Joe Lieberman, a central figure in the No Labels movement aiming to nominate a centrist candidate in the upcoming presidential race, is facing criticism from Democratic circles. Despite these criticisms, Lieberman denies that his efforts with the independent group will hinder President Joe Biden’s bid for re-election.
Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, 81-year-old Lieberman, a former Senator from Connecticut and Al Gore’s vice-presidential pick in 2000, refuted claims that No Labels would aid in re-electing Donald Trump. He suggested that the current trends point more towards Biden’s actions potentially leading to Trump’s re-election.
Lieberman, who has seen rising dissent from his former party, expressed his surprise at the intense backlash from Democrats against No Labels. He acknowledged that the organization’s novel approach might be perceived as a threat to the established two-party system but clarified that his involvement isn’t driven by a desire for revenge.
Describing his motivation, Lieberman emphasized his concern for the divisive nature of American politics and his gratitude for No Labels providing a platform to work towards a less partisan political landscape.
Contrastingly, Democrat consultant Joe Trippi, aligned with a coalition of progressives, Never Trump conservatives, and advocacy groups, accused Lieberman and others in No Labels of acting out of a sense of grievance towards the Democratic Party.
Trippi’s group, in a leaked virtual meeting reported by Semafor, was heard planning to uncover compromising information on potential No Labels candidates and cautioning donors against supporting the group.
Kathleen Sebelius, former Kansas Governor and Health and Human Services Secretary under Barack Obama, criticized Lieberman’s long-standing disagreements with the Democratic Party, fearing No Labels’ potential disruptive impact on the election.
Biden himself, a long-time Senate colleague of Lieberman, has openly criticized Lieberman’s decision to back No Labels, perceiving it as a political error that could inadvertently aid Trump.
Despite not having announced a candidate, No Labels is making progress. In a recent Zoom call with reporters, strategists from the group revealed a hypothetical ticket comprising a moderate Democrat and a moderate Republican leading in polls against Biden and Trump. The organization has also secured ballot access in 12 states and is working on adding five more.
Lieberman revealed ongoing informal discussions about potential candidates, noting that many have not categorically ruled out running. He hinted at familiar names and a few surprises being considered, with Senator Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., who is not seeking re-election, among the potential candidates.
Initially planning a physical convention, No Labels opted for a virtual event to save resources. Given the possibility of early nomination decisions by the major parties, No Labels might also announce its candidate sooner than anticipated.
Lieberman’s involvement in No Labels dates back to 2010, preceding the expected rematch between Trump and Biden. The group, founded by Democratic fundraiser Nancy Jacobson and linked to Mark Penn, who worked with Hillary Clinton’s 2008 campaign, has offered Lieberman a significant opportunity to influence the national political direction post-retirement.
