Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia has officially announced that he will not be entering the race for the presidency, putting an end to conjecture about a potential White House bid. This decision alleviates concerns of further chaos and uncertainty in the already tumultuous 2024 election season.
A centrist Democrat in a predominantly red state, Manchin has consistently been a challenging figure within his party, particularly for its left wing. Despite not seeking re-election to the Senate, the 76-year-old politician had contemplated the possibility of an independent or third-party presidential campaign.
In remarks made in Morgantown, West Virginia, on Friday, Manchin categorically stated, "I will not be seeking a third-party run. I will not be involved in a presidential run." He emphasized his commitment to bridging political divides during a time of profound polarization and expressed his reluctance to play the role of a "spoiler" in what appears to be an inevitable rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
Manchin explained, "I just don’t think it’s the right time. Democracy is at stake right now."
His decision comes amid widespread dissatisfaction among voters with both the incumbent president, considered by many as too old for a second term at 81, and his 77-year-old predecessor, whose legal issues and extremist rhetoric have fueled concerns of a potential political crisis if he were to win.
Manchin pledged to be actively involved in ensuring the selection of a president with the knowledge, passion, and ability to unite the country. He stated, "Right now, we’re challenged."
Following his announcement in November not to seek re-election, Manchin embarked on a national listening tour, fueling speculation about a presidential run. Aligning himself with No Labels, a centrist organization exploring bipartisan, third-party options for disenchanted voters, Manchin even mentioned his top choice for a running mate, naming Mitt Romney and former Ohio senator Bob Portman.
Manchin, representing a state now overwhelmingly pro-Trump, has been a vocal critic of Biden, portraying him as a leftist while maintaining his stance against contributing to Trump's return to office.
While Democrats faced setbacks with Manchin's decision not to seek re-election, the news of him avoiding a presidential run was a relief for the party. With potential third-party challenges from figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. considering a run on the Libertarian ticket and challenges from Jill Stein of the Green Party and independent candidate Cornel West, Democrats are navigating a complex political landscape.
Republicans are poised to claim Manchin's Senate seat in November, with Governor Jim Justice and Congressman Alex Mooney vying for the GOP nomination.