- The 76-year-old West Virginia lawmaker released a shocking video statement
- He said his decision to run again in 2024 was “one of the hardest of his life.”
- “I know our country is not as divided as DC would have us believe,” Manchin said
- The Democrat has been touted as a potential candidate on a No Labels ticket
Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin has revealed he will not seek re-election in West Virginia in 2024, a stunning move that could open the door to a presidential run.
Manchin released a shocking video statement Thursday saying he wants to “fight to unite the middle” and close the “growing divide” between the two main parties.
The 76-year-old said most Americans are “just tired” with Washington, and now he is focusing on finding “common ground.”
“I know our country is not as divided as Washington would have us believe,” he said, addressing issues with the economy, the border and “crippling” politics.
Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin has revealed he will not seek re-election in West Virginia in 2024, a stunning move that could open the door to a presidential bid.
The senator has been a thorn in the side of the Biden administration, often voting with Republicans on Democratic-led bills
Manchin has been widely touted as a potential presidential candidate for No Labels, a moderate third-party group that wants to find a 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, often voting with Republicans on Democratic-led bills.
Donald Trump immediately took credit for Manchin’s dropout by claiming he supported 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 took the 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 about his next career move in interviews.
In the clip posted Thursday, he said he now plans to travel across the U.S. to speak to voters frustrated with the government.
The 76-year-old said most Americans are “just tired” with Washington, and now he’s focusing on finding “common ground”
West Virginia Senator (D) Joe Manchin III is flanked by his wife Gayle as he is sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence during the swearing-in of recently elected senators in the Old Senate Chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC January August 3, 2019. Manchin helped push a major nominee through committee on Thursday
“After months of deliberation and long conversations with my family, I believe deep down that I have accomplished what I set out to do for West Virginia.
“I have made one of the most difficult decisions of my life and decided that I will not run for re-election to the United States Senate, but what I am going to do is travel around the country and speak out to see if there is any interest is. in creating a movement to mobilize the middle and bring Americans together.
“Our economy isn’t working for many Americans, because of the rising costs of food and fuel and everything in between,” he said.
“We have a border crisis with illegal drugs coming into the country and killing Americans every day.
“Our national debt is out of control and Americans don’t feel safe even in their own communities.”
“I know that our country is not as divided as Washington would have us believe. “We share common values of family, freedom, democracy, dignity and the belief that together we can overcome any challenge,” he added.
“We must take America back and not let this divisive hatred drive us further apart.”