In a move that is sure to ignite further speculation about a potential 2024 presidential run, Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia has announced his return to the state of New Hampshire. Known for hosting the first presidential primary in the White House race for a century, New Hampshire has become a crucial battleground for presidential contenders.
Manchin, who has openly flirted with the idea of a third-party White House run, will headline Politics and Eggs at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics on January 12. This event is a must-stop for potential and actual presidential candidates. Additionally, a new organization founded by the senator, aimed at empowering moderate voices across the country, will be launching a listening tour in January, starting in New Hampshire.
The timing of Manchin’s visit is particularly significant, as it falls just three days prior to the Iowa caucuses, which mark the beginning of the Republican presidential nominating process. Furthermore, the visit comes less than two weeks before New Hampshire’s primary, the second contest on the GOP schedule.
Manchin’s potential presidential bid has left many fellow Democrats concerned that his moderate stance may inadvertently benefit former President Donald Trump. However, Manchin has dismissed these concerns, rejecting claims that a third-party run would harm President Biden’s chances of re-election in a potential rematch against Trump, who is currently the frontrunner for the GOP nomination.
“I would never be a spoiler for anybody, and I don’t agree with the analysis that they’ve come up with,” Manchin stated in an interview last month with Brett Baier on “Special Report.” He reiterated this sentiment during an interview on “Hannity,” saying, “I would never be a spoiler.” Manchin has expressed doubts about Biden’s ability to defeat Trump, emphasizing his belief that another Trump victory would be detrimental to democracy.
Manchin made headlines recently by announcing that he will not seek re-election in the Senate next year, dealing a blow to the Democrats’ hopes of maintaining their slim majority. He has also hinted at the possibility of a third-party presidential campaign. During a CNN interview, Manchin emphasized that there is no set timeline for making a decision.
The speculation surrounding Manchin’s potential national run largely revolves around No Labels, an influential centrist group that is considering supporting a bipartisan, third-party presidential ticket if Biden and Trump become the major party nominees in the 2024 election.
This upcoming visit to the New Hampshire Institute of Politics will be Manchin’s second within a year. In July, he gained national attention as honorary co-host of the “Common Sense” town hall, organized by No Labels, where they unveiled their policy proposals.
As the 2024 campaign trail unfolds, the senator’s actions and statements will undoubtedly continue to captivate media attention and fuel speculation about his potential presidential aspirations.
