WASHINGTON – US Senator Joe Manchin announced on July 22 that he will not run for president in the 2024 election, solidifying his decision to focus on representing centrist voices in the country. This decision comes amid speculation about potential challenges to the likely Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, who was endorsed by President Joe Biden following his exit from the race.
“Let me make it very clear to you … I am not going to be a candidate for president. I am a candidate for basically speaking for the middle of this country,” Manchin told CBS television, shortly after initially leaving his options open in another interview.
Manchin expressed support for a “mini-primary” process to select a candidate to replace Biden. When asked if he thought Harris was too liberal, he replied, “Absolutely.” Earlier, in a CNN interview, Manchin did not definitively rule out running against Harris, saying, “I don’t know,” but he made it clear he would not be interested in running as her vice president.
The West Virginia senator mentioned receiving calls urging him to consider a 2024 candidacy, reflecting a desire for a more centrist figure to lead the nation. “I want the centre of this country to be able to say, we have a voice. We’re not extreme left, we’re not extreme right,” said Manchin, who left the Democratic Party in May, citing “partisan extremism.”
Manchin’s announcement clarifies the field for the 2024 presidential race, emphasizing his commitment to championing centrist values rather than pursuing the presidency. His decision comes as the Democratic Party prepares for a potentially contentious primary season and underscores the ongoing debate about the direction of the party and its leadership.