Weekly Newsletter: Pundits are focused on trying to predict the outcome of the election. But we’re focused on what we know—that the next Congress and President have serious challenges to address.
One advantage of working with No Labels is the chance to talk to smart, engaged people about politics. Lately, one question keeps popping up over and over:
What’s going to happen in this election?
There’s no shortage of predictions—who will win which seats, who will control Congress, who will be our next president. But the most honest answer to these questions comes courtesy of the great screenwriter William Goldman, who once said of Hollywood, “Nobody knows anything.” You could say the exact same thing about 2024 electoral predictions.
Instead of making our own bets, let’s focus on one fact we do know: Whoever wins this November will face a host of serious challenges when they are sworn into office next January.
Here are just a few:
A southern border that still isn’t secure and an immigration system that isn’t remotely equipped to handle the millions coming here, or the millions who are already here without legal status.
A national debt that is now bigger as a share of our economy than any time since World War II, with vital safety net programs like Social Security and Medicare less than a decade from insolvency.
Rising tensions in the Middle East, including potential Iranian retaliation, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route that, if closed down, could cut off a vital source of fuel for Europe.
China is again conducting large-scale military drills aimed at testing Taiwan's defenses. This past week they did what looked like a dry run for a blockade of the island. If they ever act on this threat, it could draw the United States and our Asian allies into a conflict.
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which will be entering its third year not long after the new President takes office. Ukraine remains in a precarious position, with President Zelenskyy recently unveiling a 'victory plan' aimed at ending the war and securing further support from Western allies.
Democrat or Republican, these challenges don’t discriminate. So, while everyone else is busy predicting outcomes for the next few weeks, No Labels is thinking ahead to the next few years—and to the urgent need for America to find responsible and mature Congressional leaders who will solve these problems.
Next week, you will hear from a foremost expert on the defense challenges that will confront these leaders. On Wednesday, October 23, at 4 PM ET, we’ll be joined by General Joseph Votel, former commander of U.S. Central Command, for our next No Labels Talks. General Votel will share his insights on the challenges facing the U.S. military, including how to stay effective in modern warfare—from meeting recruiting goals to modernizing defense acquisition. We will also ask him about the recent killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israeli forces, and what that means for the future course of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
No matter who comes out on top in this election, we will need leaders committed to finding common ground.
Ryan Clancy
Here are 3 takeaways from our No Labels Talks episode with Dr. Kori Schake:
America’s Military Paradox: America’s military is a deeply admired institution (3 in 5 Americans call it a force for good) with significant political influence, yet it remains under civilian control—a rare dynamic in other democracies. This balance is vital to U.S. democracy but could become a risk if the military’s influence over decision-making grows too strong.
The Challenge in Defeating Hamas: Israel’s goal of eradicating Hamas is politically understandable but nearly impossible to achieve through military force. Urban warfare in Gaza is incredibly complex, and despite efforts to avoid civilian casualties, the conflict risks creating future generations of extremists.
Iran’s Web of Influence: Iran uses a network of proxies to destabilize regions across the Middle East, from Yemen to Lebanon. Israel has restored some deterrence through targeted operations, but Iran’s reach and influence present an ongoing challenge that won’t be easily neutralized.
By Sam Zickar If the 2024 election does not produce a total realignment, it will likely still accelerate a slow but steady shift in political coalitions. If the GOP becomes the party of working-class minority men while losing its grip on the suburbs, it could mark a major turning point in its identity. Similarly, if Democrats can’t reconcile their diverse coalition of voters, the fault lines within the party will only grow wider. The stakes are high, and this election may push both parties closer to their tipping points.
By Ryan Clancy Unfortunately, CBS’ 60 Minutes stands accused of pulling this move in its recent interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. The network initially released footage of Harris’ answer to a question about Israel, only to then run a different—arguably better—answer during the show’s Sunday evening broadcast.
By Peyton Lofton A historically close race, two campaigns with armies of litigators, and swing states waiting to count the votes... all signs point to this being the longest election in quite some time.
Wednesday, Oct 23 at 4 PM ET Join us for a No Labels Talks to hear from General Joseph Votel, former commander of United States Central Command, who will share insights from his experience overseeing military operations in the Middle East and discuss what the U.S. military must do to remain effective in modern warfare, from meeting recruiting goals to modernizing the Defense Department’s acquisition pipelines.
Wednesday, Oct 30 at 2:30 PM ET Join us for a No Labels Talks to hear from Admiral William McRaven. McRaven is a former commander of the United States Special Operations Command and leader of the Navy SEALs raid that took down Osama Bin Laden. He will offer his perspective on the evolving challenges facing the military as it works to safeguarding American interests, and how maintaining our military alliances with key allies is more important than ever.
In this episode of No Labels Talks, Chief Strategist Ryan Clancy speaks with returning guest Dr. Kori Schake, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, about her research on American civil-military relations and the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. Dr. Schake examines the paradox of the U.S. military’s influential yet subordinate role in our democracy and discusses Israel's complex war aims against Hamas in Gaza. The wide-ranging conversation also delves into Iran’s regional threat through proxy networks, U.S.-Israel diplomatic efforts, and concerns over America's long-term security challenges, including rising national debt and trade policies.
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