In a move to amplify centrist voices, Senator Joe Manchin, I-W. Va. advocated for a more competitive Democratic nomination process on Monday. Speaking to CNN’s Kasie Hunt, Manchin emphasized the need for the political center to have a significant influence in the upcoming elections.
“I want the middle to have a voice. I want the center of this country to be able to say, ‘We have a voice. We’re not extreme left or extreme right.’ I don’t live my life that way, why do I have to only have two choices of a party that has taken the extremes?” Manchin stated.
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This call for centrism follows President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race, amidst increasing pressure to do so. In his stead, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the Democratic ticket.
Commenting on Biden’s withdrawal, Manchin remarked, “The calls and everything that’s coming in, is not quite sure, unless they see a process where they are, have things changed any at all, and the coordination doesn‘t always basically produce, I think, the strongest, if you will, the strongest team. Very well Kamala could be that person. And I think going through some sort of process would have been very enlightening to everybody.”
Manchin also voiced concerns about the potential running mates for Harris, suggesting that many have not undergone a thorough vetting process, leaving their positions unclear to the public.
“I’m an Independent now. Fifty-one percent of people participating in an electoral process are registered Independents. Only 23% of registered Democrats, and only 25% are registered Republicans. If either side can‘t capture that middle, which is where the center of this country, where the common sense, and just, they just want to tap it down a little bit and not push onto me even though you think that‘s part of the policy, and you’re playing to the base, is that where the country is? I don’t think – why is there 51% like me? How do they win back Democrats like me?” Manchin elaborated.
On “CBS Mornings,” Manchin further clarified his stance, calling for a “mini-primary” to ensure a robust selection process for the Democratic nomination. However, he ruled out the possibility of his own candidacy.
“I am not going to be a candidate for president. I am a candidate for, basically speaking for, the middle of this country,” he affirmed. When asked if he would consider being Harris’ vice president, Manchin promptly responded, “No.”
Manchin stressed the importance of having debates and discussions, suggesting that there is ample time for such a process before the elections. “This system, you would like to see some sort of, have some debates, have something, there‘s plenty of time. We act like there‘s no time at all,” he added.
President Biden, in a detailed letter posted on social media on Sunday, expressed pride in his accomplishments and explained his decision to step down from the race. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your president,” Biden wrote. “While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interests of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.”
As the political landscape shifts, Manchin’s call for a competitive nomination process underscores the growing demand for a centrist approach, reflecting the sentiments of many independent voters across the nation.