Manchin Says He ‘Never Ruled Out Anything’ When Grilled on Possible Third-Party Presidential Bid
West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin declined to rule out a third-party presidential bid Wednesday ahead of his appearance at a centrist organization’s town hall next week. No Labels , the bipartisan group floating…
West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin declined to rule out a third-party presidential bid Wednesday ahead of his appearance at a centrist organization’s town hall next week.
No Labels, the bipartisan group floating a third-party “unity” ticket in 2024, is hosting a “common sense” event on Monday in the key early primary state of New Hampshire, featuring Manchin and former Utah GOP Gov. Jon Huntsman. The Democratic senator is frequently mentioned as a possible candidate for the centrist organization’s bid, and CNN’s Manu Raju pressed Manchin on whether his appearance at the town hall is an indication he’s running on the third-party ticket.
“I’ve never ruled out anything, or ruled in anything,” said Manchin. “This is just strictly a conference we’re having for common sense.”
Manchin has yet to announce whether he’ll seek reelection to the Senate, where he has already drawn two prominent Republican challengers with West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice and Rep. Alex Mooney, and has continued to leave the door open for a third-party candidacy.