Sen. Joe Manchin III from West Virginia has been a key player in the Senate for the past two years. Despite representing a state that Biden lost by a large margin in the 2020 election, Manchin has managed to secure major concessions from the president on various policy issues. However, on Monday, Manchin made waves by headlining an event in New Hampshire sponsored by No Labels, a bipartisan group seeking to recruit a Democrat and a Republican to run on a third-party ticket in the next presidential election. This move by Manchin not only challenges Biden’s re-election message but also suggests that the two parties are not as different as they seem.
In his remarks at the event, Manchin emphasized the need for a third option for the American people, criticizing both the Democratic and Republican parties for being too extreme and divisive. While most Democrats downplay the potential threat of Manchin as a presidential candidate, his support for No Labels and his criticism of the two major parties pose a challenge to Biden’s central message.
Biden has been running on a platform that portrays the Republican party, particularly under Trump, as a threat to American democracy. Manchin’s criticism of both parties undermines this message and suggests that there is not much difference between them. This perspective aligns with Manchin’s history of promoting bipartisanship and his centrist worldview, which has been necessary for him to win in his predominantly Republican state.
While Manchin has long supported No Labels, this election cycle is different as the group is becoming more prominent and causing concern among Democrats. They worry that an independent bid by Manchin could siphon away potential voters and damage Biden’s chances of re-election. Despite this concern, Manchin himself has not ruled out running for president in 2024 and is considering all options.
It is worth noting that Manchin’s decision to appear in New Hampshire, a crucial state for presidential primaries, is significant. Democrats in New Hampshire are already frustrated with Biden and the national party for changing the nominating calendar. By giving New Hampshire some political attention, Manchin is tapping into this frustration and potentially gaining support from disillusioned Democrats.
No Labels is working to secure state ballot access for a potential third-party presidential run, but they will only field a ticket if there is a clear path to victory. While a viable third-party contender has never emerged in American presidential politics, the concern that their efforts could harm Biden has prompted a group of current and former members of Congress to launch a campaign against No Labels.
Despite the skepticism from some Democrats, attendees at the event seem receptive to the idea of a third-party ticket. Many feel that there is a need for an alternative to the extreme divisiveness of the two major parties.
In recent months, Manchin has been increasingly critical of the Biden administration and has opposed several of the president’s nominees. This shift in Manchin’s stance may be a result of the difficult position he finds himself in if he decides to run for re-election in West Virginia, where Trump has strong support.
Overall, Manchin’s involvement with No Labels and his criticism of the two major parties have raised speculation about his intentions for the future. While some view it as a calculated move for attention, others see it as a genuine expression of his belief that the current system of governance needs to change. Only time will tell if Manchin decides to run for president or if this is just another political maneuver.