As President Joe Biden prepares for his 2024 re-election bid, much attention has been focused on the potential risks posed by No Labels, the centrist group aiming to run a bipartisan third-party candidate. However, Democrats may be overlooking a far more immediate threat: the rise of left-leaning third-party challengers and disillusionment within their own coalition.

While No Labels has captured headlines, largely due to its high-profile figures and well-funded efforts, the real danger to Biden lies on his political left. Figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Jill Stein of the Green Party, and Cornel West have gained traction, particularly among younger and progressive voters frustrated with Biden’s record. Their collective appeal threatens to siphon critical votes from Biden in key battleground states, echoing the 2000 and 2016 elections when leftist third-party candidates played spoiler roles.

A Left-Wing Exodus Over Israel and Gaza
A significant factor contributing to Biden’s vulnerability is his administration’s steadfast support for Israel amidst its ongoing offensive in Gaza. This position has alienated many younger voters, progressive activists, and key demographics like Arab Americans and Muslims in cities such as Madison, Dearborn, and Ann Arbor. Demonstrators at Biden’s recent events have repeatedly voiced their anger, demanding a cease-fire and condemning U.S. policies.

While these activists are unlikely to support Donald Trump, their discontent could manifest in apathy or support for third-party candidates. The numbers are stark: a recent YouGov poll found that 50% of Biden voters described Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide.” This sentiment threatens to fracture Biden’s coalition at a time when margins in swing states could decide the election.

The Rising Influence of Third-Party Candidates
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic with a Libertarian Party affiliation, has emerged as a notable challenger, polling in the double digits in swing states. Jill Stein, a veteran Green Party candidate, and Cornel West, a high-profile academic and activist, further compound the threat to Biden’s re-election. Together, these candidates could peel off enough disillusioned voters to tip the balance in Trump’s favor.

Internal Democratic Concerns
Within the Biden administration, concerns are mounting. Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly expressed frustration over the administration’s inability to connect with progressive voters, particularly on issues like Gaza. She has privately urged Biden’s team to demonstrate greater empathy toward Palestinian civilians, a sentiment echoed by many Democratic lawmakers.

One House Democrat described the current situation as a “political disaster,” criticizing both Biden’s stance on Gaza and his failure to distance himself from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite these internal pressures, Biden’s public messaging remains at odds with his behind-the-scenes efforts to push Netanyahu toward de-escalation.

A Strategy to Counter the Left-Wing Threat
Biden’s team recognizes the urgency of the situation. Plans are underway to counter third-party candidates by complicating their ballot access and highlighting their connections to Trump or other controversial figures. For example, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign has received significant funding from Trump donor Tim Mellon, a point Democrats aim to exploit in digital ads and speeches.

The campaign also hopes to rally progressive surrogates, including Senator Bernie Sanders, to dissuade voters from supporting third-party options. Additionally, Biden’s team is considering new outreach strategies, including leveraging TikTok to connect with younger voters and launching ad campaigns emphasizing the stakes of a second Trump presidency.

Looking Ahead
Biden faces a delicate balancing act. While he must energize his base, he cannot afford to alienate key swing voters. His team is banking on a potential breakthrough in Gaza—a cease-fire for hostages deal or broader Middle East peace framework—to shift the narrative. However, time is running out.

As the 2024 race heats up, Biden must address the growing discontent within his coalition or risk losing critical support to third-party challengers. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with the future of his presidency—and the country’s political direction—hanging in the balance