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Billy Kobin’s informative article in the BDN on July 22 quoted Rep. Jared Golden about the Democratic Party’s “paranoia” concerning the possibility of a third-party presidential candidate sponsored by the political action group No Labels.
There is more to the story. Andrew Perez of The Lever writes: “The idea of a third-party alternative to Joe Biden or Donald Trump sounds nice. But No Labels’ 2024 agenda, funded by unnamed billionaires and other wealthy people, offers no respite from the corrupt, failing two-party duopoly that directs more and more wealth upwards and rarely solves problems — and would only intensify corporate interests’ power over politics and policy.” In essence, it seems that No Labels is an attempt by unnamed wealthy donors to dictate who runs for office and to promote policies that maintain their wealth and power, owning both parties without addressing issues that impact 99 percent of us.
A truly democratic presidential candidate would work to revitalize our economy with living wages for all; guarantee healthcare for everyone; end the endless warfare; expand civil liberties and protect the rights of all; and, maintain a healthy environment by fighting climate change.
Mainers are no strangers to third-party candidates and regularly elect politicians who identify as independents. In fact, in 2000, 5.7 percent of Mainers supported Ralph Nader for president with 8.8 percent of Waldo County voters supporting Nader. I encourage voters to consider third-party candidate Dr. Cornel West who is running for president as a Green Party nominee and whose policies are described above.
Eleanor Weisman
Knox