In a recent breakfast event organized by the centrist group Third Way, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi voiced her concerns about the third-party presidential bid by No Labels. Pelosi described the group as "perilous to our democracy" and criticized their policies, accusing them of advocating against taxes for the rich, child tax credits, and the Affordable Care Act. This public statement from Pelosi, one of the highest-profile elected Democrats, marks a significant escalation in the opposition to No Labels' 2024 plans.

Pelosi acknowledged that she had previously ignored No Labels, even when they targeted her during her time as Speaker of the House. However, she emphasized that with the potential to jeopardize President Joe Biden's reelection, she could no longer remain silent. This move by Pelosi adds her voice to the growing chorus of individuals and organizations within the Democratic Party expressing criticism towards No Labels.

No Labels, a nonprofit seeking access to the ballot nationwide, aims to form a unity ticket led by one Republican and one Democrat. The group argues that there is an unprecedented appetite for a third-party or independent candidate this election cycle, primarily due to the low favorability ratings of Biden and former President Donald Trump. However, Pelosi disputed this premise, predicting that voters would reengage with the major parties once Biden is more actively campaigning.

Central to Pelosi's concerns, along with Third Way, is the fear that a moderately successful third-party candidate could prevent either major party nominee from obtaining the majority of electoral college votes needed to secure the presidency. If this were to occur, the election outcome would be determined by congressional delegations, in which Republicans currently hold an advantage. Pelosi and Third Way worry that No Labels could potentially hand the White House to the Republican candidate under this scenario.

Responding to Pelosi's remarks, No Labels' national co-chair, former Gov. Larry Hogan (R-Md.), accused her of making false claims about the organization to score political points. Hogan stated that Pelosi was ascribing positions to No Labels that they never took. However, No Labels' chief strategist, Ryan Clancy, acknowledged the potential outcome of an election forced onto congressional delegations and affirmed that the organization was preparing for that scenario.

The debate between No Labels and its critics continued during a recent televised program, where Clancy faced off against Rahna Epting, the executive director for the progressive group MoveOn Political Action. Epting raised concerns about No Labels' lack of transparency, specifically regarding undisclosed donors and their efforts to secure access to state ballots while operating as a nonprofit. No Labels currently maintains relationships with centrist politicians, including Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and former Gov. Jon Huntsman (R-Utah).

As the 2024 election approaches, the battle between No Labels and its detractors is set to intensify. While the likelihood of a third-party candidate winning electoral college votes remains low, the potential consequences of a contested election have ignited significant debate and put a spotlight on the role of centrist groups in the political landscape.