Manchin Says He’d Consider Running For President

(LibertySociety.com) – Amid a politically polarized United States, West Virginia’s Democratic Senator, Joe Manchin, has sparked conversations about an unexpected possibility: a presidential bid. On Wednesday, less than a week after unveiling plans to withdraw from Congress in 2022, Manchin voiced his willingness to consider a run for the top job if it meant aiding America’s healing process.

Manchin, a seasoned public servant in West Virginia since the early eighties, noted that every American should contemplate the presidency if it would contribute to the nation’s betterment. His service records include stints as governor, a delegate in the House, and a state Senator. Throughout his tenure, he’s consistently branded himself as a “centrist, moderate, conservative Democrat.”

However, Manchin has recently confessed to pondering a split from the Democratic Party. The current US political landscape, he argues, has left the average American feeling “politically homeless.” Consequently, he’s hinted at a potential third-party presidential campaign in 2024.

Rumors have circulated that Manchin might join forces with former Utah Governor and Republican John Huntsman. The speculation was fueled by their joint appearance at a No Labels town hall in July. No Labels lauded Manchin as a significant Senate leader and ally while hinting at an upcoming “Unity” presidential ticket, the decision for which will be made by 2024.

Before formally announcing his intentions, Manchin plans to gauge the receptiveness of voters to a “moderate” candidate. Expressing his fears of a second Trump administration, Manchin called for the mobilization of the “moderate, sensible, commonsense middle.”

Last week, Manchin made “one of the toughest decisions” of his life when he revealed he would not seek Senate re-election in 2024, paving the way for a potential presidential pursuit. He shared this decision via a video on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating he had accomplished his goals for West Virginia.

However, not everyone is on board with a Manchin presidency. Maryland’s Democratic Governor, Wes Moore, urged Manchin not to contest Biden in the 2024 election. Other presidential hopefuls include activist Cornel West, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., both running as independents, and Jill Stein of the Green Party.