Sen. Joe Manchin has raised the possibility of pursuing a third-party bid for the presidency. In a recent interview with “CBS Evening News,” Manchin discussed his timeline for making a decision and asserted that there is “plenty of time” for him or someone else to enter the race. While some have expressed concern that a third-party candidate would ultimately help reelect former President Donald Trump, Manchin dismissed this scenario, drawing parallels to past elections where unexpected outcomes occurred.
Manchin’s decision not to seek reelection to the U.S. Senate has fueled speculation about his potential presidential ambitions. By running as an independent, he would bypass the primary process, which is currently underway. The West Virginia Democrat intends to use this time to gauge interest in a movement that aims to mobilize the political center. However, his absence from the Senate race ensures that his seat will likely be won by a Republican in 2024.
When asked about the possibility of running on a third-party ticket, Manchin emphasized that his focus is not on personal gain but on making his country better and bringing people together. He shared his belief that he has never acted as a spoiler in any political contest and expressed his resolve to win over the middle ground. Manchin’s involvement with No Labels, an organization dedicated to centrist ideals, underscores his dissatisfaction with the control exerted by the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee over the political process.
Regarding potential running mates, Manchin did not explicitly state whether he would consider joining forces with Republican Sen. Mitt Romney. Instead, he reiterated his commitment to the country’s best interests and stressed the need for a movement that recognizes the seriousness of the current state of affairs. Manchin and Romney, both outliers within their respective parties, have developed a close bond during their time in the Senate.
As a self-professed Democrat, Manchin described himself as politically homeless and emphasized his independence and willingness to work with members of both parties. While he acknowledged that he would not vote for Trump, he also expressed reservations about President Biden’s candidacy for a second term, emphasizing that such decisions ultimately lie with the voters.
In considering a third-party bid for president, Joe Manchin aims to carve out a space that moves beyond traditional party lines and embraces the political center. With time on his side, he envisions a movement that can bridge the divides facing the nation and bring about meaningful change.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Joe Manchin planning to run for president as a third-party candidate?
Yes, Joe Manchin has stated that he is considering a third-party bid for the presidency.
2. Will a third-party candidate help reelect Donald Trump?
Manchin disagrees with the notion that a third-party candidate would automatically aid Trump’s reelection. He points to historical examples where unexpected outcomes occurred in elections involving independent candidates.
3. How does Manchin plan to mobilize the middle?
Manchin intends to travel the country and gauge interest in creating a movement that can bring together individuals from across the political spectrum and bridge partisan divides.
4. Is Manchin still affiliated with the Democratic Party?
Yes, Joe Manchin identifies as a Democrat, but he also considers himself an independent and emphasizes his willingness to work with members of both parties.
5. What is Manchin’s opinion of President Biden?
Manchin remains undecided about whether President Biden deserves a second term, stating that such decisions are ultimately made by the voters. He also mentioned that he did not vote for Donald Trump.