No Labels and MoveOn Leaders Debate No Labels’ Impact on the 2024 Election

In recent months, the centrist group No Labels has stirred up a lot of discussion about its well-funded efforts to put a third-party ticket on the ballot in every state. Many wonder whether a third-party candidate could have a real chance of winning, given voters’ dissatisfaction with both Republicans and Democrats, or whether that candidate would take votes away from President Biden and hand the election to Donald Trump. On October 30, nonpartisan debate series Open to Debate (formerly known as Intelligence Squared U.S.) will tape a virtual debate on the question “How Would A No Labels Presidential Candidate Change the Outcome in 2024?"

No Labels chief strategist Ryan Clancy will defend his organization, arguing that Americans have rarely been this pessimistic about the future of our country, this frustrated with the state of our politics, and this dissatisfied with the presidential nominees both parties seem likely to offer. If that frustration persists, a No Labels Unity presidential ticket has a viable path to win the White House in 2024.

MoveOn executive director Rahna Epting will argue that No Labels does not have a path to win the presidency; their only path in 2024 is swaying the election to Trump. With our fundamental freedoms and democracy in jeopardy, the stakes are too high to entertain a reckless third-party bid.

While the debate will not be released widely until November via public radio, video and the Open to Debate podcast, press are invited to attend and ask questions at the live virtual taping on Monday, October 30 at 12:15 PM ET. Media can email raypadgett@shorefire.com for virtual access.

PARTICIPANT BIOS

* Ryan Clancy: Chief Strategist of No Labels 
Ryan Clancy is the chief strategist of No Labels, a centrist political advocacy group supporting centrism and bipartisanship, and a communications strategist and speechwriter for leaders in business, government, and philanthropy. Prior to his role at No Labels, he served as a speechwriter for Joe Biden during his vice presidency and Former Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke, developed corporate narratives and executive positioning plans for Fortune 500 companies, and advised political reform groups and candidates on their communications strategy. Bylines written under his name and his clients about subjects ranging from healthcare and criminal justice to energy and tax policy have appeared in Fast Company, USA Today, The New York Times, Politico, Chicago Tribune, and more. Clancy has also worked on various book projects such as No Labels’ “Policy Playbook for America’s Next President,” the New Center’s “Idea to Re-Center America,” and Elton John’s memoir “Love Is the Cure: On Life, Loss, and the End of AIDS.” He received his bachelor’s degree from Villanova University.

* Rahna Epting: Executive Director of MoveOn 
Rahna Epting is the Executive Director of MoveOn, a public policy advocacy group that focuses on grassroots progressive organizing to help the US become a country where everyone can thrive. At MoveOn, she leads MoveOn Civic Action, which focuses on education and advocacy on national issues, and MoveOn Political Action, which works to elect candidates with an inclusive, progressive agenda. Prior to her role, she worked in various capacities, including Chief of Staff, at Every Voice, where she managed state and national campaigns. She also held positions at the Service Employees International Union, the Oregon Bus Project’s PolitiCorps program, and Wellstone Action. With a long history in youth organizing and helping young people get more involved in politics, she has served as the Chair of the Alliance for Youth Organizing (formerly the Bus Federation Civic Fund).

ABOUT OPEN TO DEBATE
Open to Debate addresses a fundamental problem in America: the extreme polarization of our nation and our politics. We are the nation's only nonpartisan, debate-driven media organization dedicated to bringing multiple viewpoints together for a constructive, balanced, respectful exchange of ideas. Open to Debate is a platform for intellectually curious and open-minded people to engage with others holding opposing views on complex issues. We know debate works to find common ground: On average, 32% of the Open to Debate audience changes their mind on contentious topics after hearing a debate. That’s the power of debate done right, and at scale, it can change the direction we’re headed in America. Open to Debate is broadcast as a weekly public radio program, carried on NPR stations including WNYC (#1 in the nation). Open to Debate is made available as a podcast, video series, and digital platform, and records episodes with live audiences nationwide. Visit opentodebate.org to become a member, access an archive of more than 220 debates, and attend live events.

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For more information on Open to Debate, contact Ray Padgett (raypadgett@shorefire.com) or Mark Satlof (msatlof@shorefire.com) at Shore Fire Media.