In a recent event in Cleveland, Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia hinted at the possibility of running for the presidency as a third-party candidate, though he stopped short of making any definitive declarations.
Speaking at a breakfast hosted by the City Club of Cleveland, part of his national “listening tour,” Manchin intriguingly suggested Republican Senator Mitt Romney of Utah as a hypothetical vice-presidential running mate, should he decide to enter the race.
“Hypothetically, if I was picking my running mate, really who I would ask right now is Mitt Romney,” Manchin said, identifying the Republican senator from Utah. Manchin also said he would consider former Sen. Rob Portman, a Republican from Ohio, as a vice-presidential pick. “Rob’s a dear friend of mine,” Manchin said. “What a good man.”
Amid a series of persuasive queries regarding his political ambitions for 2024 during the forum moderated by City Club CEO Dan Moulthrop, Manchin skillfully navigated the conversation, unveiling his critical stance towards President Joe Biden’s administration without committing to a presidential run.
Despite demurring on direct questions about his candidacy, Manchin later admitted to reporters, including one from NBC News, that he is pondering a White House bid, indicating that “everything is on the table” regarding a potential third-party campaign. He mentioned “Super Tuesday” on March 5 as a significant milestone for making decisions about his political future.
Further fueling speculation, Manchin’s daughter has initiated a group, Americans Together, which may serve as a foundation for his political endeavors. These comments and actions have made headlines amidst Manchin’s continued tour, which included recent engagements in Columbus, Ohio, and an upcoming speech at the Detroit Economic Club, closely coinciding with Michigan’s Democratic presidential primary.
As Manchin’s remarks continue to stir speculation about his presidential aspirations and potential alliances across party lines, the political landscape looks ahead to his next moves with keen interest.
