Democrat Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia would not rule out running against President Joe Biden in the presidential election of 2024 during an interview on Sunday. During the interview, NBC’s Chuck Todd asked several questions about his political future.
“I haven’t made a decision what I’m going to do in 2024. I have two years ahead of me,” replied the senator when asked about his plans.
“Everything’s on the table,” claimed Manchin.
However, later in the conversation, he told Todd he isn’t considering running for governor in West Virginia. Todd then asked the senator if he was mulling over a presidential bid.
“The only thing I can tell you is what I will do is whatever I can, when I make my decision, what I think is best that I can support and represent the people of West Virginia, but also be true to this country and the Constitution of this country,” explained Manchin.
Senator Manchin didn’t address Todd’s question on whether he would run as a Republican or Democrat. Senator Kyrsten Sinema, a co-worker Manchin often works closely with, recently announced she would leave the Democratic Party and register as an Independent.
“I’m telling you that I’m going to do everything I can to make sure that when I make my decision, I make it on based on what’s best, what I think I can do to support, and best for my country and my state,” said Manchin.
Senator Manchin wouldn’t commit to supporting Biden in the 2024 run
Additionally, Manchin wouldn’t commit his support for President Biden in 2024 if he chooses to run for reelection.
“I haven’t decided on anything I’m going to do until I see what the lay of the land is going to be at that time,” said Manchin. “This country needs to unite. We need to come back together.”
“They want us to work out of the center,” Manchin said of the American people. “Republican ideas aren’t always bad, and Democrats don’t have all the answers.”
When Todd further pressed the senator about his timetable for a decision, he replied, “I’m not in a hurry.”
Manchin has long been a moderate, sometimes labeled an obstructionist by his party. Although he shot down a bid for West Virginia governor, only the presidency was left on the table, noted Todd.
While many Democrats questioned if Biden should seek another term, the president has hinted at plans to run again. Although he hasn’t officially announced his presidential campaign, his plans have become firmer among insiders in the past few weeks.
“I think he’s done a good job in so many factions, in so many areas. I think there’s a lot more to be done. I think he’s been pulled to the left too far, and I think I’ve told him that. I’ve been upfront with that. That centrist center is what the country wants; that’s what the people want in America,” said Manchin.
