NEW YORK - As the prospects of a 2024 presidential race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden loom closer, a growing number of Americans are searching for alternative options to these seemingly divisive and unpopular candidates.

The rise of potential third-party contenders, reminiscent of the 1990s, highlights the dissatisfaction among voters with the two major parties' nominations. This sentiment is fueled by economic anxiety, a deeply divided political landscape, the controversial U.S.-backed Israeli assault on Gaza, and a widespread call for a new generation of U.S. leadership.

According to a recent Gallup poll, a staggering 63% of U.S. adults believe that the Republican and Democratic parties do such a poor job representing the American people that a third major party is needed. This sentiment has increased by 7 percentage points since last year and is the highest level recorded since Gallup first posed the question in 2003.

Despite facing primary challenges, both Biden and Trump are expected to secure their party's nominations in 2024. However, concerns persist over Biden's age and Trump's series of federal and state criminal indictments.

Third-party candidates have historically played spoiler roles by drawing votes from the major party candidates. Ross Perot, a billionaire businessman, secured 19% of the vote in 1992, potentially swinging the White House towards Democrat Bill Clinton. Similarly, political activist Ralph Nader garnered less than 3% support in 2000, but his presence in Florida took away enough votes from Democrat Al Gore, leading to George W. Bush's victory.

A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll has revealed that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist and scion of the Democratic dynasty, could amass 20% of the vote if in a three-way contest against Biden and Trump. Kennedy has garnered support from several deep-pocketed donors through the "American Values 2024" SuperPac, raising over $17 million for his presidential bid, including support from a former Trump backer.

Kennedy's disruptive potential has appealed to some voters, including those attending an event hosted by "American Values 2024" aimed at Black and Latino voters in downtown Manhattan. While some attendees are not familiar with Kennedy's policy positions, they admire his status as a rebel figure.

Both Democrats and Republicans view Kennedy's bid with concern. Democrats fear that his well-known last name and pro-environment, anti-corporate policies will resonate with their voters, while Republicans are worried about his anti-vaccine rhetoric and popularity on conservative platforms potentially drawing support away from their party.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates that Kennedy is equally drawing support from both Republicans and Democrats in a three-way race. However, Democrats are cautious, fearing division within the anti-Trump coalition, while outside groups like Third Way express concerns that an outsider bid could benefit Trump.

Trump's campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, remains confident, citing polls that show President Trump dominating the race against Biden, even with the presence of other candidates.

As the influx of funds flows into third-party options, Biden and Trump continue to raise substantial amounts of money. Trump and his allies collected $71 million in the last quarter, while Trump alone raised $45.5 million. No Labels, a third-party political group, has amassed $60 million for the 2024 election and has qualified for the ballot in 12 states, including key battleground states like Arizona, Nevada, and North Carolina.

No Labels aims to offer voters better choices by supporting moderate candidates and is considering former Republican Governor Larry Hogan of Maryland and Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, who recently announced that he will not seek re-election, as potential contenders.

While some, like Cornel West, a philosopher and Black social leader, and Jill Stein, the Green Party candidate, are also running as independent candidates, they are perceived as having less of an impact on the race and face challenges in getting on state ballots.

With the possibility of a Biden-Trump rematch in 2024, the growing demand for alternative candidates reflects a desire for fresh leadership and a rejection of the current two-party system. The upcoming election cycle promises to be one marked by an increased emphasis on unconventional choices and a drive to reshape the political landscape.