Manchin ‘thinking seriously’ about leaving Democratic Party

West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin (D) is seriously considering becoming an independent rather than a Democrat before the 2024 election. This decision is prompted by the upcoming choice of running for a fourth Senate term or launching a third-party presidential bid.

Manchin, previously self-identified as an independent Democrat, expressed his contemplation of leaving the Democratic Party due to its tarnished reputation. He communicated this to Hoppy Kercheval, a West Virginia radio host.

He emphasized the need for personal peace of mind and cited the negative connotations associated with both the Democratic and Republican brands, particularly the national Democratic image that affects West Virginia.

Manchin, distinguishing himself from Washington-based Democrats, indicated a serious intent to become an independent when questioned by Kercheval. He underlined the importance of speaking honestly about the extremes of both major parties.

Eight months earlier, Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona had declared her departure from the Democratic Party to register as an Independent, noting her aversion to fitting into a party mold.

Manchin, however, postponed any immediate announcement regarding his Democratic Party affiliation. He stated that he will reach a decision by the year's end concerning whether to run for Senate again or pursue a third-party presidential candidacy endorsed by the centrist group No Labels.

As the senior West Virginia senator, Manchin faces a challenging reelection contest in a state that heavily supported former President Trump. He trailed behind West Virginia Governor Jim Justice in a theoretical Senate race, according to a May poll by the East Carolina Center for Survey Research.

While Democratic strategist David Axelrod speculated that Manchin might opt for a presidential run as a graceful exit from the Senate, colleagues from both parties warned that this move could inadvertently help Trump win the general election.

Republican Senator Mitt Romney cautioned that a presidential candidate would need to attract voters to the right of Trump, potentially aiding Trump's electoral prospects.

In contrast, Manchin disputed predictions that his candidacy would adversely impact Biden and boost Trump, highlighting the uncertainty of the political landscape.

Manchin contended that moderate Republicans lacked representation in a political sphere dominated by Trump and expressed a desire to create a movement to restore the traditional values of the major parties.

He proposed the potential to restore the Democratic and Republican Parties to their historical essence through a significant and impactful movement.

Manchin criticized the current state of both parties, asserting that he could not align with either due to their extreme positions.