Sen. Joe Manchin, a moderate Democrat from West Virginia, announced he won’t seek reelection in 2024, citing his frustration with the partisan gridlock in Washington.
In his first interview since making the decision, Manchin said he doesn’t know who else is willing to run for president as a Democrat, but he didn’t explicitly endorse President Joe Biden, who faces low approval ratings and criticism from both progressives and conservatives.
“I don’t know who else is going to run. I don’t know who else is going to be there. But I can tell you one thing: I’m going to do everything I can to make sure that we have a viable candidate that can represent the Democratic Party in a responsible way,” Manchin told CBS News.
Manchin also said he could not vote for former President Donald Trump in 2024, because he believes Trump would destroy democracy in America if he wins a second term.
Manchin has been considering a run as an independent, but a poll showed he would still face a tough challenge even if he left the Democratic Party, as he would lose support from both Democrats and Republicans.
Manchin also said he is going on the road to seek out the great American middle, and he would serve however they need him to. He appeared with former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, a Republican, at a No Labels event, a group that promotes bipartisanship and centrist policies.
“He’s a man of integrity. He’s a man of principle. He’s a man who understands the country. He’s a man who understands how to bring people together,” Huntsman said of Manchin.
Manchin’s announcement comes as the Senate is deadlocked over key legislation, such as the $1.75 trillion social spending and climate bill, the voting rights bill, and the debt ceiling. Manchin has been a pivotal vote in the 50-50 Senate, often clashing with his own party over the size and scope of the bills.
Manchin’s departure could have significant implications for the balance of power in the Senate, as well as the future of the Democratic Party and the 2024 presidential race.
Relevant articles:
– Manchin says Trump would destroy US democracy if he wins second term as president, MSN, 11/15/2023
– Joe Manchin discusses 2024 in first interview since announcing he won’t seek reelection, CBS News, 11/15/2023
– Sen. Joe Manchin: \”I could not vote for Donald Trump\” in 2024 election, CBS News, 11/14/2023
– Manchin plays down potential 3rd-party bid in 2024 as he appears with Huntsman at No Labels event, ABC News, 11/13/2023