Manchin shares 2024 presidential bid views at No Labels’ NH event.
Speculation is swirling around Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) as rumors of a potential presidential bid gain traction. However, during his keynote speech at No Labels’ Common Sense Town Hall on July 17, Manchin chose not to reveal his future plans.
The event, held at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, featured former Utah governor and Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman alongside Manchin. No Labels, a bipartisan organization that supports centrist candidates from both parties, appointed Manchin as the Democratic co-chair and Huntsman as the Republican co-chair.
No Labels promoted the town hall as the release of its Common Sense policy booklet, which outlines the organization’s platform. Observers have speculated whether Manchin and Huntsman’s joint appearance in a state that traditionally kicks off the presidential primary season suggests a potential No Labels 2024 presidential ticket.
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Va.) speaks during the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on the Special Diabetes Program in Washington on July 11, 2023. (Jemal Countess/Getty Images for JDRF)
“I think people are getting ahead of themselves,” Manchin told moderator Kevin Cirilli. ”Our goal is to provide the American people with an alternative, to move the political parties away from their extreme positions.”
“Both the Democratic and Republican parties have veered too far to the right and left,” Manchin added. “That’s not who we are, that’s not our roots, and it’s not what the people want.”
According to Manchin, the current “business model” of the two major parties thrives on division rather than unity. He expressed his determination to change that dynamic.
‘Trying to Save the Nation’
During the town hall, Manchin emphasized, “I’m not here tonight to run for president. I’m here because I’m deeply concerned about saving our nation. I’ve never been more worried in my life.”
When asked if his potential candidacy would act as a spoiler in the presidential race, Manchin replied, “I’ve never entered a race to spoil it. I enter races to win, and if I decide to run, I will win. However, I haven’t made a decision yet.”
No Labels introduced its “Insurance Policy 2024” earlier this year.
Former Senator Joe Lieberman (I- Ct.) spoke at the town hall before Manchin and Huntsman took the stage. He explained that No Labels aims to reunite political parties, end partisanship and incivility, and offer fresh ideas.
President Joe Biden, facing low approval ratings and dissatisfaction with the economy, is seeking a second term. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is challenging him for the Democratic party nomination. Earlier this year, the Democratic National Committee pledged full support to Biden.
Former President Donald Trump currently leads the crowded field of Republican candidates in the polls.
If there is a rematch between Biden and Trump in 2024, No Labels has indicated it could present an alternative option.
“If we end up with the same nominees in 2024 as we did in 2020, is that not the definition of insanity?” Huntsman questioned. He pointed out that 67 percent of Americans do not want a Biden-Trump rematch.
No Labels is focused on gaining ballot access in all 50 states to potentially field a third-party presidential ticket in 2024. However, this initiative is being challenged by both Democrats and Republicans.
“We have volunteers signing up people everywhere. Unfortunately, some Washington operatives want to maintain the status quo and hinder our efforts,” said No Labels national co-chair Pat McCrory, a former Republican governor of North Carolina. “We will present a president and vice president candidate on a No Labels ticket, but only if we see a viable opportunity to win.”
No Labels officials have stated that they will not decide on a “unity ticket” consisting of one Democrat and one Republican until the period between the Super Tuesday primaries in March 2024 and their convention in Dallas a month later.
“The center needs a voice in this country,” said Nancy Jacobson, one of No Labels’ founders and the organization’s CEO.
Huntsman, who also served as the U.S. ambassador to China and Russia, criticized Democrats’ claims that a third-party ticket would lead to another Trump presidency, comparing it to authoritarian regimes that restrict choice.
“When I hear people say, ‘We shouldn’t expand and enhance our participation in the system because it might result in A, B, or C winning or losing,’ I say, ‘I’ve heard that before, but not in this country.’ Here, we embrace choice and diversity.”
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