Senator Joe Manchin has expressed interest in possibly running for president as an independent candidate, claiming that he hasn’t spoken to Joe Biden since he announced that he was not seeking re-election to his seat in West Virginia. Manchin and Biden are reported to have a strained relationship, but historically, their working-class upbringing and shared commitment to labor have bonded them. A source said that Manchin wants to ensure his policies win over moderate Americans.
The Biden administration is not concerned that Manchin will run as an independent candidate, despite him publicly expressing his intentions. It is unclear whether the senator will make a run, and there are concerns that he may not move quickly enough to be successful. While Biden advisers believe Manchin ultimately won’t run due to his opposition to Donald Trump and his claims of not wanting to be a spoiler, they are still worried about the prospect of a third-party candidacy.
Heather Manchin, Senator Manchin’s daughter, has established a political organization aimed at promoting moderate candidates and policies. This has led to speculation that the organization could serve as a means for Manchin to publicize his message, if not his candidacy. There has also been contact with the No Labels organization, indicating that running on its ticket remains a possibility. While Biden advisers are concerned about a third-party candidacy, they are unsure about Manchin’s intentions, which adds an air of uncertainty to the situation.
