The political landscape of 2024 has dramatically shifted with President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race. This seismic change has opened up a unique opportunity for No Labels, a centrist political organization committed to bridging the partisan divide, to play a decisive role in the upcoming election. By putting forward Mitt Romney for President and Joe Manchin for Vice President, No Labels can strategically position itself to prevent Donald Trump from being reelected while ensuring a moderate, unifying administration that could appeal to a broad spectrum of American voters.

The Political Landscape Post-Biden

With Biden out of the race, the Democratic field is likely to see a scramble for a new candidate, potentially leading to a split within the party. This fragmentation could pave the way for Trump to consolidate his base and capitalize on the chaos within the Democratic ranks. In this scenario, a strong, centrist ticket like Romney-Manchin could attract disaffected Democrats, moderate Republicans, and independents, creating a formidable coalition that transcends traditional party lines.

Electoral Calculus: A Path to Victory

Romney and Manchin bring together a unique blend of political experience and centrist appeal. Romney, a former governor and current senator with a history of bipartisan cooperation, and Manchin, a Democratic senator from West Virginia known for his independent streak, can collectively resonate with voters across the political spectrum.

A Romney-Manchin ticket could strategically target key battleground states such as Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin, collectively offering 115 electoral votes. Romney’s previous home state of Massachusetts could contribute another 11 electoral votes, while Manchin’s West Virginia might lean towards a familiar, trusted figure, adding 4 more votes. Additionally, independent-friendly states like Maine and New Hampshire could provide another 8 electoral votes. With No Labels already securing ballot access in several states, additional electoral votes are in play. This would give the Romney-Manchin ticket significant potential across these crucial states. No Labels still has time to get access to additional states.

The Romney-Manchin ticket could target at least 138 electoral votes. While this alone may not secure a direct victory, it significantly reshapes the electoral map.

The Contingency Scenario: House Decides the President

If no candidate secures the necessary 270 electoral votes, the election would be decided by the House of Representatives, where each state delegation casts one vote. In this scenario, Romney-Manchin could play a pivotal role. Their presence on the ballot could prevent Trump from achieving an outright majority, forcing a contingent election. Given the bipartisan nature of the ticket, they might find favor among moderate representatives from both parties, increasing their chances of being selected as a compromise candidate.

Preventing a Trump Re-Election

The primary objective of the No Labels initiative should be to prevent a Trump re-election, which could further polarize the nation. Electing Mitt Romney and Joe Manchin on an independent unity ticket would address several existential risks associated with a potential Trump reelection. Firstly, their centrist and bipartisan approach would reinforce democratic institutions and norms, counteracting the erosion seen during Trump’s tenure. This would strengthen the rule of law and ensure judicial independence. Secondly, their foreign policy experience and commitment to international alliances would restore and stabilize global partnerships, enhancing national security. Economically, their pragmatic fiscal policies could avoid the pitfalls of renewed trade wars and unsustainable debt increases. Additionally, their proactive stance on climate change and environmental protection would reinstate the U.S. commitment to global environmental agreements, which are crucial for addressing the climate crisis. Lastly, a Romney-Manchin administration would mitigate political and social polarization, fostering national unity and reducing the risk of civil unrest. By promoting moderation and collaboration, they would offer a more stable and inclusive governance model, preventing the potential destabilization that could result from another Trump term.

A Romney-Manchin ticket not only offers a credible alternative but also ensures that the moderate, centrist voice remains influential. By drawing votes away from Trump in key states, they can reduce his electoral count significantly, potentially tilting the balance in favor of the Democratic candidate or leading to a contingent election where a centrist outcome is more likely.

A Win-Win for America

In the best-case scenario, Romney-Manchin could emerge victorious by leveraging their bipartisan appeal and winning crucial swing states. Even if they do not secure the presidency directly, their presence ensures that no single candidate can dominate the electoral landscape, thereby forcing a more moderate, consensus-driven outcome.

Some might suggest that Joe Manchin should re-register as a Democrat and try to become that party’s nominee. Some are even proposing that the Democratic party should put Mitt Romney on their ticket! Neither of these would be prudent; both of these men have become disillusioned with the extremities of their own political parties and the duopoly that they seek to preserve. But by putting Mitt Romney and Joe Manchin on a ballot together, No Labels can play a historic role in reshaping American politics, promoting unity over division, and ensuring that the presidency is held by individuals committed to bipartisan cooperation and national healing. This strategic move not only prevents a Trump re-election but also opens the door for a more inclusive, centrist administration that reflects the true spirit of American democracy.

Let’s get ready for Romney-Manchin 2024: Unify America!