Democratic Senator Joe Manchin has revealed he won’t seek re-election in West Virginia in 2024 in a stunning move that could open the door for a presidential run.
Manchin released a shock video statement on Thursday saying he wants to ‘fight to unite the middle’ and fix the ‘growing divide’ between the two main parties.
The 76-year-old said most Americans ‘are just plain worn out’ with Washington, and now he is focused on finding ‘common ground’.
‘I know our country is not as divided as Washington wants us to believe,’ he said, laying into problems with the economy, the border and ‘paralyzing’ politics.
Democratic Senator Joe Manchin has revealed he won’t seek re-election in West Virginia in 2024 in a stunning move that could open the door for a presidential run
The senator has been a thorn in the side of the Biden administration and has frequently voted with Republicans on Democratic-led bills
Manchin has been widely touted as a potential presidential candidate for No Labels, a third-party moderate group aiming to find the middle ground.
He could also run on his own as a Democrat or as an independent on a third-party ticket.
The senator has been a thorn in the side of the Biden administration and has frequently voted with Republicans on Democratic-led bills.
Donald Trump immediately took credit for Manchin dropping out by claiming his endorsement for the Republican candidate Jim Justice has given him an unassailable lead in the polls.
‘Because I Endorsed Big Jim Justice of West Virginia for the U.S. Senate, and he has taken a commanding lead, Democrat Joe Manchin has decided not to seek re-election. Looking good for Big Jim!,’ Trump wrote on Truth Social.
But Manchin’s future has long been the focus of speculation and has dodged questions on his next career move in interviews.
In the clip posted on Thursday, he said he now plans to travel the U.S. speaking to voters frustrated with the government.
The 76-year-old said most Americans ‘are just plain worn out’ with Washington, and now he is focused on finding ‘common ground’
Senator from West Virginia (D) Joe Manchin III is flanked his wife Gayle as he is sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence during the swearing-in re-enactments for recently elected senators in the Old Senate Chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC January 3, 2019
‘After months of deliberation and long conversations with my family, I believe in my heart of hearts that I have accomplished what I set out to do for West Virginia.
‘I have made one of the toughest decisions of my life and decided that I will not be running for re-election to the United States Senate, but what I will be doing is traveling the country and speaking out to see if there is an interest in creating a movement to mobilize the middle and bring Americans together.
‘Our economy is not working for many Americans, from the rising cost of food and fuel and everything in between,’ he said.
‘We have a border crisis with illegal drugs entering out country and killing Americans every day.
Sen. Joe Manchin, pictured with wife Gayle, actress Jennifer Garner and First Lady Jill Biden
‘Our national debt is out of control and Americans don’t feel safe even in their own communities.’
‘I know our country isn’t as divided as Washington wants us to believe. We share common values of family, freedom, democracy, dignity and a belief that together we can overcome any challenge, ‘ he added.
‘We need to take back America and not let this divisive hatred further pull us apart.’