(Jacob Bruns, Headline USA) Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., has dropped hints that he may be interested in exploring a third party alternative after supporting the misnamed Inflation Reduction Act, Red State reported.
Manchin held out in the weeks leading up to the Inflation Reduction Act in order to appeal to his deep-red home state of West Virginia. But eventually he caved, leaving thousands of voters dissatisfied.
His support for the bill came with demands that the coal industry–which commands much leverage in the state of West Virginia–receive certain protections.
Since the passage of the Act, Manchin has become increasingly belligerent in his dealings with Democrats, going so far as to hinder Biden’s ability to appoint far-left activists to the EPA.
But not only is the senator considering leaving the Democrat Party, he is reportedly considering a run for president as a third party candidate, according to a Daily Mail report.
Manchin will reportedly be the headline speaker on July 17 for a group called No Labels, which defines itself as a bipartisan political action group.
According to No Labels, the townhall event will give “the American public” a chance “to see two leaders practice what they preach – taking part in a meaningful dialogue across party lines to address the pressing issues that our country faces.”
With it looking increasingly unlikely that Manchin will run for reelection–especially given the announced candidacy of Jim Justice, current West Virginia governor and a serious challenger–it appears that Manchin has little to lose.
Manchin’s appeal to moderate Democrats could shake up the race and have a particularly negative impact on President Joe Biden’s chances of victory. And though Manchin has not committed any particular course, he made comments seemingly to spur speculation regarding a potential run for president.
“My main concern—and to all of you and all of your viewers, my main concern is, how do we bring this country together?” he asked in a February interview with Fox News.
“How do we make it work?” he continued. “How do we make Democrats, Republicans become Americans again, and not just party affiliates? And we’re pushing people further apart, making people take a side, and then we’re rewarding for bad behavior.”
