As the United States gears up for the 2024 presidential race, a sense of discontent prevails among Americans, as indicated by several recent polls. Both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, the likely nominees for their respective parties, are viewed unfavorably by a significant portion of the population. With concerns ranging from age to legal issues, many voters are expressing a desire for alternative choices in the upcoming election.

A November-December Associated Press/NORC poll revealed that 56 percent of adults would be dissatisfied with Biden as the Democratic nominee, while 58 percent expressed dissatisfaction with Trump as the Republican nominee. Moreover, the poll found that around one-third of Democrats and 25 percent of Republicans would be dissatisfied with their respective party's nominee.

This sentiment has been consistent throughout the past year. An NBC News poll conducted in April showed that 70 percent of Americans believed Biden should not run for reelection, while 60 percent felt that Trump should not seek another term. Additionally, a June poll conducted by CNN found that 31 percent of voters preferred neither Trump nor Biden in a hypothetical head-to-head matchup.

Despite these reports of discontent, both Biden and Trump remain the favorites to secure their party's nominations. The power of incumbency plays a significant role in modern politics, according to experts, with the de facto incumbents garnering substantial support from their respective party members. While some outliers, such as Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), have expressed concerns about Biden's age, the majority of Democrats have rallied behind the president.

In the Republican primary, Trump maintains a commanding lead, overshadowing his rivals by an average of approximately 50 percentage points in national polls. Recent polling in Iowa shows Trump polling above the 50 percent mark, while a New Hampshire poll places him 14 percentage points ahead of former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.

However, the question of whether voters desire a Trump-Biden rematch has sparked discussions about the possibility of an independent ticket. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expressed his intention to run as an independent candidate, although his presence on enough state ballots remains uncertain. Notably, the No Labels group, a self-described "national movement of commonsense Americans," has emerged as a potential contender for an independent third-party run. Having secured their spot on the ballot in 12 states, No Labels believes there is a path for a "unity ticket" to win 25 states with 286 electoral votes.

No Labels officials emphasize that Americans are eager for an alternative choice, given their dissatisfaction with the current options. They plan to make a decision about pursuing the independent ticket following Super Tuesday in March, which will provide a clearer picture of the likely matchup between Trump and Biden.

While critics argue that an independent effort like No Labels would potentially divert votes away from Biden and benefit Trump's reelection chances, officials from the group assert that there hasn't been a more conducive environment for a third-party candidate to mount a serious White House bid. They believe that Americans, discontented with the prevailing choices, would be motivated to explore a viable alternative if presented with one.

As the anticipation builds for the 2024 presidential race, the dissatisfaction expressed by many Americans underscores their desire for fresh, appealing candidates who can offer a path forward that resonates with the populace. Whether this discontent translates into alternate choices or ultimately solidifies the Trump-Biden rematch remains to be seen.