2024 Election Uncertainty: Biden, Trump, and Third-Party Spoilers

President Biden's circle is concerned that third-party spoiler candidates may pose a greater threat to his re-election than the Republican nominee. In recent polls, when third-party options are included, Trump leads Biden 39% to 36%. Biden met with Hillary Clinton, who faced third-party candidates in 2016, and was urged to take the threat seriously. The fear stems from the fact that minor-party candidates have accounted for more votes than the gap between the winner and loser in decisive states in recent elections. Biden faces a well-funded effort by the No Labels group to attract moderate voters and the potential impact of Cornel West, a third-party candidate who could cut into Biden's support among Black and liberal white voters. The White House is also concerned about Biden's vulnerability with younger voters and Vice President Kamala Harris has taken on the role of chief outreach officer for this demographic.