What’s Happening:
Pundits have been speculating on Sen. Joe Manchin’s future. The moderate Democrat represents the deep-red state of West Virginia.
He’s sat on the fence for many years, but the far-left presidency of Joe Biden has forced Manchin to support bills that have upset many voters back home.
Some suggested Manchin would not be able to win re-election next year. Others believed he was eyeing a bigger office. Now, he is announcing to the country his plans.
From The Post Millennial:
On Thursday, West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin announced that he would not be running for re-election…“I have made one of the toughest decisions of my life, and decided that I will not be running for re-election to United States Senate.”
He went on to explain that going forward, he will be touring the US to try and “mobilize the middle” and bring the country together.
To the West Virginians who have put their trust in me and fought side by side to make our state better – it has been an honor of my life to serve you. Thank you. My statement on my political future: pic.twitter.com/dz8JuXAyTL
— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) November 9, 2023
After months of questioning, Sen. Manchin revealed he is not going to run for re-election. In a video posted to X, he thanked West Virginians for their support. The moderate Democrat claimed he “accomplished” what he set out to do for the state.
When addressing his future plans, Manchin may have revealed more than he intended. He said he would be traveling across the country to see if he could be part of a “movement to mobilize the middle.”
Manchin claimed that Americans have become dissatisfied with the two major parties. He also exposed Washington, saying that “every incentive” in government makes our “politics extreme.”
But what does it mean that he is going to try to “mobilize the middle”? President Biden is no longer the “moderate” he once claimed to be; most of his policy decisions have been shaped by the progressive left.
It is possible Manchin will be traveling to see if there is interest in him running as a third-party, “middle” candidate. The “No Labels” party has reportedly been trying to recruit him as a moderate candidate who can capture Americans who are politically centrists.
This news of Manchin’s might be the start of his own campaign. Some experts explained that a moderate liberal like Manchin would actually have more success appealing to voters across the country, than the deeply-red voters of West Virginia.
Manchin has not officially announced a presidential campaign. But that might be around the corner.
Key Takeaways:
- Joe Manchin announced he was retiring from the U.S. Senate.
- The moderate Democrat claimed he “accomplished” what he set out to do for West Virginia.
- He plans to travel across the U.S. to see if there is a “movement to mobilize the middle.”
Source: The Post Millennial
