He further suggested that such a candidate might inadvertently ensure a win for former President Trump.
Messina's commentary comes amidst speculation of a potential rematch between President Joe Biden and Trump. He wrote, "With a rematch between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump almost set in stone, it’s time to put a farce to rest: The notion that a third-party candidate could actually win the presidency in 2024."
December 18, 2023
Messina took aim at No Labels, a third-party group established by former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman, who transitioned from the Democratic party to become an independent. He accused the group of propagating a "dangerous lie" that could potentially facilitate Trump's return to the White House.
WATCH:ELON MUSK TALKS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF SELF DRIVING CARS
Drawing on historical election results from the past half-century, Messina, who is also the CEO of The Messina Group, argued that while third parties have not demonstrated the ability to win elections outright, they have significantly influenced the outcomes of presidential elections.
WATCH ALAN DERSHOWITZ: "THERE IS NO CRIME IN MANHATTAN"
Messina warned, "While a third-party candidate can’t win, No Labels could still throw the election to Trump, and it wouldn’t take that many votes." He pointed to the potential impact of a No Labels candidate in swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, which could tip the scales in favor of either Biden or Trump.
PUTIN'S LATEST POWER MOVE: RUSSIA DISPLAYS "WAR WINS" IN EYE-OPENING EXHIBITION
Messina's analysis of polling and election data led him to conclude that a third-party campaign by No Labels would likely result in a Trump victory. He dismissed any claims of a potential third-party win as "a false promise, an illusion and a lie spread by people with ulterior motives."
HOW DEMOCRATS' ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTS ARE TURNING INTO THEIR WORST NIGHTMARE
Messina urged No Labels to acknowledge the reality of the situation, stating, "The people at No Labels know better than this. It’s time to cut the crap, believe the data and be honest with the American people. Any well-funded third-party candidate would be a disaster for our republic — and risks putting us on a direct path to a dictatorship."
FIFTH VICTIM FOUND AND IDENTIFIED IN KEY BRIDGE COLLAPSE
Meanwhile, Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat from West Virginia and a close ally of No Labels, assured Fox News host Sean Hannity that he would not enter a race if it meant merely handing the victory to another candidate. "That's not who I am. If I get into a race, I get into it to win," Manchin stated. He also noted the growing number of Americans who feel politically "homeless" due to the perceived extremism of both major parties.
Manchin, whose state was won by Trump in two landslide victories, recently announced that he would not seek re-election to the Senate in 2024.
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
