegate for No Labels, drawn to their pragmatic approach and compelling Common Sense Policy Platform. I had been involved for years in the third-party movement, having previously served in leadership positions for the Serve America Movement (SAM) NYS and the Forward Party. I witnessed firsthand the challenges and setbacks that often plague independent movements. No Labels stood out with its calculated strategy and commitment to offering a viable alternative to the entrenched two-party system. Their emphasis on substance over spectacle resonated deeply with me, as did their determination to field a competitive presidential ticket. Like many Americans, I've grown disillusioned with the limited choices presented by the duopoly, yearning for a candidate who inspires genuine enthusiasm. Wouldn't it be refreshing to cast a vote fueled by genuine excitement rather than resignation? Such sentiments echo the collective frustration felt by roughly 80% of my fellow Americans—a sentiment that No Labels seems poised to address.

Ultimately, the decision was made not to field a presidential ticket. As delegates we yearned for someone who was aspirational. Many of us wanted a younger generation to step up and someone with experience but not mired in D.C. politics. Some of the candidates people were interested in would have been prevented from running from state’s sore loser laws. While discussions were had with qualified candidates, we could not identify a candidate with a credible path to winning.

I have been surprised many times throughout the delegate process and when talking about the No Labels movement and our work to others. Here are some of my insights.

The amount of common ground there is among very diverse political views

While many of us hoped to meet in person, due to time constraints the delegate meetings were held online. The group of over 800 delegates from over 50 states were at times split into smaller regional groups and everyone was encouraged to offer their views on what type of candidate was wanted and allowed to offer names of people they thought embodied their values. At times, the whole group met and votes were taken, such as the March 8 meeting to verify that the delegates wanted to move forward after Super Tuesday.

Our delegates came from different political backgrounds - Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. What struck me during our discussions was how much agreement there was on policy issues and potential candidates, even when someone identified with a different party than me. It feels like so many of us believe that we want radically different things, fueled largely by the media and candidates. However, when you sit down and listen to other people, it becomes clear that there is more common ground than we imagine, even on the tough issues.

How poorly the news media reports actual events

As I followed the meetings and press conferences, I noticed how the media talked about them later. They got the facts right (sometimes), but when they interviewed people afterward, they often asked negative questions based on rumors. “Isn’t it true that you have no candidates willing to run on the ticket?” They asked this before No Labels even talked to potential candidates. “You’ll never get on the ballot in every state.” No Labels already had a plan to get on the ballot in every state and they were not on the ballot in every state as many states had not even allowed the process to start. Of course, they would always doubt if a third-party candidate could win, even though the polls showed otherwise. There is never a recognition that we are at a time like no other in history with two of the most unpopular candidates ever to run.

What surprised me was how people reacted to these questions. They heard them alright, but did they really listen to the answers? It seemed like they cared more about the person asking than the actual answers from people who knew what they were talking about. The opinions of the news folks seemed to matter more than the facts presented by those who were deeply involved. It was frustrating to see perception overshadowing reality in this way.

There are quite a few folks who believe that a third party candidate is a conspiracy

I’ve talked about a third party candidate to people who strongly believed that No Labels is a conspiracy to elect former President Trump. There are an equal number of people who say that it is a conspiracy to elect President Biden. Voters are so distrustful of politicians and political parties, they find it hard to believe that a group of people from both sides of the aisle have gotten together, many at great personal cost, to fix a broken system and to put principle over party.

How many people have just given up

I’m not sure whether it is the after effects of COVID, the brainwashing of social media, or a general disgust with the current state of political divisiveness, but I’ve been continually surprised at the number of people who are just resolved to nothing ever changing and our inability to change our circumstances. There is a segment of people who ask why I bother because it won’t work or some who confidently say that a third party candidate can never win.

It is absolutely time to move beyond the put-downs, insults, lawfare and constant investigations and accusations and vote for someone we feel good about. While No Labels won’t have a candidate in 2024, we will still be working on bringing back common sense and decency to our government. Until then, don’t let the political parties and media tell you how to think and what to think. Get involved, be a critical thinker, and get our government back to working for the people and not for the parties.