As Iowa and New Hampshire begin the 2024 presidential nomination process, Sen. Joe Manchin indicated Friday that a third-party candidate's route won't be obvious until March.
The West Virginia Democrat visited New Hampshire before the Jan. 23 primary, where he said his only goal was to promote his new Americans Together organization to promote bipartisanship and give moderates a voice. He has previously considered a presidential run.
At the “Politics & Eggs” luncheon, a voter recommended Democrats write him in. He declined. In response to questions about a future run, he told reporters that Super Tuesday will clarify the political environment."You'll know if there's an option or a need for one by then," he added. "By March, you'll know what you'll have and be offered."
Manchin, who is not up for reelection in 2024, indicated on “Meet the Press” in November that he would “absolutely” run for president. Last month, the 76-year-old remarked that the nation might need someone younger than President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
Some Democrats worry that moderate Manchin running as an independent may hurt Biden and help Trump win a second term. The event moderator asked Manchin Friday who he would vote for if Biden and Trump are nominated. Manchin declined.
“That’s a difficult question right there,” he added. “You must make a decision—the character of that candidate, whether you agree or disagree, support or haven't supported, whether you're in the same political party or not.”
Early in his address, Manchin stressed “the character of the people who want to serve.” He declined to say whether Trump or Biden has a greater character when asked by a reporter. “You’re going to make that decision, I already made mine,” he added.
A campaign-style video for Americans Together mocked Washington's “moderate” stigma to launch the event. Heather Bresch, Manchin's daughter, launched the listening trip Friday. Manchin provided scant details. “I don’t know, I have to talk to my daughter,” he remarked. “I have a job to do, and she tells me when I can go whenever my schedule allows.”