In this essay for The Atlantic, Elliot Ackerman examines how No Labels has built a political structure that could make it easier for an independent presidential candidate to compete nationally.
Using the metaphor of a special-purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, Ackerman explains how ballot access, campaign finance law, and outside political spending have created new possibilities for third-party and independent campaigns.
No Labels and Ballot Access
Ackerman explores how No Labels has used its resources to secure ballot access before selecting a candidate, potentially removing one of the largest barriers facing independent presidential campaigns.
Citizens United and Unity08
The essay connects Citizens United with Unity08 v. FEC, showing how court decisions reshaped the political landscape by allowing large-scale funding for organizations that build campaign infrastructure without backing a named candidate.
The Future of Presidential Politics
At its center, the piece argues that political “SPACs” could challenge the long-standing dominance of the two-party system, especially as more Americans identify with neither major party.