It looks like everyone wants to be a presidential candidate these days. Now, a new contender has stepped forward to possibly hint at a run in the 2024 election.
The Democratic Senator of West Virginia, Joe Manchin, has recently sparked speculation over his presidential ambitions. In an interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker on Wednesday, Manchin said that he “absolutely” would consider running for president when asked about it.
This statement comes after a July event hosted by the centrist group No Labels and the recent announcement that he would not seek reelection in 2024.
While some may be hopeful of a potential third-party White House bid from Manchin, his words have also stirred up debates about President Joe Biden being pushed too far to the left by certain Democrats.
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), who announced last week he is not seeking reelection, tells NBC News he will “absolutely” consider running for president — his most candid acknowledgment of a potential third-party 2024 bid so far. pic.twitter.com/Xr4DzuL9Kh
— The Recount (@therecount) November 15, 2023
When asked about his future plans during the interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker, Manchin gave a straightforward answer: “I will do anything I can to help my country,” he said. “And you say, ‘Does that mean you would consider [running for president]?’ Absolutely.” This response has served as a clear indication that Manchin is indeed considering a presidential run in the near future.
He had previously been more hesitant on this topic during an interview with CBS News anchor Norah O’Donnell where he stated that while there is “plenty of time” for such an endeavor, “It’s not about me”.
In addition to giving us insight into his own personal ambitions, Manchin also used the opportunity of this interview to express some concerns regarding current events and how they might affect democracy as we know it today if allowed to continue unchecked.
Specifically citing former President Donald Trump and his attempts to undermine fair elections and laws applicable only to him – something which could potentially lead to further chaos should Trump be reelected -Manchin also touched upon President Joe Biden being “pushed too far left” by certain Democrats which isn’t exactly what people hoped for when they elected him into office.
