Chris Christie’s flirtation with No Labels and a potential independent presidential run should be a major red flag for President Joe Biden. The former New Jersey governor, having dropped out of the GOP primary, was actively courted by No Labels, a centrist group, which presented him with extensive polling data and even a list of potential Democratic running mates for a unity ticket. While Christie ultimately decided against running as a third-party candidate, his flirtation with the idea still raises important questions: Why hasn’t Biden made a move to court him or other anti-Trump Republicans?
Christie has been clear that he will not support Donald Trump in the upcoming election. In a recent interview, he even hinted that he might vote for Biden, although he stopped short of making a firm commitment. Why wouldn’t Biden seek out a prominent figure like Christie, known for his rhetorical skills and sharp criticism of Trump, especially given that Biden and Christie have a long-standing relationship dating back to their time in Delaware? Biden could have at least invited Christie to meet for a discussion or even offered him an ambassadorship in exchange for campaign support.
This missed opportunity extends beyond Christie. Prominent Republicans who have distanced themselves from Trump, including former GOP figures like Mike Pence, Paul Ryan, and even former Governor Larry Hogan, have not heard from Biden either. Many Republican lawmakers, including Senators Susan Collins, Mitt Romney, and Lisa Murkowski, also reported no direct outreach from the White House. Collins found it especially surprising, given Biden’s extensive relationships in the Senate.
To be sure, some may argue that Biden’s busy schedule—handling wars in Ukraine and Gaza and managing a range of domestic issues—should naturally limit his time for outreach. But Biden has a history of personally reaching out to fellow lawmakers, a tactic he mastered during his time in the Senate. Personal relationships are a powerful tool in politics, and Biden is known for his ability to connect with members of Congress. So, why isn’t he using this to his advantage in the current climate?
One likely reason is Biden’s focus on his left flank. The president has worked hard to maintain close ties with progressive leaders like Senator Bernie Sanders. There’s also the risk of angering his base by appearing too conciliatory toward the right. But Biden’s failure to reach out to Republicans uneasy with Trump, particularly those who have expressed dissatisfaction with the current choices, only makes it easier for them to criticize him.
A case in point: Nikki Haley, a potential Trump rival, remains popular among GOP voters and continues to attract significant support, even in states like Arizona, where she earned 20% of the vote in Maricopa County. This indicates that many Republicans remain undecided about their loyalty to Trump. Biden’s failure to engage these voters—people who are open to alternatives but not yet committed—could prove costly in the fall. Christie, with his anti-Trump credentials, could be an important ally in softening the criticism coming from these voters.
Additionally, Biden’s reluctance to personally reach out to figures like Romney, Collins, or Hogan misses an opportunity to soften their public critiques and make them feel more comfortable denouncing Trump. Politicians, particularly those with strong personal relationships, are less likely to attack their peers in public, which could benefit Biden’s campaign.
The broader challenge for Biden is that, unlike in 2020 when his primary objective was to defeat Trump and handle the pandemic, he is now a fully defined candidate with a record that appeals to some but alienates others. The stakes for this election are much higher, and Biden will need to build a broad coalition that includes disaffected Republicans.
Chris Christie’s near-independent run should have been a wake-up call for Biden. While Christie’s third-party bid was unlikely to succeed, it highlights the need for Biden to actively seek out anti-Trump Republicans. Failing to do so is a political misstep. If Biden is serious about winning in 2024, he needs to make every effort to bring anti-Trump conservatives into his fold, even if they don’t agree with every aspect of his administration.
Ultimately, Biden’s challenge isn’t just about defeating Trump; it’s about managing a divided electorate and building a coalition that transcends traditional party lines. If Biden wants to secure victory in 2024, he cannot afford to overlook potential allies like Chris Christie or the many Republicans who are frustrated by Trump’s stranglehold on the GOP.
