Manchin hints at decision deadline for challenging Biden, stays in spotlight
Sen. Joe Manchin Hints at Third-Party Presidential Bid After Super Tuesday
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) has once again thrust himself into the spotlight, suggesting that he may launch a late third-party presidential bid following Super Tuesday on March 5.
“Super Tuesday pretty much confirms whatever is going to happen, what we believe will happen, and we’ll see where we go from there,” Manchin told reporters on the day of the New Hampshire primary. “But people are looking for options, and we’re going to be looking at that, too. Whether it’s me or whoever it may be, I think there’s going to be options available if it goes down the way it’s going down.”
The West Virginia senator caused a stir when he attended the Politics and Eggs event in Manchester, New Hampshire, on Jan. 12. Although he claimed he was not campaigning, he used the opportunity to promote his new political organization, America Together, which aims to “connect and empower centrist voices around the country.”
Manchin further fueled speculation about his potential run during an appearance on Fox and Friends last week. He suggested that if former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden become the likely nominees after Super Tuesday, it would “create decisions to be made.”
When asked how he would respond if a voter wrote in his name instead of Biden’s on the New Hampshire primary ballot, Manchin replied, ”I cannot prevent whatever you want to do.”
Regarding the possibility of running as a presidential candidate with No Labels, a third-party group, Manchin emphasized that he would run to win and not to be a spoiler.
“Well, I’m not gonna be a spoiler,” he said. “If there’s a pathway forward, I’ve always been involved and competitive. If I’m going to get involved, I would definitely want to win, and I’m gonna fight to win. I will not go in there trying to harm or help somebody else. I want to make sure that we create a different option, bringing people together.”
Last year, Manchin announced that he would not seek reelection for his U.S. Senate seat in West Virginia, fueling speculation that he may be planning a 2024 presidential bid.
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How could Senator Manchin’s potential third-party bid impact the Democratic Party’s chances of winning the presidency in 2020
E’ll see who’s left standing,” Manchin said in an interview with West Virginia MetroNews on Monday.
This announcement comes as a surprise to many, as Manchin has long been a staunch Democrat and has never expressed any interest in running for president before. However, the Senator’s recent remarks hint at a growing dissatisfaction with the current state of the Democratic Party and a desire for a more moderate political platform.
Manchin, known for his centrist approach to politics, has often been at odds with the more progressive wing of his party. He has voted against some of the party’s key initiatives, such as the Green New Deal and Medicare for All, choosing instead to advocate for bipartisan solutions.
His potential third-party bid could find support among voters who feel disillusioned by the growing ideological divide within American politics. Manchin’s moderate stance and willingness to reach across the aisle may appeal to those who are tired of partisan gridlock and yearn for a leader who can bring about meaningful change through compromise.
However, launching a successful third-party presidential bid is no small feat. The two-party system in the United States has long dominated the political landscape, making it difficult for third-party candidates to gain traction. The last time a third-party candidate won a presidential election was in 1860 when Abraham Lincoln, running as a Republican, secured victory.
Moreover, Manchin’s bid would face additional challenges, such as fundraising and ballot access. Running as an independent or creating a new party would require significant resources to compete with the well-established Democratic and Republican parties. Additionally, securing ballot access in all states is a complex and time-consuming process that many third-party candidates struggle with.
Despite these challenges, Manchin believes there is an appetite for a more moderate candidate in the upcoming presidential race. He argues that the current political climate is increasingly polarized, leaving a significant portion of the electorate without a candidate who truly represents their values.
Manchin’s potential bid could also have far-reaching implications for the Democratic Party and its chances of winning the presidency in 2020. A third-party candidate who attracts even a small fraction of Democratic voters could siphon off enough support to potentially swing the election in favor of the Republican nominee.
As Super Tuesday approaches, all eyes will be on the Democratic primary and the outcomes of key races. Sen. Joe Manchin’s potential third-party bid adds yet another layer of uncertainty to an already unpredictable election season. Only time will tell if Manchin decides to take the plunge and how his entry into the race will impact the larger political landscape.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear – Sen. Joe Manchin’s announcement has ignited a debate about the current state of American politics and the potential for a third-party candidate to break the mold and challenge the status quo.
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