In recent reports by NPR, Democrats are sounding the alarm over the possibility of a third-party bid by the political group No Labels. Founded in 2010, No Labels aimed to promote bipartisan cooperation and address the growing divisiveness of American politics. However, its plans to run a moderate Republican as a presidential candidate in 2024 have left many Democrats in Washington both angered and apprehensive.

The New York Times first broke the news earlier this month, revealing No Labels' intention to field a moderate Republican at the top of their 2024 presidential ticket. This revelation has sparked intense scrutiny and criticism from prominent Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Speaking to reporters on Thursday at the centrist think tank Third Way, Pelosi voiced her belief that No Labels is not truly nonpartisan but seeks to advance Republican policies.

"I think that our democracy is at risk, and I think that No Labels is perilous to our democracy," Pelosi warned, expressing her concerns without hesitation. Her remarks mirrored those of Third Way, which has also been vocal in cautioning about the potential impact of a No Labels-run candidacy.

No Labels co-founder and former Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Lieberman responded sharply to Pelosi's claims. In an emailed statement, Lieberman criticized attempts to tell Americans what they are allowed to think and prevent competition from participating in the political process. He dismissed the notion that No Labels is a threat to democracy, emphasizing the importance of open competition in the political arena.

The White House is reportedly joining the chorus of concern, fearing that No Labels' third-party bid could lead to the election of former President Donald Trump. To counter No Labels, former House Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt has even established a super PAC with the specific aim of countering the group's influence.

When No Labels was founded, its co-founders, William Galston and David Frum, who had previously worked under former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, respectively, intended for citizens to monitor their elected officials. Their goal was to applaud officials who worked across party lines and to criticize those who did not. However, their focus has shifted over the years, culminating in the current efforts to lay the groundwork for a 2024 presidential run.

No Labels is actively working towards securing ballot access in all 50 states and is amassing the necessary data to target the "commonsense majority" and drive voter turnout. The group argues that both President Biden and Trump are unpopular according to net-negative favorability ratings and contends that voters would benefit from a candidate they can feel genuinely enthusiastic about.

The potential impact of a third-party candidate in the 2024 election remains uncertain. A recent NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll conducted in October showed a dead heat between Trump and Biden when respondents were given a choice between the two and three generic third-party candidates. However, the influence of a well-funded and well-known candidate affiliated with a specific party is likely to differ.

No Labels' own polling suggests that a Republican candidate at the top of their ticket would fare better in swing states compared to a Democrat. This finding has raised concerns among those like co-founder Galston, who left the group earlier this year due to fears that No Labels could inadvertently assist in Trump's election. However, Galston acknowledges the complexities of the current landscape, with independent candidates such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West also entering the race.

Pelosi has emphasized the distinction between independent presidential candidates like Kennedy and a No Labels-backed candidate, stating that the group is, in fact, aiming to advance conservative ideology under the guise of nonpartisanship. No Labels, in response, has highlighted the presence of Democrats within its leadership and its support for bipartisan legislation.

As the discussion surrounding No Labels and their pursuit of a third-party candidate intensifies, Democrats and political observers alike remain divided on the potential consequences. Only time will tell how this political maneuvering will ultimately impact the future of American democracy.