Sen. Joe Manchin Sparks Speculation About An Independent Presidential Run With Appearance At N.H. Forum

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) prepares to make an appearance next month at “Politics & Eggs,” a prominent New Hampshire forum traditionally reserved for presidential candidates. This has fueled speculation that Manchin may consider a late-entry bid for the White House in the 2024 election.

Scheduled to speak at the event hosted by the New England Council and the New Hampshire Institute of Politics on January 12, Manchin’s participation has intensified discussions about his potential presidential aspirations.

While he has not yet made a final decision, in a recent interview with CNN, Manchin confirmed that he has actively considered a presidential campaign.

Manchin’s appearance at the “Politics & Eggs” event will launch his new organization’s national listening tour.

Americans Together, the name of the organization, was established by Manchin and his daughter Heather Manchin, a former pharmaceutical executive. It aims to advocate for centrist policies and actively combat the prevalence of extremism in the political sphere, as stated on its newly launched website.

Should Manchin decide to run in 2024, it is unclear whether he would pursue an independent campaign or align himself with a third-party group like No Labels.

Manchin has previously stated that he would only consider joining a No Labels ticket if it had a viable path to the presidency and ballot access in all 50 states.

He has emphasized that his decision to enter the race would hinge on his ability to secure victory. As of last month, No Labels had achieved ballot access in 12 states. However, critics within the Democratic Party have voiced concerns that a third-party ticket could potentially detract from President Joe Biden‘s chances of success, and thereby aid former President Donald Trump‘s bid for a return to the White House.

Manchin has dismissed such concerns and asserted that he has “never been a spoiler” and would not negatively impact the race.

While Manchin has not specified a timeline for his decision, he has indicated that it will likely come around Super Tuesday in early March. With the first caucuses and primary elections commencing in January, the West Virginia Democrat faces a tight time frame for making a conclusive determination about his presidential aspirations.