Sen. Joe Manchin, a moderate Democrat from West Virginia, expressed his concern that former President Donald Trump would ruin the country’s democratic system if he wins another term in 2024.
“I’m totally, absolutely scared to death that Donald Trump would become president again. I think we will lose democracy as we know it. And my reason for saying that, you can’t normalize this visceral hatred, calling people names and attacking people. You can’t basically think the only fair election is the one you win. And the only laws pertain to everybody but you. That’s not the country we are.”
Manchin did not endorse President Joe Biden as the best candidate to defeat Trump, saying he did not know who else was willing to run and that he would support whoever could unite the country.
“I don’t know who’s going to run. I really don’t. I hope someone runs that can bring us together,” Manchin said.
In an NBC News interview, Manchin said he will do anything to help America, and that if that meant a presidential bid, then “absolutely” he would ponder it.
Manchin has for years been involved with No Labels, a centrist organization that is exploring an alternative “unity” presidential candidate in 2024.
Relevant articles:
– Joe Manchin Says Trump ‘Will Destroy’ U.S. Democracy if He Wins in 2024, Yahoo News, November 16, 2023
– Manchin talks Biden, Trump and possible 2024 bid, NBC News, November 16, 2023
– ‘No Labels’ leader says group launching 2024 candidate committee: Manchin deserves ‘serious consideration’, MSN, November 16, 2023
– Manchin doesn’t rule out leaving Democratic Party, 2024 independent bid for president: ‘Don’t know what I am”, MSN, November 15, 2023