Joe Manchin Doesn't Rule Out Third-Party Presidential Run: 'If I Get In A Race, I'm Going To Win'

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) hinted at a potential third-party presidential campaign during a town hall meeting in New Hampshire.

What Happened: Manchin, who has been a key swing vote in the Senate, justified his exploration of a potential third-party presidential campaign during a town hall meeting hosted by No Labels in New Hampshire, CNN reports.

"I've never been in any race I've ever spoiled. I've been in races to win," Manchin said. "And if I get in a race, I'm going to win."

The senator, known for his centrist views, has been a vocal critic of the partisan divide in Washington and has often clashed with his own party on key issues.

“I’m just a West Virginia Democrat, not a Washington Democrat,” Manchin said, emphasizing his commitment to bipartisanship. “If there’s a time when we have to be an American before we can be a Democrat or Republican, it’s now.”

See Also: Build Back Better May Be Dead, But Joe Biden’s Agenda Could Get A Fresh Lease Of Life After Manchin Compromise

Why It Matters: Manchin’s potential third-party run could significantly impact the 2024 presidential race. As a moderate Democrat, he has often been at odds with the more progressive wing of his party, most notably opposing President Biden’s Build Back Better plan, as previously reported by Benzinga.

Manchin came to terms with Democrats on the Inflation Reduction Act in July last year after holding talks with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Biden.

Photo Courtesy: Rachael Warriner On Shutterstock.com

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